Derby County 1 - 0 Middlesbrough

That was a tactical masterclass by Warne today. He’s a very good defensive coach. Boro had attacking players much better than our own but our set-up nullified their biggest threat by restricting the space at the edge of our box where they were most dangerous. We allowed the ball to be played wide, believing we could handle crosses and trusting the full backs to do their jobs assisted by Jackson and NML. It worked a treat and though we were pummelled at times they were largely restricted to long shots.

I was one of those who wanted Fozzy in at full back but I thought Elder was tremendous - concentration and positioning were perfect. The defence were all excellent though both individually and as a unit. Psychologically it feels like an important win for team and fans. That sort of rearguard approach won’t work every week but it shows we can compete against the stronger teams. We still need some better players if we are to hope to go toe to toe against opponents, as Warne put it, on a regular basis.

A very encouraging win. Well done Mr Warne.

Back up to 12th! It’s been a roller coaster weekend!

Darren Robinson loaned out for 6 months to Monkey Hangers FC. With him and Fornah out maybe that indicates a new midfielder is imminent.

Vickers or Zetterström for the Watford game?

Vickers deserves to keep the position imo with Zetterström to make his debut against Barrow.

Yes it would be cruel to drop Vickers immediately after a good display.

Interesting comments from Warne in DET about recruitment. He talks of having to make presentations to players, their representatives and the clubs from which he hopes to borrow players. He has to explain how he thinks the player will benefit from a loan and the qualities the player will come back with to his parent club.

All of this escapes the notice of fans like me who assume it is simply a question of a phone call. For one unnamed player, Warne says there were 11 suitors and we are now one of the final four.

I think he is honest with potential signings about their roles and how much game time they will get. Maybe we miss out on some who instead go to clubs who lie to them but it must be the better approach. When you read of the comical antics of the likes of Raheem Sterling you realise how prevalent this sort of attitude must be inside the game. We don’t need these sorts of disruptive egos in the dressing room when we are scrapping for every point.

You are right, I wouldn't have Sterling at the club. I would take Cole Palmer though and Chilwell maybe. I wouldn't have Fernandez either, bloody racist.

Swedish players certainly seem to be focus based on the latest transfer rumours. We've been linked with Celtic's out of favour defender Gustaf Lagerbielke.

A Swedish international with 3 caps, he managed a total of 7 games in the Scottish Premier League during the 2023/2024 season. Like his country man for Derby (Jacob Widell Zetterström) he's a big presence at 6ft 4 which would indicate that PW is looking to add some serious aerial presence.

We're competing with a dutch club in the top division for his signing,they may well be able to offer him European football. Wonder if the appeal of playing alongside an International colleague would appeal to come to us instead?

A Henrik Larrson type next?

Yes, very interesting insights from PW.

Unfortunately DCFC is not the draw of yore as evidenced by Jebbison going on loan to Watford. If we assume we were indeed interested then why choose W over us? Because right now they are in a better position (or seem to be) financially and stage-of-development-wise?

Players must be aware that we are no longer cash-splashers. So PW has to try all sorts of different persuasive tactics. (Or look abroad.)

Who'd be a manager!?

comment by Chicagoram (U22653)
posted 19 minutes ago
Yes, very interesting insights from PW.

Unfortunately DCFC is not the draw of yore as evidenced by Jebbison going on loan to Watford. If we assume we were indeed interested then why choose W over us? Because right now they are in a better position (or seem to be) financially and stage-of-development-wise?

Players must be aware that we are no longer cash-splashers. So PW has to try all sorts of different persuasive tactics. (Or look abroad.)

Who'd be a manager!?

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Richard Keogh ? 🤔

I often get Swedes mixed up with Turnips.

Heb can you tell me which go in neeps please?