Exclusive: Ebou Adams Confident Derby Can Dream About Reaching Premier League

Midfield ace Ebou Adams is confident he has put his injury nightmare firmly behind him as he looks to help inspire Derby County to another memorable promotion this season.

The 28-year-old Gambia international wondered which direction his career was heading having missed the entire 2022-23 season with troublesome chest and knee injuries respectively at former club Cardiff City.

But he has revitalised his career at Derby and starred on loan last season at Pride Park as the Rams claimed a famous return to the second tier.

Adams was instrumental in the club’s success and Rams boss Paul Warne wasted no time in signing the former Norwich City man for £500,000, on a permanent three-year deal this summer.

“Looking back at what we achieved last season, I think it’s helped me out personally because you look back at the times you haven’t played, you sometimes get worried to where your career is leading to and where you could be heading to,” Adams told SportsBoom.com. 

“I just have to give thanks to Derby, the fans and coaching staff, they’ve welcomed me into a club where I can express myself and enjoy my football again.”

“So, to top that up by getting promoted was the icing on the cake.”

“But I only had two weeks to enjoy it [promotion] before I was on international duty, and I had to get back going again.”

Adams had a taste of Championship football last season with 11 appearances for the Bluebirds before his move to Midlands, and this season he been a mainstay of Warne’s ambitious side as they look to climb up the standings after a solid start to the season.

“I had insight with Cardiff about the league [the Championship] – and it’s never easy,” stressed Adams.

“You can tell how tight the league is already, but a couple of wins can send you right up [the table], while a couple of losses can send you right down.”

“That’s how tough the Championship is, but I think the boys have dealt with it really well, are enjoying it and seem like we can compete in this league.”

“If we keep doing what we’re doing we’ll do well, but it’s relentless.”

“From the position we’re in, there’s no shame in aiming for as high as want to.”

“If we can pick up a few results then I think we’ll be in an around [the play-offs], then you can start dreaming [of the Premier League].”

FELT 'HELPLESS' BEFORE NEW DEAL AGREED

Adams was hungry to sign for the Rams but he admitted he felt helpless until contracts were signed before he got the green light to make the move from Wales.

“It wasn’t straightforward getting the deal done, that was a bit of a tricky story,” reflected Adams.

“A player doesn’t really have much of a decision in it until the two clubs can agree on a figure.”

“But to be fair I spoke to my family straight after the last game of the season and they said ‘look, don’t stress, don’t even think about it, just go and enjoy yourself, take time away and just enjoy the moment. If not, then you’ll be stressing a lot.”

“I heard rumours it [a deal] could be happening, so then you want to get it done asap preferably.”

He added: “The player I am, I’ve been told I’m quite rare in the game. I can be useful to teams and I pretty much suit Derby, I guess.”

“I’ve been at many clubs, and I seem to have been utilised very well – and been to contribute to a team that do really well.”

“I think suit a Paul Warne side, or another side to be honest. I seem to be utilised very well.”

“Paul Warne’s has a footballing side, so I’m just pleased to be adding my attributes to a team that can utilise them and hopefully do really well.”