'Despised' Savage to sign for Derby
Derby have agreed a fee with Blackburn for midfielder Robbie Savage, who is now expected to hold talks with the East Midlands club later on Tuesday.
Rams manager Paul Jewell told BBC Radio Derby: "Robbie is massively keen to come. Hopefully he will be at the training ground later on Tuesday.
"This club lacks a bit of devilment and Robbie will bring that to the club.
"But he can also play a bit and he will have a positive effect on the team and the fans. He is keen to do well."
Asked whether the Pride Park faithful will take to Savage, after reports that some fans had voiced a protest against him joining the club, Jewell said he felt their opinion would change.
"I hated Robbie Savage when he played against me," Jewell admitted.
"He is one of those characters you despise when he is playing for the opposition but you love when he is on your team.
"I know there is a little bit of history between Robbie and the Derby fans, but that is the same for him and every club - that is part of his nature.
"But if he comes and plays a part in turning this club around I'm sure the supporters will be delighted to see him in a Derby shirt.
"People do Robbie an injustice regarding his ability. You don't play at the top level for as long as he has, and also for your country, by only going around kicking people."
Rovers boss Mark Hughes has said he is in no rush to sell Savage, who joined in 2005 from Birmingham, and would be happy to keep him at Ewood Park.
"Robbie wants to play week-in, week-out and I can't guarantee that," said Hughes.
"If a situation arises that I feel will benefit us and Robbie is comfortable with that decision and wants to do it, we'll look at it. But no-one is forcing Robbie Savage out of the club. He knows that.
"It's well documented Sunderland have expressed an interest, although up to now they have not met our valuation of Robbie."
Rams manager Paul Jewell told BBC Radio Derby: "Robbie is massively keen to come. Hopefully he will be at the training ground later on Tuesday.
"This club lacks a bit of devilment and Robbie will bring that to the club.
"But he can also play a bit and he will have a positive effect on the team and the fans. He is keen to do well."
Asked whether the Pride Park faithful will take to Savage, after reports that some fans had voiced a protest against him joining the club, Jewell said he felt their opinion would change.
"I hated Robbie Savage when he played against me," Jewell admitted.
"He is one of those characters you despise when he is playing for the opposition but you love when he is on your team.
"I know there is a little bit of history between Robbie and the Derby fans, but that is the same for him and every club - that is part of his nature.
"But if he comes and plays a part in turning this club around I'm sure the supporters will be delighted to see him in a Derby shirt.
"People do Robbie an injustice regarding his ability. You don't play at the top level for as long as he has, and also for your country, by only going around kicking people."
Rovers boss Mark Hughes has said he is in no rush to sell Savage, who joined in 2005 from Birmingham, and would be happy to keep him at Ewood Park.
"Robbie wants to play week-in, week-out and I can't guarantee that," said Hughes.
"If a situation arises that I feel will benefit us and Robbie is comfortable with that decision and wants to do it, we'll look at it. But no-one is forcing Robbie Savage out of the club. He knows that.
"It's well documented Sunderland have expressed an interest, although up to now they have not met our valuation of Robbie."
What a cop out.
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