Callum Elder says he has "nothing but respect" for Derby County as he prepares to face his former employers with Lincoln City tomorrow. Elder was released by Derby at the end of last season but was quickly snapped up by the League One champions on a free transfer as they prepare for life in the second tier.
But now the Australian will come face to face with his former team-mates after the two clubs were paired to face each other for the first game of the season in the Carabao Cup first round.
A signing under former manager Paul Warne, Elder won promotion with Derby back to the second tier in the 2023/24 season and is likely to be given a warm ovation tomorrow. But when asked about his return, Elder says his focus will be on steering Lincoln to the second round of the competition.
"It's funny how football works and how it throws you things like that, but I've got nothing but respect for the football club," he told BBC Lincolnshire.
"They have a fantastic fan base, facilities, a group of players and group of staff, so it'll be good to be back. But I'm excited to go there as a Lincoln player and I'm certainly looking to win on Saturday."
Tomorrow's game against Lincoln will be the first of three meetings between the sides this season, with the Imps turning to Elder to fill their left-back spot, given his experience of the division.
Lincoln kick off their Championship campaign next week against Middlesbrough, and Elder re-emphasised just how demanding it is.
"It's relentless for starters," he said. "You play Saturdays and Tuesdays, cup games as well, and it's going to take everyone involved to have a successful season.
"Most success in the Championship is built on basics and foundations so that will be really important as we move into Saturday and next week at Middlesbrough.
"Hopefully, we can stamp our foundations, and of course, you need quality at the right moments. Every club in the Championship will have those types of players. We have players like that in the building as well.
"Derby are a Championship club, narrowly missed out on the play-offs, so they'll be looking to go one better. It will be a great test for us and we're really excited about it."
But now the Australian will come face to face with his former team-mates after the two clubs were paired to face each other for the first game of the season in the Carabao Cup first round.
A signing under former manager Paul Warne, Elder won promotion with Derby back to the second tier in the 2023/24 season and is likely to be given a warm ovation tomorrow. But when asked about his return, Elder says his focus will be on steering Lincoln to the second round of the competition.
"It's funny how football works and how it throws you things like that, but I've got nothing but respect for the football club," he told BBC Lincolnshire.
"They have a fantastic fan base, facilities, a group of players and group of staff, so it'll be good to be back. But I'm excited to go there as a Lincoln player and I'm certainly looking to win on Saturday."
Tomorrow's game against Lincoln will be the first of three meetings between the sides this season, with the Imps turning to Elder to fill their left-back spot, given his experience of the division.
Lincoln kick off their Championship campaign next week against Middlesbrough, and Elder re-emphasised just how demanding it is.
"It's relentless for starters," he said. "You play Saturdays and Tuesdays, cup games as well, and it's going to take everyone involved to have a successful season.
"Most success in the Championship is built on basics and foundations so that will be really important as we move into Saturday and next week at Middlesbrough.
"Hopefully, we can stamp our foundations, and of course, you need quality at the right moments. Every club in the Championship will have those types of players. We have players like that in the building as well.
"Derby are a Championship club, narrowly missed out on the play-offs, so they'll be looking to go one better. It will be a great test for us and we're really excited about it."
Related Coverage
- Derby County vs Lincoln City: League Cup stats & head-to-head â BBCMatch preview | Derby County vs Imps
- BBCMatch preview | Derby County vs Imps â Lincoln City Football Club
- FANS' GUIDE: Lincoln City (H) â Derby CountyâOne Of The Best Teams In The Championshipâ â Lincoln City Boss On Derby County
- Derby CountyâOne Of The Best Teams In The Championshipâ â Lincoln City Boss On Derby County â The Stacey West
