The 29-year-old former Crewe, West Brom and Leeds striker has signed a three-year deal at Pride Park.

"This is a terrific capture for us and I am really excited to have added a player of Rob Hulse's calibre to our squad," said Derby boss Paul Jewell.

"Rob is a player I've admired for a very long time and tried to sign on more than one occasion in the past.

"He has tremendous attributes as a forward; strong, brave, athletic and an eye for goal. His attitude is also first-class and he is hungry to return to the highest level and to do it with Derby County.

"It barely took any persuading to get Rob to join Derby County. He knows this is a huge club with great ambition and his ambition and desire matches ours."