How does the Class of 2014/15 compare with the last Rams team to secure automatic promotion in 1995/96. My thoughts on the best starting 11 from the combined teams is below - i have used a 4-4-2 format and tried to fit players into that position but appreciate not all are in a perfect fit....(am sure you will let me know if I've made any mistakes).
Goalkeeper - Hoult vs Grant - Before Russell Hoult became Russell (at) Fault he was a decent Championship keeper and made some key saves to keep us in the promotion race - Grimsby away springs to mind. Granty has been one of the star performers this season and gets my vote for Goalkeeper (Lee Grant).
Right Back - Rowett Vs Christie - Both up and coming defenders looking to prove themselves. I would go with Rowett as being the more solid of the defenders. I think Rowett may have actually played centre half at times as well.
Centre backs - Stimac & Yates Vs Keogh & Bucko/Shotton - no comparision and brings a real sense of realism as to the quality of our current defence - Stimac & Yates
Left Back - Boden/Powell (Jan 96) Vs Forsyth - Boden was very unlucky with a serious knee injury which ended his career. Chris Powell was a fantastic signing and Mr Consistency...just a shame he didnt stay with us longer. Forsyth was the most improved player last season with his attacking runs bringing a whole new dimension to our play...unfortunately he has failed to bring this form into this season and lacks confidence. I am hopefull SMc can help him rediscover his form. For me it will be Powell all the way. Left Back: Powell:
Left side of Midfield: Ron Willems Vs Ibe/Dawkins - Appreciate Willems often played just behind the main striker but have shown him in this position here (but appreciate people may have a different view). Anyway Willems was a fantastic signing by Jim Smith and his inventive craftsmanship and ability to score a vital goal (Huddersfield away on boxing day) more than made up for his lack of pace. Ibe shows glimpses of brilliance but is still developing whereas Dawkins is consistently inconsistent. In terms of the value brought to the team I would go with Willems. Left Side of Midfield: Willems.
Right side of midfield: Lee Carsley Vs Johnny Russell/Ward: The Original Mr Square boots Lee Carsley developed into a fantastic professional and was a lynchpin in Everton's side for many years.When he was at Derby he was still developing and therefore we didnt see his full potential in 1995/96. Johnny Russell has been fantastic for us this season with his infectious attitude, tireless running and goal scoring record and he gets my vote. Jamie Ward had a really good start to the season and offered a goal scoring threat but is shaded by Russell in my mind:
Centre of Midfield: Van Der Laan & Powell Vs Bryson/Hughes/Hendrick and Mascerall - The engine room of the team where so many battles are won or lost! Whilst Van Der Laan and Powell had limitations in terms of skill, they covered almost every inch of the ground (especially at the BBG) and offered the defence so much protection plus a goalscoring threat. Bryson hasnt got back to the same standard as last season (if he did he would be the first name on my teamsheet) and Mascerall has shown glimpses of his ability but struggles to make an impact against physical teams. Hendrick hasnt reached the high standards he set last seaon and Hughes has been amazing at times but no always able to influence games - -not helped by constant changes (ie he was anonymous on Saturday when he came on).This is a tough choice and will be controversial but Im going for Van Der Laan for his goals and midfield presence and Hughes for his creativity.
Strikers - the pool of strikers at our availability include Gabbiadini, Sturridge, Ward (for a short period), Martin, Best (!) - I think this is a relatively easy pick by going with the goal scorers -Sturridge & Martin
Manager: Bald Eagle Vs SMc - both very good managers who are "Derby" people (even if they werent born here) I would go with the Bald Eagle as Manager on the basis of his wealth of experience.
In summary:
Goalkeeper: Grant
Defence: Rowett, Stimach, Yates, Powell
Midfield: Russell, Van Der Laan, Hughes, Willems
Strikers: Sturridge & Martin
Manager: Jim Smith.
Worryingly there are only 4 current players in that side. Thoughts??
How do we compare to the Class of 95/96?
posted on 23/12/14
RampsRam - A fully fit George Thorne playing as well as he did last season would definetely be a first choice for me and replace Van Der Laan (although we would miss VDL's leadership qualities). However, I omitted GT from the team as he's not played this season but (hopefully!!) will do early 2015.
posted on 23/12/14
For 666
#twattery will get you nowhere.
posted on 23/12/14
The Baseball Ground was a perfect fit for Van der Laan. Very small pitch (2nd smallest in the whole football league at the time) and very dodgy surface. Ipro Stadium is a whole new level and i don't think Van der Laan gets anywhere near this Derby midfield.
posted on 23/12/14
Flynn made 46 appearances that season, hardly the record of a squad player. He continued in the first team in the top division. I remember seeing him score the winner at Ewood Park early on in the season. Van der Laan didn't play early on and was loaned out for a couple of months, I think to Wolves if memory serves. We had signed Asanovic after all. He did play some games in the second half of the season but in his entire Derby career he only played 50-60 games, the great majority of which were in the promotion year, so I think it's fair to say that he only featured to any great extent in that one season.
posted on 23/12/14
Boulton
Webster: McFarland: Todd (Colin!): Nish:
Thorne:
Durban: Hughes: Gemmill:
George: Hector:
Sorry I couldn't resist!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
posted on 23/12/14
Surprised you included Gordon Hughes in that team VC10. Thought Billy Hodgson was better.
posted on 23/12/14
comment by I'm not Spartacus. It is would've not would of. (U4603)
posted 3 hours ago
Surprised you included Gordon Hughes in that team VC10. Thought Billy Hodgson was better.
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I thought of that when I,d posted. But I thought no one on the site was old enough to remember Charlie and Billy!
posted on 24/12/14
Really VC, ill have you know Spart was on a zimmerframe when those boys where in their prime.
He remembers loads and more.
More confined to bed now though.
Troll.
Only messing #spartorramdinipoty2014.
too lazy to find upper! whatever you call it.
Happy Christmas you Rams & 606 frends.
posted on 24/12/14
This is a pretty pointless comparison, because your current team is only mid table at best. I will be surprised if you are in the top six by the end of February!
posted on 24/12/14
May be Red Forest Bear, may be but I could give you 5 reasons why we will finish above forest!