The talented frontman who turned down a new deal from Linfield before opting for the Candystripes, admits he's his own man and doesn't mind being talked about taking over from Paddy McCourt's mantle.
"Firstly I'm here to do a job myself and having had a lot of conversations with Stephen he feels I'm the right man for the job, so I'm happy with the manager's word," said Stewart.
"There were a few clubs interested in me but I'm happy with my decision to sign for Derry City.
"I signed for Derry because I definitely believe the eircom League of Ireland is a stronger league than the Irish League. Obviously whenever I played in the Setanta Sports Cup, with Linfield we had to raise our game, which I think we did."
The Northern Ireland Under 21 international, who isn't available for Friday night's league clash with St Pat's, is eligible for City's eircom League Cup tie against Bohemians, next Tuesday evening and if selected he'll be ready.
"I start training with the boys today (Wednesday) and hopefully I can impress so I can get involved in the squad for the Bohs game.
"That will be a massive game for us and although I have been a few weeks off, I still have been keeping myself relatively fit, so hopefully I can go pretty much straight into the manager's plans."
As for his new manager Stephen Kenny is delighted to have got his man.
"Thomas is a young striker, who was a really good prospect at Wolves, before coming home to Linfield, were he did very well, so we are really pleased that he has chosen to come to Derry City," said the Brandywell boss.
"He did very well against us already this season (Setanta Sports), so I feel he certainly represents a good signing for us.
"I think realistically Patrick McCourt is a one off, I feel Thomas is a different type of player, but he's exciting in his own right. He can dribble and take people on, which is what people want to see.
"However what we are trying to build here is a collective unit and a team who are going to be successful."