Tin Man Returns

Well it's Monday morning after another great away win and the feel good factor has certainly returned to Pride Park (It is still Pride Park until Saturday).

Yesterday's win at Wigan was a great result and shows that this side can be up there challenging for promotion. The win moved us up to 5th place ahead of our two home games this week.

There's no time to get cocky and over confident though. Promotion is won by continuing to play to your strengths and Derby's strengths are to attack. 

Steve McClaren has so far resisted changing the side unless he is forced to do so by suspensions and injuries. What is great is the fact that there appears to be more cover now when he does lose players.

Michael Keane is in on loan, but who will he drop to accommodate the Manchester United youngster? People will point to Jake Buxton, but does he deserved to be dropped? He's certainly upped his game lately as has Craig Forsyth in the left back position.

I expect an unchanged side for the visit of Middlesbrough on Wednesday night barring injuries. 

The visit of Middlesbrough on Wednesday night is followed by another home game, this time it's Blackpool who provide the opposition. 

Blackpool have had a good start to the season and will provide a stern test for the Rams. A win against them will confirm that we are ready to maintain our top six position and push on for a promotion challenge.

Over the next few games more Rams legends of the past will be visiting the club on matchdays.

Last time out we had Stefano Eranio, who was given a great reception by the crowd. Igor Stimac is our next VIP visitor and I'm sure he will get an equally warm welcome.

Ted McMinn has been lined up to, to make an appearance. Ted was something of a cult hero at Derby. He played in the Arthur Cox team that achieved 5th place in the Old First Division.

Ted's testimonial game set the record attendance at Pride Park as Derby and Rangers fans packed the stadium in honour of a great player.

I later years Ted went on to become a match summariser for BBC Radio Derby. He had a reputation for telling it like it is. I'm sure he will be a very popular guest of the club. Ross Fletcher and Ted McMinn during our last promotion season, seems so long ago now!