After joining JA606 yesterday (thanks for the welcome) and having had time to think about yesterday here are my thoughts for what they are worth in no particular order.
We need to find out ways of dealing with teams that park the bus.
We need to practice corners.
I'm sure we'll do a West Brom or Leicester next season.
I really don't care what Forest do, the only results of theirs that matter to me are when we play them.
Subs have generally been spot on with McClaren (especially when compared to Cloughs) but in hindsight wrong players at wrong times yesterday.
When Russell got tripped for the sending off why didn't the team then realise that running directly at them caused problems. Far too much time passing the ball around on the edge of the area giving them time to organise their defence. No one prepared to risk a long range shot or just go at them.
I hope and pray we can keep Bryson, Hendrick and Hughes. I'm resigned to the fact that Thorne will go back but in McClaren we have a manager who will be able to attract quality loan signings from the Prem.
Lastly, I have a confession, I think it may have been my fault yesterday. I have seen Derby at Wembley 3 times. Anglo-Italian Cup and play offs v Leicester and QPR. I have never seen a Derby win at Wembley so think I must be a bad luck omen. I missed 2007 because I was on holiday so if we end up there again I'll gladly accept donations to send me on holiday again whilst the rest of you enjoy a win at Wembley!!!!
Looking forward to joining the debates now I've signed up.
24 Hours Later
posted on 26/5/14
I've only just made it back to Liverpool from London. Absolutely gut wrenching, obviously I'm as biased as they come but I can't see any way we deserved to lose that game.
Not sure I'll ever be over it, it was a long journey home.
Immensely proud of the team and the management and I am certain we'll be up there challenging again next season. This group of players have got fantastic character and won't crumble like Sheffield United a few years ago and Watford last year. They'll be back next season, and I'll be there all over again.
You Rams
posted on 26/5/14
Also with regards to players for next season.
I could live without Bamford - disappears sometimes and although he has scored some important goals, who's to say another player on the pitch wouldn't have scored/created goals when he has been anonymous in games?
Wisdom has been an ever-present since Mac came in this season, and in all fairness has been very, very good. However, I disagree that he's Johnson's successor. Apart from the fact that Wisdom is a solid full back who doesn't have a tendency to rove forward a la Johnson, Wisdom can actually defend, and Liverpool already have a young right back playing regularly at PL level in Flanagan (who is actually a right-back filling in for them at left back)
Thorne would be the biggest loss, but I disagree that our season has been built on his quality. Up until the last 7 or 8 games he was struggling to break into the first team with Eustace playing very well. However, if the rumours are at all true I'd be over the moon to keep him.
Forest fans, we're all hurting now but you really must try harder, this is the best chance you've had to WUM us since September and frankly, you've been disappointing!
The clown from Wolves on this thread made a better job of it and I'm not even sure he/she knows his/her left from his/her right.
posted on 26/5/14
I'm so gutted that we didn't win on Saturday - I haven't been able to watch tv, listen to the radio or read a paper since, it was such a cruel way to lose.
That sad, I've never been prouder to be a Ram. The way the team acted in defeat was second to none - complimentary of our opponents and we stood there like men applauding when 99% of over-paid prima donna's would have slinked away.
As for next season, I am cautiously optimistic *but* a lot of hard work needs to be done. We need to retain or replace George Thorne and Andre Widsom as well as keeping hold of our key players. We could also do with an extra striker and centre back.
I'm on the fence about Will Hughes tbh - the potential is there but if a good offer comes in I'm sell and reinvest. He hasn't progressed enough for me this season and he looks like he's a couple of stone light, far to many times he gets knocked to the ground and moans. Bulk up or sell him is my opinion.
posted on 26/5/14
TBF I expect wolves to get play offs minimuk sakho and jacobs would get into our first team, maybe their CB danny bath, but thats it IMO
posted on 26/5/14
Can't speak for the others but Jacobs didn't get in our first team did he?
that's why he is at wolves. Did like him though I'll admit
posted on 26/5/14
comment by Pundit /\_/\ (U16869)
posted 15 hours, 6 minutes ago
We already know people in Derby have bad judgement, we now have Michael Jacobs, who is better than your wingers.
Derby don't play with wingers, no place for them in a 4,3,3 but you'll know that judging by your footballing prowess
posted on 26/5/14
Andre Wisdom on Twitter:
"Would like to thank Derby for everything these past 7 months, I appreciate what the club has done for me also the staff and fans, loved every minute, the support you have shown me, but would like to say thanks to the players, what a great bunch of men they are. Gained some good friends, all the best next season, nuff love x"
What do we think then, have we seen the last of him in a Derby shirt? Certainly doesn't sound like he thinks he'll be back next season.
posted on 26/5/14
He can't say other, can he?
He's at the end of the short-term deal and is going back, so the sensible thing to do is say thanks, great bunch/set-up/fans etc to keep the door open and see what happens.
No promises made, no bridges burned, all options still wide open.
posted on 26/5/14
Wish us well for next season would suggest to me that he won't be here come then, he could have said thanks to the fans and players made some great friends and loved my time here, I guess it's open to interpretation though.
Either way he's been key for us this season, wish him all the best wherever he is next.
posted on 26/5/14
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