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Be Very Afraid, The Rams Are on a Roll - Notes for Derby
Friday, 6th May 2016 11:00 by HarryFromBath

HarryfromBath assesses the mood in the opposition camp ahead of Saturday’s final game of the season against the Rams by delving into their forums.

“Derby County is a very happy ship”, “We are on a roll with all cylinders firing”, “We are unbeaten in six games and we go into the final league game and the Hull play-offs full of confidence”, “Nothing to fear in the play-offs”, “We have a proper football team”, “Let joy be unconfined. Fear no one.”

“A fine time to start gaining momentum.” Derby go into Saturday’s game with confidence high having consolidated a play-off place with a strong run-in to their league campaign. A four-game winning run has been followed by draws against promotion rivals Sheffield Wednesday and Brighton.

“Bring on the play-offs. In this mood we can outscore anyone. We are really creating and defences are struggling to cope”, “I came away from our draw at Brighton on Monday believing if we play like that over the three games of the play-offs, we can beat anyone”, “We look like our old selves again.”

“So, Hull it is for our play-off draw.” The Rams will play Steve Bruce’s side in a play-off semi-final and the only issue to be addressed is the venue for each game. Derby have already beaten Hull twice this season including a 4-0 home win at the start of April. Wembley is within touching distance for many fans.

“Bizarrely, we have been more dominant over Hull than over any other team”, “I have to say I am more relaxed about this play-off than last time. Hull are a good side but are going through an end of season wobble”, “This group of players are capable of going out and ripping any of the others apart.”

Darren Wassall and Harry Redknapp

“It is becoming obvious that Wassall is a lot better than we thought”, “I am eating humble pie. I criticised his appointment but clearly know nothing”, “Getting us into the play-offs has been an outstanding achievement given the situation he came into with our poor form and performances.”

“A Derby man through and through.” The former youth coach was appointed as head coach after Paul Clement was sacked in February. He is working with Harry Redknapp who was appointed as a football advisor. “Wassall and ‘Arry have made an impressive partnership and I hope it continues.”

“Clement’s approach was to win and not worry whether it is worth watching”, “We are now playing with more spirit and I am enjoying watching it again”, “I love what Wassall has done in the short term. He has got me hooked again and the style of football has been a complete pleasure to watch.”

“One thing I have noticed since Harry has come in is how we are getting the ball to Chris Martin up front quicker”, “Redknapp has been brought in to add some technical nous given his experience and his man-management skills”, “Harry is definitely in the dressing room making his point clear.”

“My only concern with Wassell is the calibre of player he may be able to attract if we are promoted as a relatively unknown inexperienced manager.” The jury is out on extending his appointment into next season. “He hasn’t signed anyone and we don’t know how he will react to a run of poor form.”

Formation

“At last, no more tedious multi-passing stints between defenders. The penny has dropped. Find Chris Martin, find the widemen, release the ball early and don’t play what I call ‘passive’ passing, playing turgid keep-ball and getting nowhere”, “You don’t need to be Barcelona to get fans off their seats.”

“There is a difference between finding your centre-forward quicker and playing hoof ball. The new management have got us moving the ball with some urgency. It’s exciting to watch because it scares teams to death and creates loads of chances”, “It’s a tried and tested way that suits our players.”

CarsonChristieKeoghShackellOlssonBrysonHughesThorneInceRussellMartin

“Now that’s what I call a team”, “Our best starting XI by a long way.” Monday’s line-up at Brighton was widely acclaimed as County’s strongest team. “I expected this side. It’s what everyone wanted to see, what everyone says is our best midfield”, “None of your ‘what if so-and-so gets injured’ tripe.”

Having experimented during the season with two holding midfielders and at other times playing one striker and one in behind, the Rams have successfully returned to the more adventurous tried-and-tested 4-3-3 system that was born at half-time in our memorable 4-4 draw back in October 2013.

George Thorne in the holding role and Chris Martin as striker act as pivots, allowing the four more advanced central midfielders and wide players freedom to attack the penalty area. Thorne initiates many of their moves while Martin uses his strength to hold the ball, often with his back to goal to link with breaking midfielders.

“When Thorne plays, Will Hughes is free to attack more.” Craig Bryson is praised for his industry, but Hughes is widely seen as the most destructive player and biggest threat. “Constructive decisive play and prompt accurate passing beats busy opponents and wins games”, “Let’s keep it ticking over.”

Although seen as a confidence player Tom Ince is the biggest threat out wide when on his game, both with his pace and finishing. Rams prefer to see him playing on the left flank and were perplexed when he swapped flanks with Johnny Russell at the beginning of Monday’s game at the Amex.

With the wide players often cutting inside, this allows the full-backs space to attack the flanks. The central defence of Scott Carson, Jason Shackell and Richard Keogh are a solid foundation, but Marcus Olsson and Cyrus Christie can be as vulnerable defensively as they are threatening going forward.

Midfielder Jacob Butterfield is seen as an alternative to Hughes while former Canary Bradley Johnson may also play should Wassall decide not to risk players ahead of the play-offs. Andreas Weimann and Darren Bent have both scored coming on from the bench in recent games and may also feature.

Brighton 1 — 1 Derby

“A major pity”, “If that is all Brighton have when they need a result at home, then we will be in with a good shout of getting something from the play-offs”, “We had little to play for whereas they were on a great run at home and with automatic promotion to play for. We more than matched them.”

“Disappointing to come so close.” Ten-man Albion rescued a point with a stoppage time equaliser from James Wilson after substitute Andreas Weimann opened the scoring for Derby on 71 minutes. Rams felt that they deserved to win a game which saw Seagulls’ defender Lewis Dunk dismissed.

“We were better team and we’re still unbeaten in six”, “We were so well organised. We comfortably contained Brighton in the first half and combined that with dominating the game after the break”, “We bossed the second half and they only looked like scoring from set pieces throughout the game.”

“The team really need to work on set pieces”, “The first half was a tense old affair but Brighton were really up for it and looked dangerous when they got the ball forward and especially from set pieces”, “Disappointing at the end, our game management was poor. We were nervous and went too deep.”

Derby 1 — 1 Sheffield Wednesday

A good, enjoyable game and it goes to show how tight the play-offs will be this season. Credit to Wednesday. They came and had a real go”, “We had enough clear chances to score four or five. There is nothing to fear with them. We would beat them eight times out of 10 playing as we did.”

“Only praise for a good performance”, “How did we not score three or four?” The Rams rescued a point when substitute Darren Bent rose highest at the back post to head home an equaliser eight minutes from time after Barry Bannan had given the Owls the lead with a fine strike on 69.

Bristol City 2 — 3 Derby


“Well done. Four wins in a row and the play-offs sealed as well. Well done lads”, “To come from 2-1 down away from home is brilliant for us”, “Terrific atmosphere and a great fight back”, The result depended on whether good Derby or bad Derby turned up and we saw a bit of both tonight.”

“A good performance against a tricky side.” Johnny Russell headed Derby ahead on 37 minutes only for Jonathan Kodjia to level a minute later and the Robins went into the break ahead when Bobby Reid found the net from distance. “The first half was complete and utter rubbish. Bristol City were all over us.”

Craig Bryson equalised seven minutes after the interval and Tom Ince then put the Rams ahead on 57 minutes with a well taken shot across the goal. “We leave our defence exposed with our gung-ho style but we will score more goals rather than concede less”, “We are picking up at the right time.”

Goalkeepers and Defenders

“Keep up the good work, super Scott Carson.” The 30-year-old former West Brom and Wigan keeper “is a top keeper who has come to the right club at the right time”, “He is easily the best goalkeeper in the league and it is good to see him performing so well”, “He is a great player to have in the club.”

“Mr Ice”, “Carson looks totally unflappable”, “Safe hands, Carson is so cool”, “He has usually been excellent this season, but he should have done better for Bristol City’s goals. He’s better than that”, “He has a great understanding with his centre-halves. You can also see he has got something to prove.”

“Marcus Olsson was not everybody’s choice when we signed him in January but he has proved his doubters wrong.” The 27-year-old arrival from Blackburn “is a brilliant signing. It took him about one second to fit in”, “He is just one more piece of well-crafted tree-felling equipment from Sweden.”

“Craig Forsyth [out since November with a knee injury] is a better left-back defensively and in the air but Olsson is better going forward”, “Olsson’s forward play makes up for his defensive lapses and his crosses deserve a decent head on them”, “His main weakness in the air when up against a big man.”

“Cyrus Christie was a right winger before he was a right-back.” The 23-year-old one-time Coventry man “tries to get forward and put a ball in the box and offers decent attacking threat”, “He doesn’t just improve us with his forward play. He makes Ince or Russell more effective at the same time.”

“We need to win games and to do this we need to score more goals. Having Christie in the team will increase the chance of that”, “I have been delighted with him this season. He has been like a new player”, “I prefer to see Christie in the side. It feels like a backward step to go defensive again.”

“Right-back is not Jamie Hanson’s position.” The 20-year-old youth product “is more natural playing in a holding midfielder role than Butterfield or Hughes”, “A natural man marker”, “He is a proper defender, good on the ball and one of the best tacklers in the league but his passing can be a bit off.”

“Richard Keogh in the main has been terrific this season.” The 29-year-old former Town youth player “is our defender who passes and runs with the ball”, “One day he will run the length of the pitch and score all by himself”, “He makes errors but gets away with a lot thanks to Shackell baling him out.”

“Just when he’s at his best, he reminds us against Bristol City that he was Richard ‘Calamity’ Keogh”, “All you want from a centre-half is someone who doesn’t make mistakes and plays the percentages. It is great that he can carry the ball out of defence but he’s poor at the bread and butter of defending.”

Jason Shackell

“Get the Shack back and we Keogh as a bonus”, “With Shackell on the pitch we are far more solid”, “Without him we have the same defence as last season which was a disaster”, “It must be easier for a keeper knowing that Jason will win, head or block 95 per cent of balls chucked into the box.”

“I can’t remember any headed goals conceded this season because of Shackell. His positional sense is amazing.” The 32-year-old returned to the Rams this summer from Burnley. “He still can’t pass the ball over five yards and isn’t great on the ball but has been one of our best players this season.”

Central Midfielders

“The human dynamo”, “It is Craig Bryson’s ability to make intelligent runs into the danger area that sets him above the rest.” The 29-year-old ex-Kilmarnock midfielder’s “work-rate is first class but he has a good football brain as well and is an excellent finisher”, “Runs forever and gets so many loose balls.”

“I suspect that our revival in recent weeks has been as much down to Bryson’s energy and forward thinking as anything else. His attitude and desire has dragged us back to being the swashbuckling team we know we can be. He’s the presser, the harrier and he drags the team forward with him.”

“Jacob Butterfield is a decent footballer with two good feet”, “The thinking man’s footballer”, “One of the best signings we made in the last 12 months.” The 25-year-old arrival from Huddersfield “can shoot and has a nice touch and pass but he is too slow, can’t tackle well and doesn’t boss midfield.”

“Butterfield is fine if you can build the team around him, keep feeding him the ball and let him do the damage. If you want the whole team to function without relying on just one player to create it won’t work”, “He doesn’t show enough for the ball or try to control the midfield like Hughes does.”

“Bradley Johnson would be a good choice against Ipswich.” The 29-year-old former Canary has not played since picking up a knee injury against Hull in April, a game which was “his best performance in ages”, “He adds strength and tigerishness in midfield which none of our other players can offer.”

“The Bradley fighting vehicle”, “He is part enforcer and part runner and finisher”, “His creativity and passing have been regularly commented on as a weak spot”, “He hasn’t got the discipline or work-rate to be a holding player”, “He has immense bulk and power but needs to make his passes better.”

George Thorne

“We missed George against Sheffield Wednesday. They cut through our centre midfield quite easily on occasions”, “We need his physical presence in the centre to break up the opposition”, “He is the key to how we want to set up and play, operating as an anchor and a dictator from midfield.”

“Thorne is one of the least mobile players in the squad”, “He’s one of our less agile players but still accelerates and turns with more balance than Johnson.” The 23-year-old former Baggie missed last season with a knee injury. “A fully fit and in-form Thorne is immense and unplayable in this league.”

Will Hughes

“A 100 per cent Will Hughes would be amazing in the play-offs, he’s not far off now”, “His vision and quick feet are a joy to watch”, “He had a massive game at Brighton, playing like he was never away. It is so important to have him back and in this kind of form”, “He really dominated the midfield.”

The 21-year-old youth product returned to the side in April, having been absent with a serious knee injury picked up on the opening game of the season. “Hughes just gets football, doesn’t he? He knows how to find space, when to pass and how to press. Boy, we have missed him this season.”

“A real English gem”, “I worry about Will’s instinct to get forward when in the holding role”, “He can’t play there. It’s not that he can’t build moves as his passing is excellent. He just isn’t mobile enough off the ball and lacks position awareness when defending”, “The best player at the club.”

Wide Midfielders

“While I don’t particularly rate Andreas Weimann, his signing made no sense given the formation we play.” The 24-year-old summer signing from Aston Villa scored at Brighton. “An excellent finish and it will do his confidence the world of good. His work rate was great and he was fired up after scoring.”

“Weimann is not a poor player but he’s not a winger. His running off the ball is good and he takes up good positions in the box but those are things I would associate with a striker. There are times when you need to face the full-back with the ball and take him on and I don’t remember him doing that.”

“Johnny Russell is easily our form player right now.” “He was signed as a striker but does a better impression of a winger. He’s good at running the ball out of defence, has a decent cross and good acceleration to get half a yard. He gets to the by-line and can have a pop from distance.”

The 26-year-old ex-Dundee United man “would be one of the best forwards in the league with Ince’s finishing”, “Russell’s contribution for our goal against the Owls had something of Archie Gemmill about it”, “When he picks the ball up in deep positions he carries it just like Archie used to.”

Tom Ince

“Ince looks the best winger in the league under Wassall and ‘Arry. Show him some love and he will be immense.” The 24-year-old former Hull player “looks so good down the left, he’s really starting to show his quality and his link up play with Martin is superb. They are starting to forge a great relationship.”

“I didn’t understand why Ince played on the right with Russell on the left in the first half at Brighton. Both looked for more comfortable in the second half”, “He is not a luxury player. There have been odd games where he hasn’t been on fire but the lad isn’t just talented, he’s a worker too.”

“When Ince’s attitude is right and he is interested he is the best player in this league”, “It’s less to do with him having an attitude problem and more a case of him getting downhearted. His shoulders drop and you can see the confidence drain out of him. He’s a player who needs an arm around him.”

Strikers

“A panic buy”, “Nick Blackman offers even less than what was already at the club and we don’t play a formation to suit his game.” The 26-year-old arrived in January from Reading and has played a peripheral role. “An awful signing, there has been no tenacity about him from what I have seen.”

Darren Bent

“Darren’s goals-to-minutes ratio is fantastic for us. The problem is that we almost never play to his strengths. He should remain an impact substitute but our side needs to adapt to him when he does play. Play balls in behind and crosses into the box. Even if they are average, Bent will do the rest.”

The 32-year-old former Town frontman “struggles against sides that play deep as he hasn’t got his former pace”, “Our best finisher and has played at the highest level”, “He can’t play as a lone striker. He never has and won’t at this stage of his career”, “A very useful poacher to bring off the bench.”

Chris Martin

“Martin is a target man, a playmaker and a poacher all in one. Bent is just a poacher. Martin must start because he is involved in everything going forward given how we play. You throw Bent on when you need a late goal”, “If we play the Derby way, we need a Chris Martin and not a Darren Bent.”

“We play a style of football that revolves around having a big frontman.” The 27-year-old former Canary “can play against a deep defensive line as he plays with his back to the goal”, “He links play well, creates space with his strength, has nice touches and keeps the ball well under pressure.”

“It’s not just his attacking attributes we need, it’s his defensive ones as well. When he was injured we conceded a lot of goals from set-pieces which shows his worth. Watch every corner and Martin will often be on the end of it”, “He’s the best striker we have had at our wonderful club in years.”

“Martin is on his backside at the faintest glimmer of a challenge”, “He had a poor spell earlier this season, spending most of the game on the floor flapping like a penguin and blaming everyone else”, “I wish he would stay on his feet longer. His play becomes too predictable and he gets worked out.”

Rams’ Views on ITFC and the Game

“If we rest a few I can imagine the replacements wanting to play for the shirt. I think we'll win either way, 2-0 Derby”, “It’s a good job Ipswich have gone off the boil”, “A team in dreadful form”, “I did not expect them to falter”, “Get the three points in the bag and make changes on the hour mark.”

“Finish the season off with a bang, 3-0 Rams.” A massive 85 per cent of Rams expect their side to win on Saturday with just under four per cent predicting a Town victory. Most home fans predict a two goal winning margin for their team, with 38 per cent expecting them to score at least three times.

“Time for the cotton wool.” Much discussion has been around how many first team regulars to rest in a game with little significance. “We have all been asking for a settled side and now we all want to change it”, “We must play a full-strength side against Ipswich to keep momentum and confidence.”

“The best thing Wassall can do is stick with the team that will start the play-offs to build consistency, keep the players on the same wavelength and maintain sharpness. On the other hand, if anyone gets injured he'll be crucified. He should start with the same team and then make changes early on.”

Many Rams are expecting Saturday’s encounter to be a physical one. “I'm normally for form and continuation of settled side. However, this is a Mick ‘Lumps’ McCarthy team and they do like to play strong arm. I would hate to lose Hughes, Bryson or Thorne to an injury against this lot.”

“Ipswich are not retiring wallflowers and owe us no favours”, “Ipswich are always tough to play against”, “They will make it hard even though they're not playing for anything, be stubborn, go in hard because they know we will be looking after ourselves and likely to jump out of things.”

“I don't really like McCarthy. His teams are always workmanlike and pretty efficient but they just don't inspire”, “Mick is playing some kids but Andre Dozzell is confirmed as being out. We will be able to boo Forest reject Luke Chambers and David McGoldrick should also be there for the taking.”

Websites

The busiest Derby forum is the polite and well-informed DCFCFans.UK.

A Brief Postscript

This is just to add a huge thank-you to Phil and Gav for the time and great care they have taken in turning the Notes from manuscript form into the finished product over the course of the campaign. Having worked closely with them for a few seasons, I can say with certainty how lucky we are having them run this great website.

There is an equally huge thank-you to everyone who has taken time to read these previews and for chipping in with your invaluable thoughts and comments. Hope will no doubt spring eternal once again over the summer months and we will see what the 2016/17 campaign throws at us. Have a great summer!

Further Postscript

And many thanks from Phil and Gav to Harry for what’s become an integral part of TWTD’s pre-match coverage over the last few seasons. Enjoy a well-earned summer break!


Photo: Action Images



Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.



BrettenhamBlue added 11:08 - May 6
Another superb report Harry and I hope you continue to do this next season. Investigative journalism at its best!

Anyone here think Nicklas Bendtner could do a good job for us especially given the way we play? Hoofball might be right up his alley and he could be worth the risk. Free transfer so wage is only issue but being looked at by Copenhagen and MK Dons so wage can't be that high.
3

Steve_M added 11:15 - May 6
Money can buy a lot of things but it certainly can't buy class. A talented squad but generally a horrible side full of snarling aggression and self-entitlement. Regardless of what happens tomorrow, I hope it's Hull that go on to Wembley.

As for the game, I'm looking forward to seeing McDonnell and Kenlock again and then enjoying a good break before getting excited again come August.
9

MaySixth added 11:19 - May 6
Harry - these previews are absolutely top drawer. Many thanks.
8

ITFC_Forever added 12:07 - May 6
Big fan of your work Harry - well done, have a great summer and I look forward to next season's previews!
8

arablue added 12:10 - May 6
Well done Harry - we are lucky to have you!
5

runaround added 12:41 - May 6
I love reading these previews. Thanks Harry for all your hard work
5

TR11BLU added 12:47 - May 6
Super arrogant Rams...as ever. Whatever the outcome tomorrow, sincerely hope they are on the fixture list again next year.

Brilliant stuff as ever Harry, many thanks from an avid reader. Enjoy your break and make sure your pencil is sharpened for Aug....Respect to you
6

LankHenners added 12:48 - May 6
Thanks Harry - for this and your tremendous hard work this season. Your reports on a Friday/Monday are the first things that really get me in the mood for the match and are very insightful.

Still a smug, self-entitled bunch on and off the pitch I see. I hope they bottle the playoffs in some form. Will be good for McDonnell to get some game time - been highly rated for a while but never really got the opportunity as yet. Hopefully we can end on a high but it will be a tough game with them wanting to keep momentum for the playoffs. As one of their lot mentioned, we might be able to take advantage of them wanting to protect themselves for next week and use that to unsettle them a bit.

Thanks again Harry, I look forward to your pre-season previews later in the summer!
3

gippeswyk added 13:06 - May 6
Thank Harry for all your hard work to bring us such incisive and interesting reports. Hope you'll keep entertaining us next season.
As for tomorrow, would like to see Town finish on a high and wipe the smug smiles off those Derby fans (but we will need to play our best football in 10 matches!).
2

MattinLondon added 13:10 - May 6
Harry
Any truth in the rumours that one of the PL message boards have put in a bid for you? Think Phil has rebuked any transfer talk.

Seriously, thanks for providing some very insightful sights in your notes. Hope you have a great summer.
2

IpswichT62OldBoy added 13:13 - May 6
Thanks Harry, your notes are the highlight of the week.
Brilliant website, I don't know how I lived without it.
Already looking forward to next season, our creative players will be back and we will be stronger.
2

dawoolah added 13:16 - May 6
On a side note can someone explain to me how a Championship side can spend this much in a season and still remain within FFP rules?
Andreas Weimann £2,750,000
Simon Dawkins Undisclosed
Scott Carson Undisclosed
Jason Shackell £3,000,000
Jacob Butterfield £5,000,000
Bradley Johnson £6,000,000
Tom Ince £4,750,000
Abdoul Camara £1,250,000
Nick Blackman £2,500,000
Luke Thomas £100,000
Lewis Walker Undisclosed
Marcus Olsson £1,000,000

With a squad costing that amount they should be disappointed with a play-off place!
Hope they choke again.
4

ericclacton added 13:18 - May 6
End of season Harry and what a wonderful job you do for us nutters, roll on next season, well done my friend.
Just eat on derby shirts always makes me laugh, which reminds me I must get some wholemeal bread and for tonight two bags of nuts, I wonder Harry are their shirts edible? Laters Eric!!!!
2

phillo added 13:55 - May 6
Great stuff as always Harry .... certainly an integral part of the pre match build up & I for one look forward to reading these the day before a game.
Have a great Summer & look forward to next years instalments ....
2

Currie10 added 14:22 - May 6
" “Our best finisher and has played at the highest level”, “He can't play as a lone striker. He never has and won't at this stage of his career”, "

He did at Charlton Mr.
3

vanmunt added 14:38 - May 6
Can I chip in with the postscript love in and wholeheartedly agree, football has been dire but TWTD and Harry are brilliant.. thanks guys
4

StochesStotasBlewe added 19:15 - May 6
Thanks Harry, your write up each Friday is the 1st thing I read when I get home from my labours, have a hard earned rest, looking forward to more of the same in August, I doff my cap to you Sir.
3

JCBLUE added 21:55 - May 6
Harry, I haven't commented much this year, but I never miss your excellent previews. Hope you have a great summer, looking forward to your first preview of 2016/17!!
2

Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 06:34 - May 7
Good work, Harry & TWTD. I appreciate there is a lot of work behind creating these reviews. Always interesting to read and add a new dimension to the site.
2

Paddy39 added 11:11 - May 7
Harry can't speak highly enough about the contribution you make to twtd. Many thanks and I hope you have a box of pens ready for next season. Enjoy the Summer break you have certainly earned it. Phil / Gav the site is brilliant better than the Town site.
2

chorltonskylineblue added 21:38 - May 8
Belated thanks to Harry, Phil & Gav. Tremendous work fellas. Much appreciated, but often undervalued
1


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