Could Derby cash in on Will Hughes?

Whats happened? In short, Derby’s reigning player of the year currently finds himself as the fourth choice central midfielder behind Bradley Johnson, Craig Bryson and Jacob Butterfield. Hughes lost his place towards the end of Steve McClaren’s reign and under new boss Gary Rowett hasn’t started a game yet. Why? Hughes’ form hasn’t quite reached the levels of previous seasons but he still remains one of the best players at the club. Rowett has sacrificed possession for structure and defensive discipline since he arrived at the club which doesn’t play… Read More

April 10, 2017 - Joel Clyne

Podcast Six

Reaction to the draw away to Nottingham Forest, the sacking of Steve McClaren, the hiring of Gary Rowett and what changes are ahead in the… Listen Now

March 19, 2017 - Joel Clyne

Supporters Charter Meeting

As some of you will be aware, during the early part of this season the club got in touch with various fan groups to invite them to a meeting with members of the clubs board and executive staff. The idea was to help keep fans informed about the goings on at the club and for us to help with any issues that have arose and to help give our opinions as supporters. Myself and other members of the supporters groups were invited to this meeting a fortnight ago. Mel Morris,… Read More

March 14, 2017 - Joel Clyne

A few thoughts: Gary Rowett

As soon as news broke that Steve McClaren had been sacked for a second time by Derby County, it became clear that Gary Rowett would be the next man to take charge at Pride Park. In doing so, Rowett will have broken the odd sequence in which his predecessors have all gone by the first name of Paul, Nigel, and Steve. Twice over. Derby have moved quickly for Rowett, perhaps worried that they’ll miss the boat for a manager who’s reputation is high within the game after his harsh dismissal… Read More

March 13, 2017 - Joel Clyne

A few thoughts: McClaren sacked

I am not a fan who encourages the hiring and firing culture that the club seems to have embedded itself in but the sacking of Steve McClaren was the right decision. Nigel Pearson’s appointment was an abomination and McClaren was hired on the back of that to halt Derby’s slide towards the relegation zone. He did that, brilliantly, with a run of nine wins from his opening 12 matches and the club briefly flirted with the play-offs. Since the turn of the year form and performance levels have been abysmal.… Read More

March 12, 2017 - Joel Clyne

Promotion in 12 months: Does the Derby squad get it, want it, have the capability to do it?

Why some may argue what Mel Morris meant when he said “The Derby Way”, I think I’ve boiled it down to a simple 14-word sentence – “To play attacking and exciting football that achieves promotion in the next 12 months”. With this goal in mind, I set about analysing the Derby players individually and asked myself three questions: Do they get what we’re trying to achieve? Do they want to achieve the goal? Have they got the capability to do it? Why? Well a strong mentality and clear focus of… Read More

March 11, 2017 - Robbie Jones

Looking forward

Two points from a very winnable nine effectively ended any hope of a play off finish this season. Whilst, mathematically, it’s still achievable, the likelihood of it actually happening are relatively slim given the ten point gap and the number of teams between Derby and that elusive sixth place finish. It’s disappointing to be writing a season off in February but really, that’s where we are and the remainder of the campaign should be used to build for the following season. This is a topic which has become tedious and… Read More

February 23, 2017 - Joel Clyne

Podcast 5

Listen to “Podcast 5” on Spreaker. LEEDS! LEEDS! LEEDS! Leeds, McClaren, January, summer foundations, Hughes and Martin. Fill your boots.

January 15, 2017 - Joel Clyne

A few thoughts: McClaren

Nothing in football surprises you. You’ll hear that a lot over the next few days. Yet 17 months after being sacked, Steve McClaren has returned to Derby County. After news of Nigel Pearson’s suspension broke, McClaren’s name was mentioned and my initial reaction was, “surely not” (or words to that affect). Then as the days and games went by it seemed nailed on that Chris Powell would take the job, at least until the end of the season, a move which would have been welcomed by the players. It’s safe… Read More

October 12, 2016 - Joel Clyne

Podcast Four

After a quiet week we talk about everything other than the football. Pearson, Powell, managers, identity, systems, communication and more. Have a listen.

October 02, 2016 - Joel Clyne
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