Liam Rosenior has sent a message to Derby County fans after accepting a role as part of Philip Cocu's backroom staff for the coming season - flying to Florida to join their pre-season training camp.

The Rams announced the news on Wednesday to a positive reception and the former Brighton and Hull City man has now responded to the well-wishes.

Taking to Twitter, the 35-year-old wrote: "Thank you for the kind welcome... Can’t wait to get started! Exciting times to be a ???? [Ram]."

Rosenior had been a part of the Seagulls' under-23 coaching side for the past season after he retired at the Amex just over a year ago.

During his playing days he made over 200 appearances in the Championship, including 51 with the Seagulls.

Cocu took over the reigns at Pride Park after Frank Lampard was poached by Chelsea after just one season with the Rams.

But it was a season that saw them narrowly miss out on promotion, losing 2-1 to Aston Vill in the play-off final at Wembley - a feat that Cocu and Rosenior will be hoping to the better.

The verdict

I think this is a very shrewd move by Derby.

Rosenior is clearly extremely knowledgeable and knows the Championship inside and out. The reaction of the Brighton fans says a lot about his ability as a coach as well.

Lampard leaving was clearly a blow but the board have done a brilliant job replacing them and they once again seem in a very strong position to challenge again this season.

There is still a lot of work to be done in the transfer market but these are very solid foundations.