Scott Carson has joined Derby County from Wigan for an undisclosed fee
http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/Derby-County-Scott-Carson-says-fresh-start-Rams/story-26695462-detail/story.html SCOTT Carson says all of Derby County's players will have the chance to earn a place in new boss Paul Clement's team.
Carson joined the Rams from Wigan Athletic on Friday for an undisclosed fee.
The England international has signed a two-year contract at the iPro Stadium, with the option of a further 12 months.
The 29-year-old has been brought in to provide competition for fellow stoppers Lee Grant and Kelle Roos.
Grant has been Derby's number one since rejoining the club two years ago.
But Carson believes there will be something of a clean slate in terms of team selection following the recent appointment of Clement.
"When a new manager comes in, I think there's always a fresh approach," said the former West Bromwich Albion, Aston Villa and Liverpool man.
"He will want to make his mind up and see things through his own eyes.
"It is up to every player in the squad to work as hard as they can and show the manager that they deserve their place in the team, from one to 11."
Clement is entering his first head coach role but includes productive spells at Real Madrid, Paris St Germain and Chelsea on an impressive CV.
"There's a new manager here, who has been coaching at the very top, so that was another reason for coming here," said Carson.
"I've still got high aims, personally, and I think he can help me achieve those and improve my game."
Carson wants to get back in the Premier League, having spent much of his career there – and hopes he can do it with Derby.
The Rams have come close but missed out in the Championship play-off final in 2013-14 and slipped from top of the table to eighth place in the closing stages of last season.
And Carson knows first-hand just how unforgiving the division can be, having just been relegated with Wigan.
"Everyone knows how tough the Championship is," he added.
"Some people think you're certain to go up but they just don't realise how tough it is.
"There are 46 games and a lot can happen in that time.
"But my aim is to get back to the Premier League and I hope we can do that."
Carson was the Rams' third signing since Clement became head coach and the club remain keen on landing Aston Villa forward Andreas Weimann, while Hull City's Tom Ince, who was on loan at Derby last season, is also a target.
