Derby v Forest Preview

This Sunday Derby fans will piling in to the Bridgford Stand at the City Ground, home of Arch Rivals Nottingham Forest. I would think that it is fair to say that all 27+ thousand fans nerves will be jangling by kick-off!

The pre-game banter has been going on for over a week now on the social media sites. Both sets of fans seemingly confident and very cocky ahead of their big fixture of the season. However, I suspect it really masks the nervousness that most of them are feeling prior to kick-off.

I myself, have to admit, that I am always nervous ahead of this game.

Our rivals In Red have during the summer and early season, assembled their best side on paper since the promotion side that Frank Clark took up to the Premier League all those years ago.

There's no doubting that Simon Cox, Billy Sharp, Greg Halford and the rest of Sean O'Driscolls additions to the playing staff will make this the best Forest side we have come up against in over fifteen years. Today the loan signing of Jermaine Jenas from Tottenham strengthens them even more.

Our team will have to be on the ball right from kick-off and no lapses in concentration must be allowed! I've no doubt that our team is capable of getting a result, but a repeat of two years ago and the embarrassment of the 5-2 thrashing must not be allowed again. That was the worst ever performance from a Derby side I have ever witnessed against our rivals.

That said, I do believe that our current side is very underrated. Nigel Clough has again signed some very good players, but we need them on top of their game on Sunday.

For me a 4-5-1 formation with Ward returning to wide left is the way to take the game to them. Also, we need to take every chance and tighten things up at the back. Attack will be the best form of defence and like ourselves Forest have been leaking goals!

I have a feeling that Sundays game could be a high scoring game with both sides finding the net! Lets hope it's Derby who find the net easier to hit!

Both sides of the Border updated

I have attempted to compile a comprehensive list of those who have been employed by both Derby and Forest. If you think I have missed one let us know.
Daniel Ayala

Patrick Bamford
Mikkel Beck
Harry Bedford
Dexter Blackstock
Lars Bohinen
Oswald Bowden
Enos Bromage
Kenny Burns
Noah Burton
Barry Butlin
Lee Camp
Gary Charles
Trevor Christie
Brian Clough
Nigel Clough
Gary Crosby
Kris Commons
Terry Curran
Billy Davies
Julian Darby
Steve Devine
Robert Earnshaw
Maurice Edwards
Paul Evans
Frank Forman
Fred Forman
Keiron Freeman
Randolph Galloway
Archie Gemmill
Charlie George
George Goodchild
Jimmy Gordon
John Harkes
Terry Hennessey
Danny Higginbotham
Alex Higgins
Tom Hinchcliffe
Alan Hinton
Steve Hodges
Glynn Hodges
Russell Hoult
Stewart Imlach

Tom Ince
Stern John
David Kelly
James Linacre
Steve McClaren
John McGovern
Hugh McLaren
Stuart McMillan
Dave Mackay
Johnny Metgod
John Middleton
Gary Mills
Edwin Neve
Henry Newton
John O'Hare
Brian O'Neil
Roy Patrick
Henry Plackett
Lawrence Plackett
Calvin Plummer
Darryl Powell
Alf Quantrill
John Robertson
Dean Saunders
John Sheridan
Peter Shilton
Steve Sutton
Peter Taylor
Colin Todd
Marcus Tudgay
Nathan Tyson

Jamie Ward
Darren Wassall
Frank Wignall
Harold Wightman
Alan Wright

Looking Ahead to the Big One

This Sunday the attention shifts to the first East Midlands Derby (AKA The Brian Clough Trophy) clash of the season.

I think it's fair to say that Derby will go into the game as underdogs and the Forest fans are at the moment the more confident of the two sets of fans. I myself, am never confident ahead of this fuxture.

I remember as a young boy winning 2-0 at their place and then waiting over thirty years to see us take all the points in the away fixture again. The pendulum does continue to swing one way and then the other in this fixture.

The rivalry has intensified during the last ten years or so. Sometimes it has gotten rather ridiculous with even the players letting passion take control of their senses. The rivalry between these two big clubs is second to none!

This fixture divides families and friends alike. However, although the rivalry is fierce, if you look carefully, you can spot supporters of both sides walking to the game having a bit of pre-match banter. This is how it should be. Both clubs are better supported than half of the premier leagues teams and hopefully in the not to distant future, thus will be a Premier League fuxture.

Apart from families who have connections with both clubs, there is quite a long list of players who have worn both the white of Derby and Red of Forest. Forest's current playing staff includes, Lee Camp, Marcus Tudgay, Daniel Ayala and Dexter Blackstock who have pulled on the Derby shirt, whilst the Rams Nathan Tyson and Keiron Freeman used to wear the Red of Nottingham.

Marcus Tudgay has the rare distinction of having scored for both sides in this fixture. Along with Dean Saunders he is one of very few players to achieve that feat.

Lee Camp spent his boyhood watching Derby with his father Michael, yet the currently injured Rams captain Shaun Barker was a Reds fan as a young lad. Jake Buxton who is currently the wearer of Barker's number five shirt comes from a family of Forest fans and will no doubt be hoping to silence them again on Sunday.

My highs from this fixture over the last 42 years has been -

The game in which a relegation bound Derby side destroyed the then European Champions 4-1

The Great FA Cup replay comeback in which Kris Commons scored the winner.

The second win in just over a fortnight after the cup game where Forest simply weren't at the races.

The 4-2 win in the famous Coffee Cup game

The 2-1 win with ten men last season.

There's been a few nightmares too

Getting thrashed 5-2 a couple of seasons ago is my all time worst memory and the most frustrating was when we were cheated out of two goals by referee Stuart Atwell.

Whatever the result is on Sunday, lets hope for a good competitive game that does the East Midlands proud!

Below are a few of the players who have worn both shirts. How many can you name.

Derby 1-2 Burnley

Derby lost for the first time at home this season and will be left cursing themselves for not being more clinical in front of goal.

A succession of missed chances cost Derby dear in a game that they dominated for long periods. Chance after chance went begging and Burnley snatched all three points with less than two minutes remaining.

After Martin Paterson missed an early chance for the visitors, it was Derby who took the initiative and went on the attack. Both Will Hughes and Craig Bryson having early efforts thwarted by Lee Grant.

After twenty minutes The Rams were rewarded for the early pressure. Paul Coutts corner was blocked by the Burnley defence, but at the second time of asking a good through ball was played to Hendrick who in turn found Ward. Ward made no mistake in volleying the ball home.

Minutes later Conor Sammon almost doubled the advantage. Unfortunately his effort hitting the side netting and moments later he sent another effort wide.

Burnley snatched an equaliser after the half hour mark when Ward failed to clear and Charlie Austin scored from a tight angle. It was a well taken goal, but Austin's jesturing to home fans was uncalled for.

Derby continued to push for a winner after the break. A Ward cross saw Hendrick head wide and another opportunity saw him cross only for Sammon to miss a connection by inches.

Derby's frustration was complete when Austin nodded a cross past Fielding.

All in all a big disappointment to not get get three point nevermind none! Derby had enough chances to win three games and should have been out of sight long before Burnley scored their winner.

There is now seven days for the players to prepare themselves for the visit to Nottingham Forest next Sunday. It's a tough ask, but if they show the same level of commitment and determination, you never know!

Derby County: Fielding,; Brayford, Keogh, Buxton, Roberts; Coutts, Hendrick, Bryson, Hughes (Jacobs 77); Ward, Sammon (Robinson 80).

Subs Not Used: Legzdins, O’Connor, Tyson, Doyle, Gjokaj.

Burnley: Grant, Trippier, Edgar, Shackell, Mee; Marney, Wallace, McCann, Stanislas (Stewart 45); Austin, Paterson (Vokes 61).

Subs Not Used: Jensen, Stock, Bartley, Mills, Long.

Attendance: 21,347

Man of the Match - Craig Bryson, great commanding performance in midfield.

Six of the Best - Rams Goalkeepers

REG MATTHEWS - a little before my time, but legendary at Derby for not only being an England Keeper, but for his half time cigarette. Was goalkeeper when Clough and Taylor took charge.

LES GREEN - signed by Brian Clough and part of his second Division winning side. Sadly Les recently passed away.

COLIN BOULTON - for me the best ever Rams goalkeeper. Played every minute of every game during the two seasons Derby were champions.

ROGER JONES - was a solid keeper during bad times after the Rams were relegated to Division two in the 70's.

PETER SHILTON - one of England's finest. Was still playing for England when he signed for us from Southampton. Long successful career also at Leicester, Stoke and Forest.

MART POOM - from Estonia and quickly became a fans favourite. Scored a goal for Sunderland at Pride Park a few years after he left.

RIP Brian Clough

It's now eight years since The Great Man passed away. I'm sure that the whole footballing world will be thinking about him today.

Sunderland and Middlesbrough where his goal scoring exploits were legendary. Derby County and Nottingham Forest, the two struggling second tier clubs whom he took to the top.

I thought it would be appropriate to include a famous Cloughie quote - the one I have chosen happened after a game at the Baseball Ground that was interrupted by a streaker. "They've seen more of his balls than the one that their supposed to be playing with".

Typical Cloughie humour! So today whether you are from Middlesbrough, Sunderland, Derby, or Nottingham, lets remember the Greatest manager England Never Had!

Six of the Best - Hard Men

Norman Hunter - Leeds legend "Bites your legs" was as tough as they come, was once involved in a bout of fisticuffs with Derby's Francis Lee.

Tommy Smith - of the Liverpool variety, took no prisoners and a real tough tackler.

Ron Harris - Chelsea legend and wasn't called "Chopper" because people were referring to part of his anatomy!

Dave Mackay - afraid of no man, his legendary photo of him squaring up to Billy Bremner captures typical DM.

Bruce Rioch - was said to have the hardest left foot shot around at the time. Wasn't afraid to put the odd crunching tackle in either!

Graeme Souness - always made that first tackle count like a warning shot to opponents.

Derby 3-2 Charlton

The Rams hosted Charlton last night in their first home fixture since the international break.

Paul Coutts returned to the side after missing the trip to Huddersfield with flu, so Conor Doyle dropped to the bench at the expense of Nathan Tyson who was not included in the match day squad.

Former Rams player Chris Powell was made welcome by the home fans as his team stepped off the bus at Pride Park.

From the start of the game, it was Derby who set off quickly to make their mark on the game. It was however, Charlton who had the first effort on goal. A corner from ex-Ram Johnnies Jackson found Morrison only for his target to head over.

Seven minutes had elapsed when The Rams scored the opener. Keogh played a long ball downfield, which was headed away by Solly, only for Jamie Ward to smash it into the back of the net.

Despite having the majority of possession, the Rams were unable to extend their lead before the break.

Eight minutes after the re-start Derby did go two goals up when Hamer could only knock a Conor Sammon effort into the path of Craig Bryson who made no mistake in hammering the ball into the net.

The lead was extended to three goals when after sixty four minutes, Ward was tripped in the box by Solly. Ward stepped up and duly converted the penalty.

It seemed like Derby would push forward and look for a repeat of the Watford thrashing, but Green had other ideas. He scored a brilliant goal from thirty yards out to pull a goal back for Charlton.

Chris Powell was obviously delighted when Kermorgant added a second goal for the visitors. He tapped in after Green took the ball down the right wing and made the cross to Kermorgant who only had to tap the ball in.

By this time the home fans were showing signs of nervousness and a couple of goal line clearances obviously didn't help them nerves.

This time however, Derby managed to hang on for the three points and a win that sees them move up to ninth in the Championship.

Before the game the giant Rams flag was paraded in remembrance to Rams Supporter Douglas Else, who sadly passed away recently at the age of 86. During the game after eighty six minutes, home fans and indeed the away following from Charlton took part in a minutes applause for the loyal fan known as "Badgeman".

Derby - Fielding, Brayford, Keogh, O'Connor (Buxton 82), Roberts, Coutts, Bryson, Hendrick, Hughes (Robinson 89), Ward, Sammon. Subs not used- Legzdins, Freeman, Gjorkaj, Jacobs, Doyle.

Charlton - Hamer, Solly, Morrison, Cort, Wilson, Green, Stephens, Hollands (Kerker 60), Jackson, Wright-Phillips (Fuller 60), Kermorgant. Subs not used - Button, Evina, Dervite, Pritchard, Smith.

Man of the match - Jamie Ward, troubled the visitors from start to finish.

Attapendance - 20,063 (443 away)

Recommended Blogs

Http://thefaithfulmufc.com by Man Utd Fan Rob B

Www.thechriswhitingshow.wordpress.com by Leicester fan Chris Whiting

Www.nathanmorley.co.uk by Rams fan Nathan Morley

All worth a read.

Powell Returns

Former Ram Chris Powell returns to Pride Park tomorrow night when he brings his newly promoted Charlton side to face the Rams.

I'm sure most Rams fans will give him a great reception.

Douglas "Badgeman" Else RIP

Derby fans will pay tribute to fan of over 80 years Douglas "Badgeman" Else before the home game v Charlton. The flag will be paraded before the game and fans will have a minutes applause in the 86th minute.

I was fortunate to have several chats with Douglas over the years and we were both interviewed by local TV the night Nigel Clough was appointed manager.

New President and CEO

Sam Rush formerly of Wasserman Media Group has replaced Tom Glick as President and Chief Executive Officer of Derby County.

Rush has been involved in many profile transfer deals involving many top class players including the likes of David Beckham to Real Madrid.

Tom Glick, whom some fans liked and others didn't, did a job in getting running costs down and was head hunted by Manchester City before taking up a position with them recently.

Rush has an impressive CV, and his appointment has been broadly welcomed by the fans.  What will be interesting to see is, will he be able to bring anything new to the table regarding the negotiations with other clubs for new players.

There has been much speculation recently on social media site twitter with regard to the ownership of the club.  Some may be wild speculation, and some may have foundation that resembles genuine movement behind the scenes.  Whatever the future may be, it has been reported that one investor, a certain Mr Ricketts has been linked with another Championship club.

In the long term Financial Fair Play will mean all teams within the division cutting their cloth accordingly.  Leicester City have spent heavily over the past couple of seasons and thus far have failed to realise their target of promotion and premiership riches.

Our big rivals across Brian Clough Way, Nottingham Forest, have owners with a seeming bottomless pit of money, but have took a path of spending in a far more responsible way.  A lot of their outgoings on players offset by the sale of Chris Gunther.  Also, they have manoeuvred very smartly in the loan market.  However, promotion within two seasons would appear to be a must in order to avoid penalties when FFP regulations kick in. At the end of The Late Nigel Doughty's tenure as Chairman, they were reported to be losing close to £1m a month.

Even Derby County, a club that has one of the lowest wage bills in the division, still has some work to do in order to comply to the new rules on spending.  The record of accounts for two years ago shows the club still losing £7m over the season.

Derby are lucky to have good season ticket sales and a good average attendance, however the Derby fans Do pay considerably less to support their club than fans of other teams in the division and ticket sales over a season generates about £1m less than our Red neighbours.

It is an interesting time for Derby fans, but in order to comply with FFP, keeping fans happy with the quality of signings and keeping ticket prices down, Sam Rush has an unenviable task.

Football Phone-ins

We are in an age where the Football phone-in has become as much a part of the game as actually cheering on our team.

BBC Radio 5 live have one of the longest running shows 606 with presenterso like Robbie Savage and Darren Fletcher.  I recall Fletcher from his days on the East Midlands Century Radio.  He was even in them days destined for a bigger gig.  Knowledgable and passionate and had a voice that made   listen.

Robbie Savage, although he is a former Ram, is not a favourite of mine.  He's a decent bloke, but tends to only see the argument from a players point of view.

Call Collymore and Kick-Off on Talksport are two shows that really do their best to get fans from all over the country involved in debates.  The Monday night edition of Kick-Off often sees Stan Collymore go head to head with Mark Saggers and the debate can be heated at times.

What I do like about Stan is the fact that he makes his points speaking the language of a fan.

Local radio feature their phone-ins usually on a Monday night and if you are a listener to Radio Derby, are often busier after a defeat and dominated by arm chair fans.  Sport scene Talk-in is often referred to the Monday night moan-in.

During the days of East Midland station Century FM, we had the excellent Legends programme with the likes of Roger Davies, Alan Birchenall, Garry Birtles and Kenny Burns. Five nights a week of real East Midlands banter.  Soon after the station was taken over and renamed Heart, the show was axed!

Huddersfield 1-0 Derby

The visit to the John Smith Stadium saw Nigel Clough having to make one change to the side that beat Watford.  Conor Doyle replaced Paul Coutts who had flu.

An early blow for The Rams came right from the start.  With just 47 seconds gone Adam Hammill ran down the right and crossed for Danny Ward to put Huddersfield ahead. 

The Rams might have pulled level had they took advantage of a move involving Jamie Ward.  He intercepted a backpass from Paul Dixon and found Sammon, who after teeing up the shot was thwarted by Ian excellently timed tackled by Clarke.

After twenty minutes Doyle found space, but his cross was easily cleared by the home defence.

Three minutes after the break Huddersfield went close to doubling their lead.  Adam Clayton fired a shot in from 30 yards, however Frank Fielding dived down well to make a crucial save.

The introduction of Michael Jacobs after 64 minutes had an immediate impact on the game. His run down the flank and going passed two defenders saw Huddersfield having to take decisive action.  Many thought that Derby should have had a penalty as the young winger found himself sandwiched between two home players.

All in all though a very uneventful game that to be perfectly honest, neither side really deserved to win.  A short report, because to be quite frank, there is so little to write about!

The Rams now look ahead to the home game on Tuesday night with Charlton.  Hopefully Paul Coutts will return, as he was sorely missed in Yorkshire.

Huddersfield - Smithies, Hunt, Lynch, Clarke, Dixon, Hammill (Arfield 86), Southern, Clayton, Norwood, D Ward (Novak 67), Vaughan (Scannell 89). Subs not used- Bennett, Woods, Gerrard, Lee.

Derby - Fielding, Brayford, Keogh, O'Connor, Roberts (Buxton 90), Doyle (Jacobs 64), Bryson, Hendrick, Hughes, J Ward, Sammon (Robinson 79). Subs not used - Legzdins, Gjorkaj, Freeman, Tyson.

Man of the Match - Adam Hammill 

Attendance - 15,265 (2,491 Away fans)

Replica Shirts

Amongst my collection of Rams memorabilia is a fine collection of replica shirts dating back to the 1970's.

Many old classics produced by Umbro, Le Coq Sportif, Patrick etc. In those days a shirt lasted for at least two seasons and in my opinion were of better quality.

The cost of buying shirts has rocketed in the past few years.  With two of my sons also wanting their own shirt, it now costs me about £150 every time a new shirt is launched.

Ever since our two years of wearing Joma manufactured shirts,the club has changed the design annually.  Obviously in times when people are struggling to buy match day tickets, it's very annoying that two, sometimes three shirts are launched every year.

Joma, manufacturers of quality boots, were a poor producer of shirts.  Certainly their first attempt was much criticised by fans and a new one was out the following season.

Adidas replaced Joma, and although they are considered a premium brand, they do represent a period of five miserable years for Rams fans.

This season Kappa took over the responsibility of producing team kit.  The response by fans has been mixed!  In my own opinion the home shirt design looks very untidy! A filled in v-neck has an awful look about it.

Kappa are known for tight fitting shirts, however those of us who carry a permanent souvenir of nights in the local Rose and Crown are advised to jump four sizes if we don't want to be mistaken for the 70's Wrestler Big Daddy!

The quality of some of the Merchandise is very poor!   I bought a rain jacket and after wearing it twice, lettering is already peeling off.

Tomorrow the third choice shirt, coloured sky blue goes on sale.  Of course I will buy one to keep my collection going, but why do we need a third shirt?  Home shirt traditionally white and away shirt is black!  Unless we are going to p,ay a team in black and white stripes, why is there a need for a blue shirt? Oh hold on! I hear tills opening!

Hillsborough Disaster

I have just watched Prime Minister David Cameron issue a full apology to the families of the 96 victims of the Hillsborough disaster.

Why has it taken 23 years to establish the real cause and real blame for this tragedy?

Not only did the families have to go through the losses of their loved ones, but they then had to go through the smearing of the victims by the police in an attempt to cover up their own shortcomings.

Nothing short of a scandalous fabrication by people whom we all trust to enforce law and order.

Dead victims blood tested for alcohol, including young children! The lies spread that Liverpool fans urinated on others, robbed dying victims, and attacked police officers.

The lies and smear campaign that has the signature of South Yorkshire Police written all over it is nothing short of a national disgrace!

The buck stops with David Duckenfield!  Perhaps it time that he and his collaborators were held to account! Hillsborough families have suffered for 23 years, time to bring to account all those who denied them justice!

Squad Update

1.  Frank Fielding
2.  John Brayford
3.  Gareth Roberts
4.  Craig Bryson
5.  Jake Buxton
6.  Richard Keogh
7.  Paul Coutts
8.  Jeff Hendrick
9.  Nathan Tyson
10 Jamie Ward
11 Theo Robinson
12 Michael Jacobs
13 Adam Legzdins
14 Conor Doyle
15 Mark O'Brien
16 James O'Connor
17 Tom Naylor
18 Ben Davies
19 Will Hughes
20 Mason Bennett
21 Valentin Gjorkaj
23 Keiron Freeman
28 Josh Lelan
30 Saul Deeney
32 Conor Sammon

International Break Thoughts

It's seems fitting that during the international break, that we can perhaps look at the incomings and outgoings at Pride Park.

Jason Shackell Being sold to Burnley was the main headline per-season.  However Richard Keogh has in our opening games, looked more than capable of replacing Shackell.

Michael Jacobs displayed some great dead ball skills in the Scunthorpe game, but has found himself on the bench since.

Paul Coutts was rated very highly by his former manager Phil Brown and tipped as a future Pemier League player.  He has shown some of the attributes needed to make it at the higher level, albeit playing out of position on the Right Wing!  It will be probably some time before we actually get to witness him in his more natural central position given the early season form of Craig Bryson and Jeff Hendrick.

Steve Davies has departed to Bristol City from last seasons strike force.  Davies is a talented player and has an eye for goal, but his injury record whilst at Pride Park does make you wonder if it was so bad that he had to leave.  Conor Sammon, a million pound plus signing from Wigan has certainly shown some promise in his early games for Derby and certainly seems to have the qualities that we have been looking for, for some time.

James O'Connor is in reality a Right Back, but was signed with the reputation of being able to cover any position across the back four.  His performances against Wolves and Watford, certainly added evidence to those claims.

Valentin Gjorkaj and Michael Hogansson were also brought in.  Gjorkaj has made cameo appearances from off the bench and Hogansson was probably signed more with future squad development in mind. 

Kieron Freeman was a surprise signing from Nottingham Forest.  He had been expected to spend another season on loan at Notts County, but jumped at the chance of moving West along Brian Clough Way.  I am told by many people that he is a promising young player and was very impressive for the Under-21side.  

Not really a new signing, but a graduate of the academy, Will Hughes has had people talking early season with a string of impressive appearances.  It is rumoured that clubs such as Arsenal and Manchester City are already keeping tabs on Will.  Believe me! This boy is special and if he continues to make progress, he will go far.  Craig Bryson has already tipped him as a future England player.

If like me, you hate international breaks, then I've no doubt you'll be looking forward to this Saturdays game at Huddersfield.  It's important that we keep our good form going and push for a win.  A good attacking display and three points will delight fans who havent had a lot to shout about in the last few seasons. 

Hello!

A late welcome to my new blogging site.

I have just added some match reports that I did earlier this season for another website.  I intend to carry on doing match reports and also to add the odd article or two.  Feel free to leave your comments.

H v Watford

Match Report: Derby County 5-1 Watford (A Derby Fan’s Perspective)

Posted by: Andy Buckley - Taylor  on September 2, 2012 in Uncategorized Leave a comment

Derby looking for their first win of the season did not only achieve it, they dominated proceedings from start to finish in this one sided encounter.

James O’Connor retained his place at centre half despite the availability of Jake Buxton and justified Nigel Clough’s decision to include him in an unchanged side from last week game at Wolves.

Right from the kick off it was Derby who controlled the game.  From defence to the forward line, The Rams put on a masterful display and Watford were mere spectators much to the annoyance of Gianfranco Zola, who has been busy in the loan/transfer market during the window.

Sixteen minutes had passed on the clock when Derby first took advantage of their possession.  A Ward cross found the head of captain Richard Keogh who made no mistake in directing the ball into the back of Almunia’s net.

Twenty minutes later, the excellent Paul Coutts saw his free kick find the head of Jeff Hendrick to double the advantage.

Conor Sammon added a third goal three minutes before the break.  On his home debut, Sammon a recent £1.2m signing from Wigan was impressing with his speed and work rate.  When Ward played a ball through into the box, Sammon forced his way through and buried it into the corner of the net.

The second half saw Derby continue to push forward and those witnessing the game rightly were suspecting a rout. Seven minutes after the break, a Ward free kick was parried by Almunia and Will Hughes knocked in the loose ball off the post. The first senior goal for Hughes, who is attracting the scouts of several Premier League sides.

The demolition job was completed in the 67th minute when a Coutts cross found an unmarked Jamie Ward who slotted the ball in from ten yards.

Watford scored a consolation goal from Vydra in the 74th minute, but the damage was already done.

The visitors are clearly going to need some time and will over the next few weeks introduce many of their deadline day signings.  Derby must build on this and ensure that they realise their full potential as a young and promising side. Rams fans will be hoping that this is the start of better times at Pride park and not another False Dawn!

Line-ups:

Derby – Fielding, Brayford, Keogh, O’Connor, Roberts (Buxton 67), Coutts, Bryson (Doyle 89), Hendrick, Hughes (Jacobs 84), Ward, Sammon. Subs not used – Legzdins, Gjorkaj, Tyson, Robinson.

Watford – Almunia, Doyley, Dickinson, Nosworthy, Pudil (Cassetti 65), Hogg, Abdi, Yeates (Batocchio 86), Murray (Anya 65), Iwelumo, Vydra. subs not used – Forsyth, Beleck, Bond, Hoban.

Man of the match – Paul Coutts, great work and a constant menace to Watford down the right wing.

Attendance - 20,608 (Away 894)

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A v Wolves

KWolverhampton Wanderers 1-1 Derby County (Derby Fan’s Perspective)

Posted by: Andy Buckley - Taylor  on August 26, 2012 in Uncategorized Leave a comment

The Rams went into their second away fixture of the season looking to improve on a loss and a draw from their opening two fixtures. Feeling hard done by after coming away from Bolton pointless, they could again argue that they came away with less than they deserved at Molineux.

Manager Nigel Clough stuck with the same starting eleven from mid-week, with James O’Connor continuing to deputise for the ill Jake Buxton at the centre of the Derby defence. Wolves were obviously weakened by the mid-week departures of Matt Jarvis and Steven Fletcher, but still retained a strong looking line-up.

It was the home side who had the first chance of the game when Ebanks-Blake hit the bar after eleven minutes, much to the relief of Fielding in the Derby goal.  However, after that it was all Derby as they went in pursuit of a goal.

Wolves goalkeeper Ikeme kept the Rams at bay, pulling off a string of brilliant saves from both Conor Sammon and Jamie Ward.  One effort saw Ikeme tip a Ward shot onto the post before the home defence managed to scramble the ball clear.  Jamie Ward was outstanding for Derby and gave the Wolves defence plenty to think about all afternoon. Derby continued to press forward, but it was the home side who took the lead against the run of play after 35 minutes. Doyle met a cross from Edwards which left Fielding with no chance of preventing the opening goal.

The story was pretty much the same in the second half as Derby again pushed forward, yet Ikeme seemed unbeatable.  It looked like one of those days where the ball was just not going to get past the home goalkeeper.

Derby boss Nigel Clough has received quite a bit of criticism lately for ill judged substitutions.  This time however, he got them spot on! Nathan Tyson replaced Will Hughes after 69 minutes and Theo Robinson and Michael Jacobs replaced Paul Coutts and Conor Sammon twelve minutes later.

Robinson had been dropped from the squad on Tuesday night and reprimanded by Clough for disclosing it on Twitter, however he became the hero of the day for Derby, when in the third minute of time added on he met Hendricks touch on to curl in an equaliser.

All in all, a good away performance from Derby, though that said three points could have been gained with a little more clinical finishing in front of goal!  Conor Sammon with a few more matches under his belt should bring in a few goals.

For Wolves there is plenty of cash available to upgrade their team and they will surely will improve once additions are made.

Wolves – Ikeme, Zubar, Johnson, Berra, S Ward, Peszko, Edwards (Elekobi 78), Davis (Forde 59), Doumbia (Jonsson 86), K Doyle, Ebanks-Blake. subs not used – De Vries, Stearman, Sigurdsson, Nouble.

Derby – Fielding, Brayford, Keogh, O’Connor, Roberts, Coutts (Jacobs 81), Bryson, Hendrick, Hughes (Tyson 69), J Ward, Sammon (Robinson 81). Subs not used – Legzdins, C Doyle, Gjorkja, Freeman.

Man of the match – Carl Ikeme

Attendance – 21,861 (Away not confirmed, but approximately 1,400)

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h v Sheffield Wednesday

Posted by: Andy Buckley - Taylor  on August 19, 2012 in Uncategorized Leave a comment

For the second time in a week, Derby blew a good lead through poor defending and possible tactical errors by team manager Nigel Clough. It’s said that the best form of defence is attack, however sitting back and trying to defend a lead proved costly for the Rams.

Derby made a bright start and dominated proceedings early on. Some neat play from Bryson, Hughes and Coutts often asking questions of the visitors back four.

It took Derby eleven minutes to take the lead. Poor defending from Sheffield Wednesday allowed Gareth Roberts to find Ward in the box , who played the ball to his right for Nathan Tyson to score his second goal in a week. You could see the delight in the striker’s face who has made a good early start to the season after a frustrating 2011/12.

Sixteen minutes later it was 2-0. The Wednesday defence again at sixes and sevens failing to deal with a low cross that saw Jake Buxton launch himself at the ball and head in his third goal of the week. Buxton was impressive throughout the game along with Richard Keogh who made may vital tackles during the game.

Wednesday refused to lie down and looked dangerous on the counter attack.  After thirty nine minutes they pulled a goal back when O’Grady was allowed to turn with the ball on the right hand side of the box and he launched a superb strike into the top corner of the net givnig Fielding no chance!

Owls manager David Jones made a inspired substitution in the 56th minute, bringing on Madine for a poor Pecnik.  Madine immediately got involved in the Wednesday attack and was proving to be a handful for the home side.

Nigel Clough meanwhile had many people scratching their heads when he replaced Tyson with O’Connor and Hughes with Gjorkaj.

Six defenders on the pitch and despite packing the penalty area, the Rams still allowed Reda Johnson to sneak in an equaliser in the 90th minute.

All in all a very frustrating day for Derby fans.  Plenty of good attractive football, but poor sloppy defending proving costly.  John Brayford had his worst ever game in a Derby shirt.

Whatever new signing Conor Sammon, a spectator in the Toyota stand made of it who knows?

Derby – Fielding, Brayford, Buxton, Keogh, Roberts, Coutts, Bryson, Hendrick, Hughes (Gjorkaj ), Tyson (O’Connor 74), Ward (Robinson, 82).  Subs not used – Legzdins, Jacobs, Doyle, Bennett.

Sheff Wed – Kirkland, Buxton, R Johnson, Gardner (Beevers 83), Llera, Antonio, Samedo, McCabe, J Johnson, Pecnik (Madine, 56), O’Grady. Subs not used – Bywater, Maguire, Mattock, Prutton, Coke.

Man of the Match – Paul Coutts – standout player by a mile with some great play down the right.

Attendance - 27,437 (5,952 Away fans)

 

V Scunthorpe

Posted by: Andy Buckley - Taylor  on August 15, 2012 in Uncategorized 2 Comments

Derby crashed out of the Capital One Cup to League One Scunthorpe in a game that they dominated for large periods and then pressed the self-destruct button.

In front of a very low crowd, manager Nigel Clough must have been doubting his own eyesight as the Rams surrendered a 4-1 and 5-3 lead to share a 10-goal draw, then succumbed to defeat on penalties.

The Rams selected a near full strength side with the exception of Jamie Ward on international duty and the injured Jeff Hendrick, who should have been representing his country.

The early minutes of the game saw the home side dominate possession without too much trouble from their visitors., with Nathan Tyson looking particularly sharp in front of goal.

Derby’s early pressure paid off on the half hour, when Richard Keogh met a Michael Jacobs corner to head past Slocombe. Buxton doubled the lead four minutes later as his header met Jacobs’ cross.

Derby were very dominant in midfield with Will Hughes having a stormer of a game. Five minutes before half-time Theo Robinson made it 3-0, as Coutts cross was flicked on by Jacobs and Robinson provided the final touch.

Most would have thought that with a 3-0 lead at the break, it was game over. But seven minutes into the second half, a brilliant individual effort from Barcham saw the Iron pull a goal back and alarm bells began to ring. Nine minutes later Derby restored the three goal cushion when Buxton again met a Jacobs cross to make it 4-1.

After 62 minutes Nigel Clough made a double substitution that immediately had a negative impact on the match.  Naylor replaced Roberts and Ben Davies came on for Bryson, which saw right footed centre-half Naylor struggled at left back and Bryson’s influence was lost from midfield.

Just one minute later a thunderous shot from Grella made it 4-2 and the nerves were now starting to show amongst the few home fans that had bothered to turn out to watch the game.

Nine minutes later Martin fouled Keogh inside the box resulting in a penalty for Derby. Robinson stepped up to take it, but his poorly hit effort was saved by Slocombe. Scunthorpe broke away from the penalty and pulled the game back to 4-3, with Duffy finding Grant who made no mistake in hitting the net.

With seven minutes left, the Rams were starting to look very nervy. Nathan Tyson helped ease those nerves when he rose to head home a Coutts cross. Derby must have thought that, that surely that was a killer goal and would win the tie. How very wrong they were though!

Many fans had started to leave the ground when the fourth official indicated an additional five minutes would be played.  Usually with a 5-3 lead, most people could be forgiven for thinking that the game should be over.

When Jennings scrambled a loose ball in on the 94th minute, Scunthorpe went on the attack again and the comeback was complete when they were awarded a penalty in the 95th minute. Grant made no mistake from the spot and sent the game into extra time.

Scunthorpe pushed forward in the first period and Derby missed many chances in the second half of extra time. Neither side could find the decisive strike to settle the game and penalties it was.

Both sides missed two penalties and the shootout went to sudden death. Naylor’s effort was saved by the impressive visiting keeper, making him the player who had to endure the agony of missing the deciding spot kick.

All in all it was a harsh lesson for the Rams to learn. Complacency cost them big time and Clough was shown up by poor tactical changes which cost Derby dearly. Well done to Scunthorpe for converting a damage limitation exercise into one of a memorable victory.

Derby – Fielding, Brayford, Buxton, Keogh, Roberts (Naylor 62), Coutts, Bryson (B Davies 62), Hughes (Bennett 87), Jacobs, Tyson, Robinson.  Subs not used, Legzdins, Lelan, Doyle, S Davies.

Scunthorpe – Slocombe, Kennedy, Ribeiro, Mirfin, Newey, Duffy, Walker, Ryan, Grant, Barham (Jennings 84), Grella. Subs not used, Severn, Gibbins, Gordon, Hughes, Howe, Keegan.

Attandance – 4,724 (364 Away fans)

Men of the match: Slocombe (Scunthorpe) for pulling off a string of fine saves