By Chris Clarke, Derby fan, 3rd December 2002
Can Derby turn around their season? - Have Your Say in the footieNews chat room

This time last year I had hope, not a lot, granted but a little, hope that we could stay in the top flight. Even if my worst thoughts were realised and we were to be playing first division football I at least consoled myself with that fact that I could once again watch us actually winning games. Fast-forward 12 months and we're 16th that's SIXTEENTH or 5 places away from being in the first of the relegation places.

What has gone wrong? Our financial difficulties have been well documented but at this present time we still have the nucleus of a Premiership squad and if 16th is the best we can do god only knows where we'll end the season once our so called 'better' players have been sold/paid off.

Last Monday's 3-2 win over Wimbledon was much needed but in all honesty we were poor. Too many players looked like they were lacking in confidence and our youngsters looked very inexperienced at times. In short at the moment we simply don't possess that winning mentality, even whilst leading Wimbledon 3-1, we looked like we could concede any minute.

It seems that this was the case once again on Saturday. We were able to compete with one of the divisions in form sides for the majority of the match only for a lapse in concentration, perhaps down to a lack of confidence, which lead to Malky Mackay scoring with a header in the 82nd minute. Personally I can't wait for January to arrive, we're in a false position as there is no way that the like's of Malcolm Christie, Chris Riggott, Danny Higginbotham etc will be at the club next year. We need an injection of cash urgently but I just hope we get the market value for these players and that they don't leave on the cheap.

As much as I hate to say it we have to look towards Nottingham Forest for inspiration, we have to rebuild with youth. However, it is important that we have the right balance of youth and experience. I would hope that with the cash that we will get from selling our assets that we bring in some experienced players either on free transfers or loan arrangements, players that will help our youngsters, this is the only way for us to get ourselves out of this predicament.

I look forward to us having a stable team, a team that knows that it can stay together, that it won't be broken up as soon as a tempting offer comes in. Only then can we work hard to consolidate our position in the first division and focus on promotion next season. We need to be realistic; this just isn't going to happen this season.

It appears likely that Craig Burley will be the latest player to leave Pride Park, as good as it is to have him back in the side a club in our financial mess simply cannot afford to employ a premiership player on £30k a week. Its a shame really because Craig has always given us 100% and maybe if he hadn't been injured for the past 12 months we might find ourselves slightly better off.

One player I would like to see walk out of Pride Park for good is Fabrizio Ravannelli. He has never come close to earning his reported £40k a week and if he had anything about him you would have thought he would have freed the club from the financial burden of employing him to whinge and wine his way through the remainder of the season.

Right, so to Saturday and a home game against Watford, things can only get better, let's hope so anyway.

Come on Gregory its time to start leading the team as a manager like you did as a player.

Cheers,

Chris Clarke

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By Chris Clarke, Derby fan, 15th September 2002
Derby to beat Forest on Sunday? - Have Your Say in the footieNews chat room

It's been a few weeks since my last column and as ever the club appears determined to take us fans on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, one thing is for sure life is certainly never dull when you follow the Rams.

The local derby with Leicester came and went, as did the prospect of back to back victories. This game was an altogether unenjoyable experience for me as I happened to be sat within the home support and had to listen to thousands of beaming Foxes berating my sorry team. If that wasn't enough I also had to share the car journey home with an aforementioned beaming Fox who also happens to be my flat mate!

We were the better team in the first half and lead through Chris Riggot's early goal but conceding an equaliser right on half time appeared to zap our confidence and our second half performance was unrecognisable from the first half and we went on to lose the game 3-1.

Our performances following the 3-1 reverse at the Walkers Stadium have been a mixed bag. There was the pitiful 2-0 home defeat to Preston which was live on Sky Sports, this had to be one of the worst Derby performances in recent years and it was actually a struggle to sit through 90 minutes worth. However we went from the sublime to the ridiculous with the impressive 1-0 away win at Ipswich, granted they're a struggling side at present but their team is still packed full of internationals and the win was much needed. To not follow up the impressive away win over Ipswich with a win in the Worthington Cup was disappointing. Oldham are flying high in the second division but realistically we should have beaten them and progressed in the Worthington Cup but then our early cup exists are becoming something of a tradition and maybe the team thought they'd be disappointing us if they produced anything other than a disappointment!

The last two games have seen the team pick up their first draws of the season, the first was very disappointing as we threw away a two goal lead to eventually draw 2-2 at home to Walsall and on Saturday we limped to a 0-0 draw away at Valley Parade. Oh, and I forget to mention, in the past 5 games just the 4 players have been sent off! So now we have to cope with losing the dirty four (Barton, Poom, Lee and Murray) for three games each, which is not the best of situations to be in considering our mounting list of injuries.

Off the pitch it appears that John Gregory and director, Bryan Richardson have fallen out, according to Richardson, Gregory was unhappy at the club and should have been allowed to talk to Sunderland regarding their then vacant managers job. According to Gregory that was complete nonsense and he has now questioned exactly what Richardson's role is, which is a good point as we couldn't afford to pay Robbie Mustoe's wages in the summer but we can afford to pay for another director, strange that!

Anyway, Sunday sees the game that we have been waiting for all season, the home game against Forest. It has to be said that we're not in the best shape and the prospect of facing an in form David Johnson must be giving Chris Riggot and Danny Higginbotham a few sleepless nights. It's likely that Warren Barton and Mart Poom will miss the game through suspension and our options up front are limited with injuries to the likes of Strupar, Ravenelli, Robinson and Christie, indeed we could be forced to team up the out of favour Deon Burton with youngster, Izale McLeod.

To be honest I'm not confident but you never know, with our inconsistent form anything is possible!

Roar on the Rams.

Cheers,

Chris Clarke

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By Chris Clarke, Derby fan, 11th September 2002
Derby to beat Leicester on Saturday? - Have Your Say in the footieNews chat room

Granted we're in the midst of the worst financial crisis in the club's history, we're struggling to adapt to life in the Nationwide and our best player has handed in his notice but hey at least there's lots to talk about when you're a Derby County fan!

The home win over local rivals Stoke was much needed, the game was poor, the stadium was as empty as I've seen it and thus completely lacking in atmosphere but Malcolm Christie took his goals well. For once the masses went home safe in the knowledge that we can play poor and still pick up results and for the intervening days before Saturday's home encounter with basement boy's Burnley I actually thought we could achieve the seemingly impossible, i.e., back to back wins!

So Saturday afternoon arrives, we lose (again) and the seemingly impossible feat of achieving back to back wins remains that, seemingly impossible! I guess the one shining light was another goal from midfield for promising youngster Adam Bolder.

Away from the pitch I have to say that I understand Danny Higginbotham's reasons for handing in his notice. I think everyone connected to the club including Danny simply wants to have the club's financial future secured so that the club's efforts can be directed at what has to be the only goal for a club of our size and stature, i.e., a return to the top flight.

It's a shame for both Deon Burton and for Derby County that his 3-month loan with Portsmouth has been cut short due to his foot injury. Deon was in good form for the south coast club, scoring 3 goals in 4 games and he must surely have had a permanent contract within his reach. However, now his return to Pride Park creates an extra burden on the club's finances, as another £6,000 will now need to be found each and every week.

So to Tuesday night's local derby with Mansfield in the Worthington Cup, they came into the game on the back of a 4 match-losing streak in which they had conceded 13 goals and to be honest this worried me! Our recent record against lower league teams in cup competitions is not good and the prospect of facing a backlash was a very real possibility. However, with only 90 seconds played their captain, Lee Williamson was sent off and despite taking the lead Mansfield where unable to compete with their 10 men and we won the contest 3-1, with Lee Morris, Malcolm Christie and Ian Evatt scoring the goals.

Lets hope that the mid week win will give us the confidence to go out and play to our ability in the East Midlands derby at Leicester this Saturday and achieve that seemingly impossible feat!

Cheers,

Chris Clarke

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By Chris Clarke, Derby fan, 22nd August 2002
Can Derby return straight to the Premiership? - Have Your Say in the footieNews chat room

Three games in and we're as inconsistent as we were last year!

I guess six points out of a possible nine isn't bad but when you look at the calibre of the teams that we have been pitted against, Manchester United and Arsenal they certainly are not and thus it wouldn't be unreasonable to have expected three wins. Nevermind we're in the top half of the table and I guess we need to allow time to adapt to the physicality's of first division football, although judging by Danny Higginbotham's challenge on Grimsby forward, Steve Livingstone, last Saturday I don't think that will be a problem!

The home win over Reading was the perfect start to a new season, granted we were poor in the first half however, after the break we were much improved and if Fabrizio Ravanelli had put away half of the chances he had it could easily have been 5-0. Lee Morris was excellent and youngsters Adam Bolder and Adam Murray put in solid performances in the midfield, which bodes well for the future.

Losing away to Gillingham the following Tuesday was very disappointing, yes they've signed some experienced players this summer, namely ex-Derby and Villa striker, Tommy Johnson and fellow striker and ex-England international, Rod Wallace. However, neither played and we need to beat teams like Gillingham if we are to get out of this league at the first attempt.

We put things right against Grimsby away although we did it the hard way after going behind to a super strike from Grimsby midfielder, Darren Barnard. To our credit we fought back, with man-of-the match, Adam Bolder scoring both goals.

This coming Saturday will surely prove to be a tougher challenge. Wolves are one of the favourites for promotion having come so close last year and we will need to be on top of our game if we are to beat Dean Sturridge and co. The 30,000 + crowd (in one of the ten most desirable sporting venues in the UK according to Radio Five Live listeners!) will no doubt help to roar us on.

Two players that are unlikely to figure for the Rams on Saturday or on any other day for that matter are Bjorn Bragstad and Horacio Carbonari. Both players have agreed contract settlements with the club, which will enable them to become free agents and will help the club to reduce its wage bill, which currently stands at over £15 million! Bjorn Bragstad never settled at Derby and indeed never fulfilled the promise that his Euro 2000 performances hinted at and thus it is best for both parties that he leaves the club.  However, Horacio Carbonari, has served the club well in the 4 years that he has been with us and thus it is with some sadness that we will see him leave Pride Park for the final time.

So to Saturday and let's hope for another three points. As much as I like seeing the Rams looking down at their lesser East Midlands rivals, Forest and Leicester, I have to say I would prefer to see us looking down at the rest of the league from our position of First Division Champions at the end of the season.

Bring on the Wolves!

Cheers,

Chris Clarke

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By Chris Clarke, Derby fan, 10th July 2002
Can Derby return straight to the Premiership? - Have Your Say in the footieNews chat room

It's been almost two months since my last confession? Sorry column! And to be honest not a lot has happened. I guess all the football agents, managers and chairmen around the country are recovering from the excitement of the now distant World Cup.

However, as expected the rumour mill is up and running and Malcolm Christie in particular has been the subject of much speculation, firstly being linked with a £6 million move to Middlesbrough and then after the signing of Italian starlet, Macarone, ended Boro's interest in the young striker, Sunderland - with the Wearsiders supposedly ready to pay between £6-£7 million. However, as yet nothing further has happened.

Rob Lee is definitely a Derby County player next season having signed a new one-year contract, which I am very pleased about, as he will give us the necessary experience in the centre of the midfield. However, I will be sorry to see Daryl 'football genius' Powell leave the club, which is almost certain to happen after he was only offered a year long contract, not a great reward for seven years service. His likely destination appears to be either Portsmouth or Everton.

To date we have managed to hold on to top shot stopper, Mart Poom, having rejected a reported £3.5 million bid from the Toffeemen. However, personally I fear it is only a matter of time before he departs as I am sure than a £4 million bid will temp the board to part with our prized asset, which would be a great shame.

It now appears likely that our top central defensive partnership of Riggott and Higginbotham will remain at the club, a move that I believe will prove vital if we are to make a sustained promotion push next season. A huge question mark still remains over our foreign stars though, John Gregory has already told the likes of Ravanelli, Kinkladze, Bragstad and Carbonari that they have no future at the club. However, as yet not one of the above has found a new club and this could prove a huge problem. If at the beginning of the new season, only a month from today, these players are still contracted to the club, the wages outlay vs. income will be rather disproportionate I fear.

So far in this column I have only spoken about likely departures or prolonged stays, however, I do believe that we will see at least two new players join the squad. Middlesbrough's out of contract midfielder, Robbie Mustoe, looks set to join the club on a two-year contract and the long running saga of the young Nigerian striker (whose name I forget regrettably) has yet to be concluded.

What a shame we missed out on the signing of young Chris Greenacre whom recently signed for local rivals, Stoke, another case of us acting rather slowly in the transfer market perhaps.

On the plus side 14,000 have already signed up for season tickets and for those of you who can't make it to the games hopefully the Rams will be entertaining us regularly on Sky as part of the new TV deal. Let's hope that some exciting new signings are made over the coming months and that we can also get rid of some of the 'dead wood'. Roll on August 10th Rams fans!

Cheers,

Chris Clarke

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Season 2001/02 is finally over!

It was a hugely disappointing season granted, but it is in the past now and we must look forward to next season with optimism and in all honesty there is much to be optimistic about. From what I have seen of John Gregory I honestly believe that he is the right man for the job. The fans have taken to him (despite a losing streak of seven games) and the man himself has reciprocated their feelings and displays a genuine affinity to both the club and its loyal fanbase.

JG will have to work under significant financial constraints this summer but by off loading the overpaid under performers he hopes to save £14 million. Ravenelli, Kinkladze, Carbonari and Mawene have all been told that their futures lie away from Pride Park. I will be happy to see Ravenelli leave, as he has never justified his £40k a week salary. Kinky failed to rediscover the form that made him such an exciting player at Manchester City and as such never justified the £3 million fee that we paid Ajax for him back in 1999. However, I will be sorry to see both Carbonari and Mawene leave as both have served the club well but I guess the manager must be given the opportunity to stamp his influence on the team.

Other players on their way out include Frenchman, Pierre Decrouq, who failed to earn a permanent deal after his season long loan deal expired. The future also appears uncertain for young Adam Murray. Despite an impressive loan period at third division Mansfield where he scored 7 in 14 and helped the Stags to promotion he did not figure at all in the final game of the season at Sunderland and must be wondering whether his future lies away from Pride Park. I feel that the player has a lot to offer and should be given the opportunity to cement a place in the starting eleven.

Derby's longest serving player and the football genius that is Daryl Powell has finally been offered a new contract, whether he signs it remains to be seen, I hope so as I feel he could make a valid contribution to our promotion push next season. However, Daryl's Jamaican teammate, Deon Burton, is less likely to remain at the club following his second division play-off final goal which sealed promotion for Midland rivals, Stoke City.

Early indications suggest that both Ian Evatt and Adam Bolder who played from the start against Sunderland on Saturday and Marvin Robinson who scored the equaliser, will form an integral part of next seasons first division starting eleven.

If JG is successful in riding the club of it's high earners then he is hopeful that only one of the clubs prized assets will have to be sold. This is unlikely to be Mart Poom as the manager has publicly stated that he will do all in his power to keep the Estonian shot stopper at the club.

Saturday's scoring draw at Sunderland gave an opportunity for the aforementioned talented youngsters to further taste first team football. The Derby fans where brilliant and we even out sang Sunderland's normally rawkous fans for the majority of the game. It was also nice to see the Sunderland fans applaud the 15+ Derby coaches on our journey through the city on route to the A1, they obviously appreciate loyal fans.

It should be an interesting summer with a number of questions still to be answered, i.e., who stays, who goes, what new players will arrive at the club etc. The transfer rumour mill has started already with Nigerian striker, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, being the latest player to be linked with the club. The summer will be anything but dull I can assure you!

Cheers,

Chris Clarke

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By Chris Clarke, Derby fan, 6th May 2002
Will Derby cash in on Martin Poom? - Let us know in the footieNews chat room

The Nationwide league looms for the first time in seven years, we're in the midst of a deep financial crisis and can look forward to losing many of our best players this summer - but on the bright side I won't have to fork out for an ITV Digital subscription!

It does make you wonder what is going to happen though. Other than watching every game live how else are fan's of football league teams going to get to watch their team, apart from the meagre 20 seconds of goal highlights that you get at some ungodly hour on terrestrial TV. I guess the most obvious and amicable solution would be for Sky to buy up the TV rights and for coverage to return to how it was pre-2000. However, with Sky having the monopoly I guess they could pay the clubs whatever they wanted which could be significantly less than what ITV agreed to pay, should be an interesting next few months!

Georgi Kinkladze looks set to be the first major exit from Pride Park after John Gregory publicly admitted, "it is time for Kinkladze to consider a future away from Derby". Gregory claims that attempts to fit Kinkladze into his Derby team plan have failed and that the Georgian, for all his skill, is not damaging the opposition when he is in possession. I personally agree with JG on this and it has to be said that Kinky has never rediscovered the form that made him such an exciting player in his time at Manchester City. Turkish champions, Galatasaray have expressed an interest and I wouldn't be surprised to see the player leave on a free as he is one of the highest earners at the club.

On-loan goalkeeper, Patrick Foletti who will be available on a free in the summer will have to wait a while longer before he knows whether he has a future at the club. Whilst three goalkeepers remain on the club books (Mart Poom, Andy Oakes and Lee Grant) there is no way that the club will add another wage earner. However ,if the management do decide to cash in on one of our prize assets, i.e., Poom, expect to see Foletti join the Pride Park ranks permanently.

The last home game of the season against Leeds last Saturday really isn't worth analysing. We were poor, the first half, felt like a testimonial, and it was only in the second half when youngsters, Ian Evatt and Adam Bolder were introduced that we played anything like the sort of football that we are capable of. Credit must go to the noisy corner of the stadium though for barracking Graeme Poll and in the process putting a smile on everyone's faces! Encouragement can be drawn from the performances of both Evatt and Bolder because I'm sure both will play a big part in the clubs attempts to get back into the Premiership next season.

Next Saturday sees the team say farewell to the Premiership with an away trip up to Sunderland and lets hope that JG uses this opportunity to further blood some of our promising youngsters. However, it is more than likely that a full strength side (minus the injured Ravenelli and Kinky, who has been sent home to "consider his future") will be selected, so as not to give an unfair advantage to Sunderland who along with Ipswich are fighting to avoid that final relegation spot.

Finally, to sign off this weeks column on a plus point, to date, 8,000 season tickets have been sold for next season, a good indicator that the fans will once more be 100% behind the team despite witnessing such a dismal season. Keep smiling Rams fans!

Cheers,

Chris Clarke

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By Chris Clarke, Derby fan, 26th April 2002
Are Derby on the verge of administration? - Let us know in the footieNews chat room

The inevitable has finally happened; we're down and must now face up to at least one season in Nationwide Division One. However, if that wasn't bad enough the financial state that the club finds itself in off the pitch could seriously hamper not only any chance that we have of a quick return to the Premiership but also our very existence!

If a report that appeared in yesterday's Sunday Times is to be believed the club is on the verge of administration following Saturday's confirmed relegation, which is estimated to cost the club in the region of £12million on top of the existing £27 million debt. Is it an East Midlands thing? Because the financial situation that we find ourselves in off the pitch is spookily similar to that of our hated rivals Nottingham Forest. The future really is uncertain, I'm trying to be positive but in all honestly there is no way we can expect to be challenging for promotion next season if John Gregory is forced to sell all our best players and is given next to nothing in return to fund replacements.

I think it is almost certain that the likes of Christie, Riggott, Higginbotham and Poom will have to leave the club, Ravenelli must also leave, as we simply cannot afford his £2.5 million annual salary. If Riggott and Higginbotham do leave then surely the club must recall Horacio Cabonari, as we will need him alongside Steve Elliot at the heart of our defence to fill the gaping hole that the departure of Higginbotham and Riggott will leave.

Surely we must also offer Daryl Powell a new contract as we won't have the money to find a replacement and I personally think his style of play is suited to the first division. I also think we seriously need to look for at least two new strikers. Newly promoted, Mansfield Town's 23-year old 28-goal striker, Chris Greenacre, must be worth a look as he is available on a free, is based in Derbyshire and I'm sure would jump at the chance of First Division football next season.  As mentioned before, Bristol City's prolific, Tony Thorpe should also be considered as he is also available on a free.

It's difficult to look forward to next season with any optimism however we have to look at the positives. We've got an excellent manager who has got the best interests of the club at heart, a super stadium, passionate fans and a number of promising young players who will be the future of Derby County, so get behind the lad's at home on Saturday against Leeds. Let's leave the Premiership with a bang not a whimper.

Cheers,

Chris Clarke

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By Chris Clarke, Derby fan, 17th April 2002
Should Derby sign Man City's Shaun Goater? - Let us know in the footieNews chat room

I could have sworn I saw a fat lady on the pitch following Saturday's 3-2 home reverse against a very lucky Newcastle side. Maybe it was a fat linesman, after all that would explain why he couldn't keep up with the play and gave the Geordies two goals that were clearly offside!

Although it is easy to blame the lineman for the latest result that will almost certainly see us plying our trade in the Nationwide next season it is not so easy to find a single person to blame for the disaster that has been season 2001/2002.

A number of factors have contributed to our season of woe. Having three managers in one season doesn't help, spending next to nothing in the summer apart from an inexplicably high salary for an ageing Italian was another factor. However, at the end of the day the players that we have brought into the club haven't been as good as the one's that we have allowed to leave and that is why we will get relegated. If you have ambitions to finish in the top half of the table you cannot afford to let your best players leave and replace them with inferior free transfers. The biggest fear for next season is that we will once again sell our best players for good money (I have to admit that in most cases we do receive a fair transfer fee) and then bank the money and allow next to nothing for team re-building.

If John Gregory is to get us back up he will need a decent percentage of any revenue that we receive from selling our best players, alternatively let him keep our best players. There are a few possible transfer targets that I personally feel could make the difference to us being a 'championship contender' rather than an 'also ran' next season. How about Nigel Winterburn at left back? He would be available on a free from West Ham and despite the fact that he is 37 you only have to look at the job that Stuart Pearce has done for Man City this season to see what experience can bring to a team.

Also I think City's Shaun Goater would be worth signing, he may not be Premiership quality but he has a proven track record in the First Division and could prove a good foil to Branko Strupar in attack. It is also worth noting the progress that young Adam Murray has made in his short time on loan at Mansfield. I think he has now scored seven in as many games from midfield. Granted the standard is much lower (well possibly not that much lower than the standard that we have played at for the majority of the season!) but surely he along with the other youngsters at the club must be worth a try out in the first team.

If I were JG I would use the remaining three games as preparation for next season as it is a good opportunity to give the likes of Richard Jackson, Adam Bolder and Ian Evatt a run out in the first team. For the record I think it is encouraging that JG is not afraid to criticise the way the club is being run (he recently claimed that the playing side needed a "bloody good shake-up"). The recent dismissals of chief scout, Bobby Roberts and goalkeeping coach, Jim Blyth, show's that he is determined to put things right and it is evident that something is not working otherwise why would we find ourselves in this position.

Stay positive and Roar on the Rams away at Anfield on Saturday (another easy three points then!).

Cheers,

Chris Clarke

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By Chris Clarke, Derby fan, 10th April 2002
Can Derby beat Newcastle on Saturday? - Let us know in the footieNews chat room

It was a beautiful day; not a cloud spoiled the sky with a crisp sea breeze shielding the heat from the brilliant sunshine, and a day to remind one that the seemingly never-ending winter is now over.... What a shame then that a dire football match had to spoil this tranquillity!

Southampton's new St.Mary's stadium is practically square! somewhat unusual for a modern football stadium, with the stands behind each goal almost as long as the sides! I was impressed but its not a patch on Pride Park. I would say that wouldn't I but the away supporters concourse looked like the inside of a prison, very dark with masses of concrete, liked the TV screens above each goal though shame there wasn't any Derby County highlights to view!

I have to say how impressive Southampton's park and ride was on Saturday. A pass was included with the match ticket, the car park was out of the city so you avoided traffic congestion and the bus dropped you off right outside the stadium. If only more clubs were to follow the example set by Southampton FC, well done, let's hope both Portsmouth and Brighton offer similar services next season!

We were dire once more and Warren Barton, to his credit, has publicly admitted this and apologised for the team's below par performance and so he should. I was once again amazed to see a certain Italian start the match in attack, he must have a clause in his contract that states that he shall start every match, there is no other explanation following his recent performances. If Fabrizio Ravenelli thinks he is going to stay at the club next season he's dreaming. There's the certain matter of his £2.5 million a year contract, we can't afford it in the Premiership let alone the Nationwide. However, more important is the fact that he has scored just 11 goals this season, if you're paying a striker £40k a week he's gotta earn it and that return is unacceptable.

The game was poor, we were poor and all but the most optimistic fans must now accept that we will be relegated. It's now time to start planning for next season and I believe John Gregory knows this, he has admitted that there will be a massive "shake-up" as the club prepares for life in Division One.

If newspaper reports are to be believed Italian side Perugia, Ravenelli's home town club, are keen to take the White Feather back to Italy, a move that would be welcomed by both the player and fans if the truth be told. I believe Daryl Powell will be the next to leave, the competitive midfielder is interesting former club, Portsmouth but I think a more likely destination would be Coventry City, whose assistant manager and former Rams manager, Jim Smith, is said to be keen to team up with Powell once more.

We have four games left in the Premiership and I guess that as long as it remains a mathematical possibility that we can stay up we must continue fighting. However if and when we are highlighted in green it would be a good opportunity to try out our young prospects. The likes of Adam Bolder, Steve Elliot, Lee Grant, Adam Murray and maybe even Marvin Robinson, one or more of which are likely to figure in the first eleven next season.

Saturday sees a somewhat out of sorts Newcastle side visit Pride Park and wouldn't is be poetic if we were to get a result, lets hope so anyway.

Roar on the Rams.

Cheers,

Chris Clarke

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By Chris Clarke, Derby fan, 2nd April 2002
Can Derby beat Southampton on Saturday? - Let us know in the footieNews chat room

Reality has finally kicked in and I have to admit that we're destined for Nationwide Division One next season and having witnessed yesterday's pitiful 1-0 home defeat to a very average Middlesbrough side nobody can argue that we deserve any better.

Saturday's 2-1 away defeat to Chelsea was hugely disappointing because we did look like getting something from the game following Strupar's 60th minute equaliser, (his third goal in two games) however we have once again paid dearly for defensive errors, uncharacteristic errors it has to be said. Following the home defeat to Everton, which we expected to win, we really did need to get something out of this game although it was always going to be difficult against a Chelsea side chasing a Champions League place. The Middlesbrough game on the other hand was a game that we were expected to win, a game that we should have won but a game that was lost because of another defensive error, this time by the normally reliable Chris Riggott.

However, the whole team must take the blame for this result, Branko Strupar and Fabrizio Ravenelli were ineffective in attack during the first half, something of a trait of Ravenelli's play in recent weeks. Malcolm Christie and Lee Morris faired little better in the second half although Morris could not be criticised for lack of effort. Having John Gregory as our manager is the only saving grace of a disastrous season and I would be much less positive about next season (yes, it is possible!) if he were not at the helm.

However, all Derby County fans have to face up to the fact that the current team will be ripped apart. For a club that is already £20-30 million in debt we simply cannot afford to keep hold of our best players with the reduced TV revenue that comes with relegation. I would expect to see the club recoup large transfer fees for the likes of Mart Poom, Christie and Riggott this summer and I would hope that Ravenelli is released, as he's not worth £40k a week in the Premiership let alone the Nationwide! Other likely departures this summer are Deon Burton and Daryl Powell who are both out of contract, Pierre Ducrouq, whose season long loan deal expires and Horacio Carbonari who is currently on loan at Coventry City and appears to be out of favour.

It's not all doom and gloom, we have got some good players who I think we can keep hold of. There's the potential for a good partnership in the centre of defence with Danny Higginbotham and Steve Elliot, Strupar can score goals in any league, Rob Lee, Warren Barton and Craig Burley will provide the necessary experience and Giorgio Kinkladze the flair. One area that I feel we will need to strengthen will be in attack, we need good quality, young strikers who can fire the goals that will take us back into the top flight of British football. What about the in form David Johnson, given Forest's dire financial state they'll probably let us take him off their hands for nowt! or maybe Brighton's Bobby Zamora. Money must be made available from any revenue that the club gains from selling players or maybe we should be allowed to keep the likes of Christie who I still feel can be a world class striker. Maybe its not all over yet, I guess stranger things have happened but this time I think the Ram has bolted!
Stay positive Rams fans and join me in cheering on the lads away at Southampton this Saturday.

Cheers,

Chris Clarke

Ends
 

By Chris Clarke, Derby fan, 26th March 2002
Can Derby beat Chelsea on Saturday? - Let us know in the footieNews chat room

Admittedly Saturday's home defeat to Everton was an exciting game but in our current position we can't afford to be exciting, if exciting means we end up with nothing from the game. This result was a must win, especially when you consider some of the teams we still have to play and it has left us with an up hill battle, a hell of a fight on our hands, a mountain to climb (all clichés apply!) if we are to stay up.

Bolton's surprise victory over Charlton hasn't helped our cause either although I guess it could have been made worse if Ipswich had managed to beat Villa. Our defending on Saturday was uncharacteristically poor, with the majority of mistakes being made by our wingbacks rather than the ever reliable central defensive pairing of Riggott and Higginbotham.

Fabrizio Ravenelli was once more disappointing; he seems to spend far too much time moaning at the officials when he should be fighting for the team. On current form you would have to say that he doesn't deserve a place in the starting eleven especially when you consider the exceptional super sub performance that Branko Strupar gave on Saturday. Surely if Malcolm Christie is fit to play next weekend then Strupar must partner him from the start with Ravenelli left on the bench.

Another baffling team selection on Saturday was the omission of Lee Morris from the starting eleven, he came on at the end of the first half to replace the injured Christie but we were already trailing 1-0 at that point. His influence in the second half was instrumental in the way we clawed our way back into the game and thus surely he must start against Chelsea.

I guess the fact that we managed to come back from trailing 4-1 to score two more goals and come so close to getting a point shows that this team has a lot of fighting spirit. No doubt we will need every ounce of this if we are to pull off 'The Great Escape' once more, however I for one still think we can do this, "hallelujah, I still believe!".

Roar on the Rams against Chelsea this Saturday.

Cheers,

Chris Clarke

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By Chris Clarke, Derby fan, 19th March 2002
Can Derby still beat the drop? - Let us know in the footieNews chat room

The Great Escape continues to be a very real possibility following Saturday's crunching away victory over a shell-shocked Bolton Wanderers side. The lads look to be full of confidence and are playing with a belief that they can stay up and see season 02/03 playing in their rightful place, the Premiership.

It was good to see Ravenelli back on the score sheet on Saturday, its been a while since the former Italian international scored and the goal will do his confidence a world or good. A bit of competition from the in form Malcolm Christie, in the top scorer stakes won't do Rav any harm either.

As much as I enjoyed Saturday's result (and performance) I now have to pray that we back up this result with a home victory against the rejuvenated Toffee men at Pride Park on Saturday. David Moyes has taken over at Goodison Park and as is often the case he got a win in his first game in charge, however I think we are a better team than Everton and a victory should be achievable.

John Gregory believes that we need four wins from our remaining eight games, I personally think we can beat Everton and Boro at home and get results away from home at Southampton and Sunderland. Who knows maybe we can course a shock or two by beating one of Leeds (H), Newcastle (H), Chelsea (A) or Liverpool (A) along the way too.

Whatever happens to us at the end of the season it is great to see so many of our players starting to live up to their reputations. A case in point is Danny Higginbotham who capped a man of the match winning performance on Saturday with his first goal for the club. He struggled to find form and a regular place in the first team following his £2 million Summer 2000 transfer to Pride Park, however his performances in the centre of defence alongside the ever impressive Chris Riggott so far this year have been a revelation. Malcolm Christie is also now starting to show the golden touch that we always knew he had.

Let's continue to prove the doubters wrong with a home victory over Everton this Saturday.

Roar on the Rams!

Cheers,

Chris Clarke

Ends


By Chris Clarke, Derby fan, 6th March 2002
Can Derby still beat the drop? - Let us know in the footieNews chat room

One point from a possible six doesn't sound too impressive I know, but when you consider the opposition we were playing against I guess we have to be satisfied.

Sunday's 2-2 draw against the champions was one hell of a game; I'm sure all the neutral's out there who watched the game on Sky would no doubt agree with me. However, I can't help but feel it was two points lost rather than one point gained. We were excellent in the first half, the attitude and commitment shown by our players was exemplary, particular praise must go to Andy Oakes in goal who made some exceptional saves, in all honesty we were unlucky to come in at half time drawing 1-1 after Paul Scholes 41st minute strike cancelled out Malcolm Christie's 8th minute opener.

In the second half we were outplayed, it wasn't the fact that we were poor, we just couldn't keep hold of the ball. Veron's strike looked to have won the points for United but to our credit we battled on and got the equaliser in the 77th minute through the impressive Christie.

We were in dreamland when the third went in during injury time however it was disallowed, whether this was the right decision will be the subject of much discussion in the pubs throughout Derby for weeks to come, even more so if we do go down.

However, the result and performance are still something to be proud of. For 71 minutes against championship challengers, Arsenal, on Tuesday night, we looked like gaining an equally valid point, however their class eventually told.

The two performances rather than the actual results are the most encouraging aspect of the past couple of days. We have proved that we are good enough to stay in this league, we have now go on to prove this in the nine remaining games, starting with Everton at home a week on Saturday.

Roar on the Rams!

Cheers,

Chris Clarke

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By Chris Clarke, Derby fan, 26th February 2002
Can Derby beat the drop? - Let us know in the footieNews chat room

It's always nice to put one over our East Midlands rivals, Leicester City, but when the result more or less relegates them it feels soooooo much better!

The game was far from a classic and I'm honest enough to admit that they were the better team in the first half (that's far from a compliment though I must add!). However, football is played over 90 mins (shock revelation!) not 45 and our clinical finishing paid dividends in the second half. Just like the return to form and fitness of Lee Morris, the return to the first team of Branko "Super" Strupar after an 11-month injury nightmare feels like signing a new player.

He took his goal very well and played well considering his relative lack of match fitness, maybe we can live without Alan Smith's goals after all Mr.Stretch! The only question now is who will partner him against ManYoo next Sunday, surely we can't leave Ravenelli on the bench and Christie although failing to score on Saturday was instrumental in two of the three goals, but I guess that's a nice decision for JG to have to make.

Patrick Foletti made an interesting Ram's debut in goal, particularly liked his headed clearance! No seriously he's got a big reputation and looks to be a good short term signing and the timing couldn't have been better following Andy Oakes first half injury, which luckily appears to be mild concussion only.

We have an extremely tough run of games coming up over the next few weeks. ManYoo at home on Sunday followed by Arsenal away midweek, Bolton away the following Saturday, Everton at home and Chelsea away, if we're being realistic getting anything from the games against ManYoo, Arsenal and Chelsea is going to be extremely difficult.

However, stranger things have happened and if we are going to escape the drop we will have to raise our game, we cannot look at the fixtures that we should get points from we have to get something from every game if we are to survive. New Ram's coach Mark Lillis claims that the mood within the squad at present is "different class" and this has definitely shown in the way we have been playing since JG took over the reigns. We still have a huge battle ahead of us to stay in the league but I honestly feel we have enough quality within the squad to prove the doubters wrong. Let's continue this trend against the Champions at Pride Park on Sunday.

Roar on the Rams!

Cheers,

Chris Clarke

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By Chris Clarke, Derby fan, 18th February 2002
Who's the Crystal Palace winger Chris is referring to? - Let us know in the footieNews chat room

It's a good job we didn't play this weekend as I've got enough to talk about on potential transfer targets alone!

Coventry's Republic of Ireland international, Gary Breen, is rumoured to be interesting Rams boss John Gregory as he did Jim Smith towards the beginning of the season. Breen is out of contract in the summer and has so far refused a new contract at Highfield Road, however I think it is unlikely that he will decide to ply his trade at Pride Park, whilst doubts remain regarding our Premiership future.

Ian Taylor also looks set to spurn John Gregory's advances, obviously he's getting paid too much to want to leave the comfort of the Villa Park subs bench!

However, a confirmed new signing at Pride Park is Ross MacLaren who is joining the club as assistant manager. MacLaren, a former team-mate of John Gregory's at Derby in the 1980's, worked alongside the Rams boss at Aston Villa and has joined the club on a six-month contract. It remains to be seen whether the combined influence of Gregory and MacLaren may persuade Villa star, Taylor, to make the move North up the A38!

There was a story in the national press recently that we were interested in Crystal Palace winger ___?___ Murphy, apologies, but I can't for the life of me remember what his first name is. Apparently he's an Aussie and we're willing to pay £1 million for him (but hey we've paid more money for players whose names I can't remember at all and they actually played for the club!).

Another, definite non-signing is Croatian international goalkeeper, Stipe Pletokosa. The Rams were interested in a £1.8 million move for the goalkeeper who will be representing his country at this summers World Cup, however, his Croatian club Hadjuk Split have now hiked up the players value to £3 million thus pricing the Rams out of any deal. It looks likely that Andy Oakes will continue between the sticks until Poom returns from injury.

So for the time being we are being linked to many players without actually concluding any deals, although I think the arrival of Ross MacLaren as assistant boss is a positive one. I would still like to see us sign a new striker to bolster our attack for the relegation run-in, Jon Macken continues to play well for Preston NE in the first division and I've always thought that Tony Thorpe of Bristol City is a natural goal scorer. He's out of contract in the summer and thus could be bought for a nominal fee now. This could be a good piece of low risk business, especially if he fired in the goals that lead to us staying up, just a thought.

Roar on the Rams at Leicester this Saturday.

Cheers,

Chris Clarke

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By Chris Clarke, Derby fan, 11th February 2002
Will Villa's Ian Taylor sign for the Rams? - Have your say in the footieNews chat room

Saturday's home defeat to Sunderland saw a return of the bad luck that has dogged our season to date. Again a number of "if only's" spring to mind, if only Luciano Zavagno's shot was 2 inches inside the cross bar, if only Mally was more alert and whacked home the rebound, if only Danny Higginbotham had played the offside trap, maybe Quinn's goal would have disallowed.

Apart from the final result the performance was very encouraging, Robert Lee made a solid if unspectacular debut and in general each player gave 100% effort. The atmosphere within Pride Park was again electric, however a couple of things really got to me. It was disappointing to hear jeering throughout the one-minute's silence for Princess Margaret from one moron within the East stand/North stand corner (the rest of that stand made their feelings towards him felt in no uncertain terms thereafter!). It was also sad to see a section of the crowd cheer (for the wrong reasons!) when Daryl Powell was substituted on 52 minutes. Ok, he's no Roy Keane but at least he gives his all week in week out, he doesn't deserve to be jeered by supposedly loyal Derby County fans.

If the latest rumour mill is to be believed, Aston Villa's Ian Taylor will be the next player to join John Gregory's Pride Park revolution, the fact that he played under Gregory for Villa and that his girlfriend comes from Nottingham adds further fuel to the fire. I do think the signing of Ian Taylor would be a positive one, granted, it would only be a short term signing but as with the signings of Barton and Lee, we need players who can adapt quickly to life in the Premiership and help us in this mammoth fight to stay in the league.

It was good to hear that Branko Strupar is back playing again for the reserves, his career at Derby County has been dogged by injuries but his goal scoring record in the games that he has played in is exceptional. We need his goals now more than ever and his return to the first team would be like the recent return of Lee Morris, i.e., like signing a new player.

We've got this weekend off so let's hope that the two week break gives our injured players (Carbonari, Poom, Burley and Strupar) the opportunity to get back to full fitness because their influence would surely make a big difference to the overall performance of the team.

So its Leicester away a week on Saturday and its always good to put one over our East Midlands rivals. Lets just say that Robbie Savage isn't the most popular player in the eyes of a number of Pride Park first teamers, so this relegation dog fight could have an added edge. In all honesty I think Leicester are down and out for the count, I'm more interested in Bolton, Blackburn and Middlesbrough's results, but boy would I love the lad's to wipe that stupid smile off Savage's face!

Roar on the Rams!

Cheers,

Chris Clarke

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By Chris Clarke, Derby fan, 4th February 2002
Will Rob Lee sign for the Rams? - Have your say in the footieNews chat room

Boy did we need Saturday's triumphant victory over the second team in North London!

John Gregory's influence could be seen all over the pitch and the new signing wearing the number 14 shirt was outstanding! Seriously, it was great to see Lee Morris get his first goal for the club, he hasn't had the best of times at Pride Park, having arrived for a big fee and with a big reputation, injuries and loss of form have dogged his Derby County career to date. Let's hope Saturday was an indicator as to what we can expect to see from the lad in the future - John Gregory for one appears to have him in his long-term plans for the club.

There were a number of very encouraging aspects to Saturday's 1-0 home victory over a Spurs side so obviously firing blanks. The team for once played like a team, each player giving 100% effort and in all honesty we should have scored more than the one goal, that said, we were hanging on a bit towards the end.

Warren Barton made a valid contribution to Saturday's result, his experience and leadership is just what our inexperienced defence was in need of and he looks like being a good signing for what was a 'nominal' fee.

Following John Gregory's appointment there was always going to be a flurry of transfer rumours flying around and the latest revolves around Warren Barton's former team mate at Newcastle, Robert Lee. Lee looks set to be surplus to requirements at St. James Park come the end of the season when his contract expires and may look to rectify his future now. As a short term fix I think the experience and influence of the former England international would be invaluable to our fight to stay in the league and for the player, the opportunity of regular first team action at 35 must be appealing.

Saturday was one of those rare things a perfect football weekend when all the results go your way, the football god's must have been looking down on us, how else could Leicester have managed to lose their home clash with Chelsea having been in a seemingly comfortable lead!

Next Saturday we need to capitalise on this encouraging result by putting back to back wins together. Sunderland are the visitors to Pride Park and their current form suggests that they could be a potential relegation rival as such another home victory is vital and judging by the effort, commitment and attitude shown by the players on Saturday, back to back victories are more than achievable.

The atmosphere at Pride Park on Saturday was electric, lets raise the roof again this coming Saturday and silence those noisy Mackems!

Cheers,

Chris Clarke

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By Chris Clarke, Derby fan, 30th January 2002
Can John Gregory save Derby from relegation? - Have your say in the footieNews chat room

So there's a new "boss" in town, I have to say I'm delighted that we've appointed John Gregory as our new manager, I think he's done a good job at Aston Villa when you take into account the players he has bought compared to the players that he has had to sell in his four year reign. The financial constraints placed on him at Derby will be greater than what he has experienced at Villa, lets just hope he's been brought in to keep the club up and not to prepare us for life in the nationwide.

At the press conference this afternoon John claimed that there is a certain amount of money available to him but like all managers he will have to wheel and deal, I don't think this is such a bad thing as its time that we got rid of the 'dead wood' from within our squad, too many players are simply drawing fat salaries and giving nothing back to the club, lets get rid of them and bring in players that are willing to fight for the club and put the pride back into Pride Park.

Right, back to my usual state of misery, it's now really getting to me, I know its only a game, "you're taking it too seriously" people cry, but at the end of the day it hurts. To see the team you've supported through thick and thin look so out of sorts and seemingly destined for relegation at the end of the season is a sobering thought indeed but hey while there are still games to be played, hope remains.

I think we were unlucky to get nothing out of Tuesday's away clash with Charlton Athletic, if only the wall had stayed together, if only? - now that's a phrase that's been overused this season! However, in all honestly I would have to question the tactics employed by Billy McEwan. At this point in the season we cannot afford to play for a draw, I know we've got an abysmal away record but surely we've got to play to win, draws will not keep us up.

Saturday sees the visit of Spurs to Pride Park and for reasons other than the obvious I really hope we send them scurrying back to North London with their tales between their legs. Let's hope youth and sheer determination will triumph against the experienced old timers, after all how lively can a 70 year old strike force be!

Its been a tough season so far but I honestly think that we've got the right man to steer us our of this mess, so lets get behind the lads this Saturday and welcome John Gregory for what I hope will be a very successful future for both him as a manager and for Derby County.

Cheers,

Chris Clarke

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By Chris Clarke, Derby fan, 21st January 2002
Who do you think should be the next Derby manager? - Have your say in the footieNews chat room

Saturday's home clash with Ipswich was arguably the most important match of this troubled season and the game summed up the inadequacies and bad luck that have dogged season 2001/2002. We were outplayed and never looked like winning the game and its anyone's guess as to the formation we played, at times I couldn't tell whether we were playing 3-5-2, 4-4-2 or 1-3-6! At one point Deon Burton was playing deeper than Daryl Powell, occupying the left wing back position and he's supposed to be a striker!

Another disappointing aspect of Saturday's performance was the lack of bottle shown by a number of first teamer's including a certain Italian superstar on a reported £42k a week! We all know that he's missed two penalties this season, but taking Stuart Pearce as an example, the only way to put that world cup miss behind him was to take another at Euro 96 and boy did he and the nation enjoy it when he smashed it into the net!

Ram's fans would obviously have been disappointed if Ravenelli had missed but they certainly would have had more respect for him, we need players with big hearts and as captain and most senior squad member he should have lead by example and put his fears to one side. The less said about Deon's penalty effort the better!

I have the greatest respect for Billy McEwan but he isn't the answer to the crisis that we find ourselves in, we need a disciplined and experienced manager and a serious injection of cash. However, I would hope that whomever the board decides to appoint will keep Billy at the club in some capacity as his experience of the club and players will be vital if the new man is to turn things around with immediate effect.

Pride Park was totally lacking in atmosphere on Saturday; indeed the only noise from the home fans came with a chorus of "sack the board". We as fans need to play our part and get behind the team regardless of our precarious position whilst the board needs to get the right man in (for the record I think Ronnie Moore is worth serious consideration) if we are to live to fight another top flight season. Its time that Derby County started playing with pride again, we were once a great team that others feared playing, Pride Park needs to become a fortress like the beloved Baseball Ground once was. Our fans deserve to watch a team that plays football with the sort of commitment and determination that typified the legendary Ram's teams of the 70's.

Come on Derby; let's make things better (to quote a Dutch electronics giant!)

Cheers,

Chris Clarke

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By Chris Clarke, Derby fan, 15th January 2002
Who do you think should be the next Derby manager? - Have your say in the footieNews chat room

So the tabloids were right about one thing, Colin Todd's premature departure, let's just hope that the Ravenelli for manager side of the story was as accurate as the vast majority of their predictions.

Don't get me wrong I think Fab is possibly one of our best ever signings but we don't want to go down the Crystal Palace route (remember that dynamite management duo of Lombardo and Brolin!) and appoint a manager simply because he is popular with the fans. Ravenelli is a superb player and has been one of very few shining lights this season but he has no management experience and he has at least two good seasons left as a top-flight player, so lets put an end to this talk.

I feel the god's were against Todd right from day one, he took over the managerial reigns under a black cloud, with many fans believing that he had stabbed Jim Smith in the back and then consistently ignored fans favourite Kinkladze, at a time when we were struggling for goals. The home defeat to Bristol Rovers and the shock omission of Carbonari from Saturday's squad were to be the final nails in his managerial coffin.

Colin Todd was an exceptional player for Derby County and Rams fans must not forget this but his managerial record of 11 loses from 17 simply wasn't good enough and he had to go. At least now we have a chance of putting things right, we still have a fighting chance of staying in this league.

Personally I would like to see a strong character with vast experience in the game to take over the hot seat, George Graham, Joe Kinnear and Brian Little all spring to mind. Also we could do a lot worse than have Nigel Clough as our number two, he's not ready for top flight management yet but his time at Burton Albion will hold him in good stead for the rest of his managerial career.

Whatever decision is made it needs to come from the head and not from the heart. It was great to see the Bald Eagle back in football last weekend and I wish him well in his time at Coventry and judging by the way Studger ripped them apart on Sunday he's gonna need it!

Watching the Wolves v Coventry game made me think, would we find ourselves in this mess if we still had the trio in action that afternoon (Jim Smith, Dean Sturridge & Lee Carsley) at the club? Maybe there's a lesson to be learnt there Mr Pickering and Mr Loring!

Another thing, if we do go down, I feel we would be foolish to let Daryl Powell go, he gets a lot of stuck but he's the sort of battling player that's not afraid to get stuck in. Lets hope we can keep him at the club, preferably in the Premiership!

Get behind Billy Mac and roar on those Rams this Saturday. Lets send the tractor boy's home with a flat tyre!

Cheers,

Chris Clarke

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By Chris Clarke, Derby fan, 7th January 2002
Can Derby avoid relegation? - Have your say in the footieNews chat room

Just when you thought things couldn't possibly get any worse...they do and you find yourself dumped out of the F.A Cup after a 3-1 home defeat to a team from the lower echelons of the third division!

In all honestly we should have known better as the annual third round exit has become something of a Derby County tradition and to be fair Bristol Rovers more than deserved their victory. The alarm bells were ringing as soon as I heard Colin Todd utter those immortal words "just go out there and have fun lads", you knew straight away that the team were not going to be 100% up for this game.

Although its possibly a good thing that we're out of the cup as we can now concentrate on staying in the league, its does mean that our confidence is going to be rock bottom for the Midlands derby against Villa this coming Saturday. The relegation battle in the Premiership is hotting up and as expected Ipswich are starting to pick up results. I always knew that it would only be a matter of time before they started to rediscover the form that took them to into Europe last season, consequently we can no longer rely on poor results from our relegation rivals to keep us in this league. It is imperative that we realise that unless we start performing consistently week in week out then we will be playing first division football next season.

Benito Carbone's long winded transfer to Pride Park looks to have taken another twist, Bradford City appear to have moved the goalposts once more and a potential free transfer now looks like costing us £2 million! In all honesty as much as I like the player I don't think his contribution of just one goal in three months is good enough for a team in our current state. We already have Kinkladze who can play in the withdrawn position behind the two strikers and I think Colin Todd would do better to find us another striker who may be able to score the goals that are going to keep us in this league. I would like to see us gamble on a young British player from the lower leagues, what price young Nathan Ellington? At least he knows how to score a hatrick at Pride Park!

Make sure ewe roar on the Ram's once again this Saturday against the Villains!

Cheers,

Chris Clarke

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