There were rumours of last minute bids and an agent who seemed to be doing his best to undo a done deal but when the time came it seemed Johnny Russell had no intention of going anywhere else but Derby.

In what is a great boost for Rams fans and also a good start for Sam Rush as he seeks to deliver on his promise to deliver the players that Nigel Clough targets.

Rush reiterated the clubs intentions on BBC Radio Derby:

"We are very serious here at Derby County. We have stated our intent to get to the top of the Championship and that's what we'll seek to do. It's a good start, I am pleased with who has come in but there's plenty of work still to do.”

"What we want to do is put together players that are going to improve the club from where it finished last season. It finished in the top 10 but no-one is jumping up and down celebrating.”

"It's a good place to have finished last season and there's a huge amount of positives, but we also recognise we need to improve."

Johnny Russell himself also provided Rams fans with great enthusiasm as he made it clear the Rush and Clough are quite the sales team - even against the might of Celtic:

“Derby were the club who showed their hand and pushed the boat out to show how much they wanted me. Once I saw the place it was easy to make a decision. Speculation is irrelevant and unless there is an actual bid I don’t get worked up.”

“Nobody came in for me with the exception of Derby and despite all the speculation, nothing else materialised. I’m just delighted to get everything finalised. I had a fair idea I would sign for Derby and I was kept informed by my agent Jim Sherry of Viola FC when I was on holiday and nothing has changed my mind since.”

“I’m moving to a new level and a different type of football but hopefully I can show it suits my game. I’ll do what I always have done and that is to work hard. I have every confidence I can be a success with Derby.”

Beside the dynamic duo - it seems Rams star Craig Bryson also had a hand in sealing the deal:

“Having Craig here already is going to be a huge help. I’ve been speaking to him over the past few weeks and he’s been talking about how good the club is. It wasn’t until I saw the stadium and walked down the tunnel that I realised just how big a club Derby are.”

This season will not just be a massive one for Derby but also for that of its manager Nigel Clough – who after holding the top job for a considerable period – will be under immense pressure to deliver at least play-off action in 13/14.

With that in mind Nigel seemed pleased he was able to bring in the talented hit man - who scored 20 goals in 38 games last season -to help him achieve that aim:

“We’re delighted to sign Johnny and his goal scoring exploits north of the border are something we’ve been aware of for some time. He’s been prolific in the last few years and from what we’ve seen of him we certainly believe he can transfer that to the Championship.”

“At 23 he is a player who’s only going to improve as well and we feel he’s the right type of player to complement the options and players we already have in attack. We’ve had some stiff competition from a number of clubs to get him here, so it’s nice to come out on top and convince him Derby County is the best place for him.”

“Johnny is an ambitious and hungry player and he shares our desire to be fighting it out for a top-six spot next season.”

If Derby can continue to deliver signings like Russell then the scepticism from recent seasons may slowly dissipate and be replaced by cautious optimism.

Even the Rams most famous modern day fan Niall Horan (of ‘One Direction’ fame) tweeted his excitement:

"Good signing by derby! that's more like it! Few more players now! Wanna look like we're at least gonna do something next season on paper."

Despite the obvious grammar issues – I think we all agree with the sentiment.

So now we can only wait and see if Russell can take the next step and turn good form in the SPL into what is widely accepted to be a better overall class of football in the Championship?

If so his price tag of around £700,000 could prove to be an absolute steal - which is what fans of Dundee United have been quite vocal in expressing this week - as more than a few feel their striker was worth considerably more coin.

Whatever happens wouldn’t it be great to hear the Chuck Berry classic booming around Pride Park as Ram fans wholeheartedly agree that “Johnny Be Good”!!

We have to dream!

See what Johnny can do - watch his 2013/14 highlights by clicking HERE!

Photo: Action Images

Derby County Polls