Gary Rowett called signed a new contract with Derby County and called them a "Premier League club" in terms of facilities and fan base.

The former Birmingham City boss was among the front-runners for the Stoke City job but pledged his future to the Rams and said he remains totally focused on the job of getting the club promoted to the top flight.

He has a clear affinity with the club he made 105 league appearances for during his playing days and has told their fans that everything is in place off the field for Derby to succeed in the top flight.

He told the Derby Telegraph: "We are a Premier League club, in my opinion, in terms of facilities [and] fan base. It's about seeing if we can edge closer to Wolves at the top, rather than be looking over our shoulders.

"We're all pleased with second position in the table but it not just that - it's all the other work going on behind the scenes."

The Verdict

With so many huge clubs outside the top flight, the key to getting ahead and preparing for a return to the big time can come off the field.

That standard of excellence off the pitch can raise standards on the pitch and that certainly looks to be the case with Rowett's Derby right now.

Derby fans will be thrilled to hear that they are a Premier League club in all but name in the eyes of their manager.

Derby fans - do you agree with Rowett's view? Let us know in the comments below...