New Derby County manager Nigel Pearson says he is relishing the challenge ahead at the iPro Stadium.
The 52-year-old was confirmed as the Rams' new boss at the end of May, and joins having had a year away from football after leaving Leicester City last summer - the club he won the Sky Bet Championship with in 2014.Pearson now takes over a Derby side who finished fifth and were defeated in the Play-Offs by eventual winners Hull City in their most recent campaign, and believes he and the club are a perfect match going forwards.
"To come to a club with such good infrastructure is a big thing for me. This is a fit that feels right," he said in his first press conference as Rams manager.
"This is an excellent opportunity for me. I want to bring my skill set to the fore and I want to complement the quality already here.
BREAKING: Nigel Pearson confirmed as new manager of @dcfcofficial >> https://t.co/35qWc2Tbye. pic.twitter.com/yJoSFQ1dL5
— The Football League (@football_league) May 27, 2016
“Mel Morris [owner] put across his passion for Derby to me, we have a great fan base and, on the field, the club has so much going for it.
“I want to create an atmosphere at the club which is positive to take forward. It’s important we maximise our potential, the squad is in a healthy state and is immensely talented."
Coaching alongside him at Derby next season will be former Charlton Athletic and Huddersfield Town manager Chris Powell, someone Pearson believes will be key to any future success.
"I'm delighted he is here with me. He is someone I have so much respect for and he brings a wealth of experience," he added.
"He brings a strong football personality and he sees this as a very positive step for his career. He will be good for me here.
"It's important we stay focused on what we want to achieve an the only way we will do that is by being everyone sticking together."