“Yes, I’ve heard. He left a message on my phone. Obviously we’re disappointed," Van Egmond told au.fourfourtwo.com this morning.

“We would’ve loved to have him here at Newcastle and I think it would’ve been good for his development to play here.

"But obviously the [English] Championship can offer better money, that we know. Certainly more than we can.

"And he’s joined a club like Derby which has great tradition. So we wish him all the best."

To emphasise that fact, the Rams, who’ve been relegated from the EPL after a disastrous first season in the top flight, have already sold 19,000 season tickets for next season's Championship campaign.

Meanwhile, Van Egmond’s search for a replacement continues at the premiers.

“We have back up plans," said Van Egmond. “And we’re not the only ones who go through this. You may find a couple of our ACL sides may find similar difficulties.

“But I’m confident. It’s about laying the foundations for the new season.”

Those foundations begin when the Jets kick off their pre-season on May 12.

Van Egmond added: “Ruben’s assured us that if he does return to Australia, Newcastle will be his first port of call."