The text from John Eustace which led to Jeff Hendrick rejoining Derby County

Hendrick said the break from football was difficult, but also a chance to spend time with his family.

He explained: “I wouldn’t say I wasn’t bothered, but it gave me time to spend with the kids and my partner. But then you watch football matches and I still knew I could play.

“I knew I wasn’t just going to sign for anyone, because it had to suit me and my family.”

But here is where the story took an unexpected turn.

After relegation-threatened Derby sacked Paul Warne in February, the club appointed their former player John Eustace as manager, who just so happened to be one of Hendrick’s former team-mates.

“With [Eustace] coming back I started seeing comments on social media asking if he had been in touch, which he hadn’t been at the time,” said Hendrick.

“But then when I was away on holiday I got a text [from Eustace] and right then [my partner] told me I had to go back.

“It was out of the blue, and I’m really delighted.”

Now 33, Hendrick has enjoyed being back at the club and seeing the way his former team-mate has adapted to management.

“He’s been brilliant,” said Hendrick.

“Obviously it’s a bit different because I’ve played with him, but you can see the time he puts [into the job]. Hours and hours every day, leaving no stone unturned.

“And the feedback I’m getting from the other players is that they’re really happy with what they’re being told and the preparation for all the games.”