Lewis Travis has opened up about his “tough” Rovers exit and says he wished it had turned out differently.
The midfielder’s move to Derby County ends a dramatic saga after relationships behind the scenes were broken over the handling of his departure.
“It has obviously been a tough couple of weeks and I really wanted it to end [differently to] the way it ended,” Travis told Derby’s official site.
“I think the fans know how much I love them and love the football club, but it is time for a new chapter in my life.”
The 27-year-old says the chance to play under John Eustace again was a key factor in his decision to join the Rams.
“It has been a long time coming but I am buzzing to finally be here,” the former skipper continued.
“Speaking to John and his massive ambition for the club, the players he has brought in and the facilities here, I was really excited to play in front of the home fans at Pride Park.
“We have always had a good relationship, even when I was over at Ipswich. We kept in contact and he was really keen to have me in his team. I love playing under him.
“He is a really honest manager, sometimes that is tough to find, and I love the way he plays. It is very intense and he has got his ways.”
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Eustace kept Derby in the division last season but they have had a tough start to the new campaign, with one point from their opening three games.
When asked what their supporters should expect from him, Travis replied: “I go onto the pitch and want to win every single game. I am really determined to kick on and I was saying to the boys, I don’t see this as my final contract. I want to push on and be in the Premiership.
“The last time we played them, Derby were in the bottom three and the fans were so enthusiastic and loud.
“I think they are always behind the team and it is a very hard working team. Obviously, I know the way John wants to play and that is exactly how I like to do it.”
The move also sees Travis reunite with Danny Batth, Andi Weimann, Owen Beck and Dion Sanderson at Pride Park.
“I have seen them all, we had a little catch-up. They are fantastic lads and I am looking forward to playing with them again,” he said. “There are a lot of games to be played and I think we just need to knuckle down and kick on.”
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