Former Derby managers Arthur Cox and George Burley have called Paul Jewell to pass on their congratulations about his appointment.
"They congratulated me on my appointment and wished me all the best. They are two people who have worked here and have a great deal of sentiment for the club," said Jewell.
"The facilities are as good as any and the support is terrific. A lot of people who might just look at the league table have said 'what are you doing?' but people in football know what a brilliant club this is.
"I had other offers of jobs - and from teams in the Premier League who are higher up than Derby - but none of them came near to exciting me as much as this one.
"Once I got the call, it ticked all the boxes for me.
"Obviously we would like to be higher up the league, that goes without saying, but I feel the potential here is huge.
"Hopefully, we are going to try to have a little bit of success this season but I see the long-term future at Derby as very bright."
