gangsteroc
08-01-2008, 02:45 PM
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."
Savage, 33, added to BBC Sport: "This is the hardest decision I've made in my career but I need to play, that's it."
The former Wales international joined Rovers in 2005 and played a big role in the club's qualification for Europe the following year.
However, after breaking his leg in January last year, Savage was forced to undergo surgery on a knee injury this season, restricting his appearances for Blackburn.
Rovers boss Mark Hughes has now given Savage the green light to seek first-team football elsewhere, and the midfielder said: "After being out for so long with a broken leg I have to get back playing.
"It's been a tough call though. It's well known that I came to this club because I wanted to play under Mark and his staff, but I have to look after my own interests now.
"Mark has been honest with me - he knows me probably better than anybody - and he has said he can't guarantee I'll play. I'm a big boy and I understand that.
"I'm a realist, I'm not going to go to a team challenging for European honours now so I'm looking for a challenge and after playing my part in keeping Birmingham and then Blackburn up as a player, I'm ready for another battle.
"To be honest, I've not been eating, I've not been sleeping and it's really affecting me not knowing what the future holds so I think the sooner it happens the better for all parties."
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."
He is one of those characters you despise when he is playing for the opposition but you love when he is on your team
Jewell on Savage
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."
Savage, 33, added to BBC Sport: "This is the hardest decision I've made in my career but I need to play, that's it."
The former Wales international joined Rovers in 2005 and played a big role in the club's qualification for Europe the following year.
However, after breaking his leg in January last year, Savage was forced to undergo surgery on a knee injury this season, restricting his appearances for Blackburn.
Rovers boss Mark Hughes has now given Savage the green light to seek first-team football elsewhere, and the midfielder said: "After being out for so long with a broken leg I have to get back playing.
"It's been a tough call though. It's well known that I came to this club because I wanted to play under Mark and his staff, but I have to look after my own interests now.
"Mark has been honest with me - he knows me probably better than anybody - and he has said he can't guarantee I'll play. I'm a big boy and I understand that.
"I'm a realist, I'm not going to go to a team challenging for European honours now so I'm looking for a challenge and after playing my part in keeping Birmingham and then Blackburn up as a player, I'm ready for another battle.
"To be honest, I've not been eating, I've not been sleeping and it's really affecting me not knowing what the future holds so I think the sooner it happens the better for all parties."
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."
He is one of those characters you despise when he is playing for the opposition but you love when he is on your team
Jewell on Savage