Croft eyes better times ahead

Croft: Expects better season

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New Derby signing Lee Croft has put the disappointment of last season behind him as he looks to kick-start his career at Pride Park.

The 24-year-old suffered relegation from the Championship with Norwich last time out but he insists his mind is now fully focused on the Rams.

The former Manchester City youngster sealed his switch to Derby on Monday after allowing his contract at Carrow Road to run down.

With Rams manager Nigel Clough eyeing a top-half finish this term Croft is confident he can achieve some success this campaign.

"It was a horrible season last season battling at the bottom of the table for most of the season it's not what you enjoy doing," he told Sky Sports News.

"It's a bit of a long slog and a battle that's happened now and I've moved on to better and more successful times."

Pre-season

Meanwhile Clough is expecting his players to report back for a series of tests on Wednesday ahead of pre-season training before the hard work really begins.

"They're in for two different sessions," he confirmed.

"We gave them a couple of dates that they can come in for so that we can keep an eye on them and let them know we are keeping an eye on them.

"I don't think anyone would be daft enough to live the lifestyle to go away for five to six weeks and expect to get in the team for the Championship season."