George Thorne feels West Bromwich Albion treats their academy graduates poorly.
Thorne signed a new deal at The Hawthorns in January but only under duress so he would be allowed to join Derby.
He told the People: "I came up through the academy at West Brom and it's very hard to earn respect when you come up that way.
"You've got kids who come up through academies and everyone expects them to be world-beaters, everybody expects them to be worth £30million and, to be honest, everyone needs a reality check.
"But sometimes we have to take it on ourselves. Some people might see Derby as a step down, but knowing the lads and the club, they are soon going to be back in the Premier League so it would be one step back for two forward.
"I just feel like I have never been given a proper opportunity at West Brom, apart from maybe under Steve Clarke. He gave me a run, although that only really came through injuries.
"Even before Pepe Mel came in I was knocking on doors trying to force a move to Derby. I had opportunities to go there 30 days before I did and that's what is frustrating.
"West Brom are aware of my feelings towards the club, my heart is no longer there, too much has happened. My family supported me when the club did not help me to progress, maybe that's how it is there, I don't know.
"I've had plenty of opportunities just to get out and get play football and at times West Brom have made it really complicated. All I wanted to do was play football.
"There's no guarantee I will play anywhere, but I know what West Brom are like and I will always be a kid in their eyes, so it's a lot harder to get playing time there.
"They just barely survived relegation this season so you can't tell me a manager is going to come in and throw someone who, in their eyes, is a 21-year-old kid into the holding midfield role that is one of the most important roles on the pitch.
"With only 16 games to his name in the Premier League, no way."
