Derby supporters are taking inflatable snakes to Stoke on Wednesday as they prepare for a reunion with Gary Rowett.

Three-thousand Derby fans will be at the bet365 Stadium, with many planning to take the objects to wave at Rowett, who controversially walked out on the club in May.

Rowett guided Derby to the play-offs last season but departed to join Stoke following the club's relegation to the Championship. It is understood one of the main reasons Rowett chose to quit Pride Park was after being informed his wage bill would be slashed almost in half.

Former Chelsea and England midfielder Frank Lampard succeeded Rowett and has steered Derby into the play-off positions before Tuesday night's games, while Stoke are still waiting for lift-off in the second tier.

But Rowett insists he has no regrets over leaving Derby and is ready for a hostile reception.

Frank Lampard has since replaced Gary Rowett at Pride Park credit: PA

“I’m quite looking forward to it if I’m being perfectly honest because every second Derby fans sing abusive songs about me is another second or minute they are not singing songs supporting their own team," he said.

“If they want to bring inflatables, which I’ve heard, it’s going to be really windy.

“So those inflatables could be in danger of blowing away, and secondly I bought shares in a very popular inflatables shop in Derby recently and I’m looking forward to raking in the profits.

“I’m not naming myself in the same sentence in any way, shape or form, but if Jose Mourinho can get booed by the Chelsea fans, for winning three titles, then the rest of us mere mortals can get booed at any point in any game.

“It’s not me against Frank Lampard, it’s Stoke City versus Derby County. We are both trying to do our best and both want to win the game."