Giles Barnes admits former West Bromwich Albion defender Darren Moore convinced him about moving to the Hawthorns.
Moore urged the youngster to take up the Baggies' offer of a rehabilitation programme with a possible contract to follow.
"I spoke to him before I came here and when I signed and he gave the club rave reviews," Barnes told the Express & Star.
"He said it would be really good for me here and he was completely right.
"From the minute I walked through the doors I have felt welcome and I still feel settled now.
"He said it was a really good club to go to and he spoke about how much he loved his time here as well. I knew how big he was here before he came to Derby, but he is a hero there now as well, not just on the pitch but off it as well.
"I still speak to him pretty regularly. I know I can ring him at any time and at any place, regardless of whether I haven't spoken to him for a day, a week or a year.
"He would always give me advice if ever I needed it and if I said I wanted to do something and he could help me he would be there. He is a man that touches everyone's heart."
