It's been quite an eventful 2013. Once again we missed out on a top six place at the end of the 2012/13 season and fans again were left with a team consolidated it's place in the second tier of English football.
Derby were pretty good at home, but couldn't quite bring home enough points on their travels. As Archie Gemmill stated In an interview in McFarlands bar, the team needed a goalscorer.
Chris Martin had come in on loan towards the end of the season, but was short of match practice.
The summer break saw Johnny Russell join the club from Dundee United and it has to be said that he certainly looks the part. Ok, he's only got five goals so far, but he's only started a few games. His ability to control the ball and link up well with Chris Martin promises excitement.
A few weeks ago Nigel Clough was relieved of management duties following the loss at Nottingham Forest. At the time there there was a mixed reception from fans. Some remaining loyal to Nigel, whilst others saw it as a time for change.
During the time he spent in charge, Nigel had brought back some financial stability to the club and introduced many new promising players into the team including Craig Bryson, Johnny Russell and Chris Martin. However, even though we had started an impressive run of away results, the home results had been disappointing.
It didn't take the club long to appoint former player and assistant manager Steve McClaren as Head Coach. Once again this was met with a mixed response from Rams fans. Some pointing to his unhappy period in charge of near neighbours Nottingham Forest.
He was supposed to sit out the game against Ipswich and leave Academy boss Darren Wassall in charge of first team affairs. However, we were 4-1 down at half time and he intervened and made a couple of changes. A second half fight back saw Derby snatch a 4-4 draw.
Since that game Derby have won all but three of their fixtures with McClaren in charge and only lost the one game.
There is a real 'buzz' and belief that the team could now at long last be making a challenge to return to the Premier League. I'm not one for counting chickens, but this side in my opinion is a better one that last made promotion.
Existing players have improved dramatically under Steve McClarens leadership and some great loan signings have also played a part.
Simon Dawkins was something of an unknown quality when he was brought in. A few years ago he was advised to quit the game after suffering a career threatening injury. He has added some real firepower to the attack.
Andre Wisdom has been class since his arrival from Liverpool. Normally a centre half, he has played at right back and dazzled fans with his ability.
Michael Keane has recently come in to replace the injured Richard Keogh and shown he will be a Premier League player sooner rather than later.
These additions plus the form of the players McClaren inherited have pushed us up to second in the league table.
Chris Martin now has 15 goals and we are only halfway through the season. The best return from a front man since Steve Howard during the last promotion campaign.
Craig Bryson has also chipped in with 11 goals from midfield. More goals than most strikers have.
All in all a great end to 2013. We are well placed for a top six finish and dare I say a top two place. It's important that we keep our feet on the ground as we will lose matches just like everyone else, but it certainly looks like we have some exciting days ahead! Here's to 2014 and hopefully promotion!
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