Back with a Bang!

Whilst most clubs were conducting transfer deadline day business, Derby we're handing a recently rejuvenated Stoke City a real pasting under the lights, and in in front of the cameras at pride Park last night!

This was our best performance of the season and whilst it's wise not to get carried away, I think most Rams fans would have gone home very happy!

The whole side from Ben Hamer in goal to Chris Martin up front played their part!

I was particularly pleased for Chris Martin who had been written off by many on social media as past it! He certainly isn't and once again he weighed in with a goal! He cost us nothing in transfer fees and has always given his best in a Derby County shirt!

Martyn Waghorn though not quite hitting the levels of last season maintained his place at the top of the Rams score charts with the opener. His work rate was very impressive too!

Wayne Rooney rolled back the years with his perfectly taken free kick to score in the second successive game and once again was the controlling force in midfield.

Jayden Bogle showed his attacking credentials with a brilliant goal to put us four goals up!

Every single player had a good game, but for me the best out there was Duane Holmes! Always busy and looking to be an absolute bargain of a signing!

I have said it is impossible to make an accurate judgement on Philip Cocu as a manager due to the fact that he has had very little cash to splash, but every Derby County fan will want him to do well.

We failed to add to the first team squad during this window, but past January's have seen some dreadful business! We may not be promotion bound, but there's long talent within the squad and with a few clever tweaks in the summer, we might just have a team capable going for a top six place again!

Yes I am as fickle as the next fan! I have been very critical of the team, but it has proved that it can deliver and not wanting to get carried away, but we are only seven points from sixth place! The dreaded away form being our downfall!

We have another busy week ahead with the FA Cup 4th Round Replay against Northampton on Tuesday night and then a trip top South Wales to face Swansea on Saturday.

We didn't play well at The Sixfields, but I'm sure a certain Mr Rooney will be fired up to make progress with a trip to his former club at Old Trafford being the carrot!