Very interesting article on the Derby Evening Telegraph website today with regards to Nigel Clough and 'a new contract' (im not very good at posting links but hopefully this works - http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Time-swift-end-Clough-contract-issue-long-term/story-13411419-detail/story.html )
Personally, there where times last year when I really did believe a change was needed. Watching some of the drab became 'painful'.
However, I am not getting carried away with this season yet, a great start to the campaign has however highlighted the fact that we do seem to have moved onto another level. The signals coming from the club are very positive in terms of team spirit and work ethic, but this is what you always expect from a team in form. After the start we have had this season, it will really take something dramatic for the club to not progress.
This really brings me onto the article from the DET, and it really only then hit home about what he has so far achieved:
'He has cut the wage bill, reduced the size of what was a top-heavy, under-achieving squad and also lowered the average age of the team.'
'The squad needed to be reshaped and that takes time, given the constraints posed by transfer windows.'
'He has worked with a tight budget and his net spend is minimal but Derby have remained in the division when other clubs of significant size like Leeds United, Leicester City, Nottingham Forest, Norwich City, Southampton and both Sheffield clubs have not.'
'Clough has so far delivered what has been asked of him in testing circumstances'
I think in summary, that says it all really. So on that basis, I want his contract sorted, and sorted now!
Clough
posted on 30/9/11
I was.
What makes you want to invent a split between NC and GSE. As far as I can tell they've been singing from the same hymn sheet since he joined Derby County.
He has succeeded extremely well in the aim of rebuilding the team under very prudent financial restraint. The Board would be mad to let that success dribble into the sand.
I hope they get his new contract sorted as quickly as possible.
posted on 30/9/11
Yeah I hope it's sorted soon too
posted on 30/9/11
Singing from the same hymn sheet, I don't think so.
If you think GSE care about Derby county then think again. GSE are a business, end of. They will sell at a profit, they have no emotional attachment at all. Nigel has, of course. He only has to look at the statue of his dead dad outside his office to be reminded of his commitment to the club.
Nigel had £2m taken away from his budget for players this season. Nigel has never said we will finish in the top six. Nigel has said he wants a creative midfielder and striker. Tom has promised it and not delivered. Nigel has never lied to us.
posted on 30/9/11
the good thing about this squad is unlike last year, it does not relay on one very unreliable player to drive it forward.
However, still long way to do go and enough youngster to mean we cannot be over confident.
As for split between Clough and GSE, well not sure why would have one, when Clough has done exactly what they signed him to do and been loyal to them, but football a strange business, so who knows.
posted on 30/9/11
I was. I never said GSE were interetsed in anything other than making a profit from their involvement with DCFC. In fact I have said they are only interested in a profit several times. How could it be otherwise?
But to make a profit they have to take Derby to the Premier League. Nothing else will do. So - in that regard the interests of GSE and the loyal fans co-incide. My advice is enjoy the ride and support Nigel to take us there. And hopefully stay up for a number of years. GSE will then sell and our future will be up in the air again.
Meanwhile Nigel is great and we will see some interesting times.
posted on 30/9/11
During our various bad spells under Clough the wise Capn Bob often said that, rather than judging him good or bad mid-term, it would be reasonable to assess his tenure at the end of his 3-year contract, and decide what the way forward should be.
This still seems sensible to me. I agree there are extremely encouraging signs on many levels but a season lasts a long time. If we maintain anything like our present level of performance there can be no argument. It's very unlikely that Clough will jump or be poached before the end of his contract, so why not wait? From Clough's point of view it can only strengthen his hand in negotiating for himself, his staff and the future size of his budget if the team continues to do well. From GSE's point of view, why not wait and see in case it all goes belly-up like last season?
Already, Clough's period in charge has been a fascinating one in our history, and one which it is still difficult to assess or to predict how it may evolve in the future. Like Randini says, enjoy the ride!
posted on 30/9/11
Can't agree Ram.
Yes they have the same goal as in the Prem but GSE are a busted flush and will only get there by fluke.
Nigel has said that this team is over achieving and I agree with him. Promotion would be unbelievable.
GSE can't get us to where we belong so they need to leave now and take the hit on profit.
No chance of that happening so we have to live with the bull poo and enjoy the ride NIGEL is taking us on.
posted on 1/10/11
vidal....
I agree in what you are saying. Football is a very funny game indeed, so the waiting game is always very risky no matter what the circumstances are, or who is involved.
Yes, we have had a bright start to the season, but without getting carried away, we are a completely different 'gravy' to the team we had last year or the year before.
My argument is that Clough has done everything that has been expected of him, on a lesser budget than what he has been promised.
We had a torrid time when we come out of the premiership, and lets not forget how he has 'steadied' the ship, when many 'big' clubs had fell straight through the trap door into division 1 with larger budgets.
For me, the last 3 years could have been one of the most testing times in our history, and I might get slated for saying this, but in my oppinion, if it wasnt for Clough, we could have easily done a Leeds, Sheffield Wednesday, Notts Florist (giggle), Southampton.
So come on GSE....... Give the man his reward !!
posted on 1/10/11
Cheers Vidal, appreciated
Though I admit to having doubts, I still thought giving NC his entire contract and then judging him seemed the best option. He is obviously trying to restructure the club and Hendrick & O'Brien are products of the Academy which takes time to nurture and yield results.
I agree with your sensible post as well , things can change, so the club can afford to wait - despite silly tabloid gossip - and perhaps a new deal/contract offer has been agreed verbally in principle.
If we can finish the season as we've started it, this will only strengthen the manager's hand regarding other issues. For GSE, a three year contract including renewing those of Clough's backroom team, means a substantial financial commitment (the huge cost of compensating Billy Davies' staff), so perhaps they're seeing how the season enfolds.
But based on other factors, such as the circumstances NC has had to work under, then I think he is deserving. Now hopefully further results/performances on the pitch will confirm another deal. It would be a shame after a lot of difficulty/disappointment, which he has shared in as well (Crawley, Cywka-gate) that Clough does not benefit from the ground-work he and his team have put in place.
posted on 1/10/11
"....For me, the last 3 years could have been one of the most testing times in our history, and I might get slated for saying this, but in my oppinion, if it wasnt for Clough, we could have easily done a Leeds, Sheffield Wednesday, Notts Florist (giggle), Southampton...."
You won't get slated by me Ramadan, I've been saying it since day one. You can add Man City and Newcastle to the list of teams that went freefall into League 1.