Ikechi Anya hoping to fire Derby back to the Premier League after eight-year exile in the Championship
The Rams have just one goal in their first seven matches and are only out of the relegation zone on goal difference
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LIFE is not great at Derby right now — but that will all change if Ikechi Anya brings his positivity to the club.
The winger, 28, is exactly the kind of glass-half-full character the Rams need in tough times, which these are after just ONE goal in their first seven games.
Anya, who joined from Watford this summer, has seen it all, from non-league to the Premier League.
The Glenn Hoddle Academy graduate is living the dream — and reckons most players would PAY to live their lifestyles regardless.
The Scotland international said: “People complain about the silliest things.
“As long as you have your health, everything else is circumstantial.
“I’ve seen a lot of people grow up with so much privilege and it’s a shame because they don’t realise how blessed they are.
“The majority of footballers, to live the life they’re living, would do it for free. Even more, they would pay to live this life.
“The numbers are irrelevant. Obviously you need a certain amount to live.
“I just wanted to do what I did as a kid. I didn’t even realise you could get a lot of money when I started playing.”
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Anya is one of the few players not to employ an agent and negotiated his move to the iPro himself.
He said: “I had a bad experience when I had an agent and realised his job was one I was doing anyway.
“I’ve always been a fair guy. When it comes to demands I’ve never asked for anything over the top. I’m just privileged to be in the sport.” But how does he know if he is underselling himself if he does not have representation?
He replied: “I don’t compare myself to other people.
“I think that’s when you’re looking for misery in your life — he’s getting this, he’s getting that. People have different needs. I need to make myself happy in life.
“If somebody is earning a lot more or a lot less that’s their concern.”
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Anya comes across as a bright guy — and no wonder given his family background.
His mother was a Romanian economist and his father a Nigerian research scientist, while his brother is a doctor.
He said: “My dad was a traditional African man.
“He grew up in Nigeria so the fact he got out of a third-world country via his education meant he put a lot of emphasis on it. Even at school, me and my brother had to do extra hours.
“He didn’t want me to follow football. But I’m stubborn and now my dad is pretty happy about how things turned out.”
Hard work is how Derby will get out of their slump, starting at Bristol City today.
Anya added: “It’s not down to luck because it can’t be as it’s been a few games.
“We need to start getting points. I’ve only been here a few weeks but I’m confident if we keep doing the right things, it will change.”