[FM22 > Derby County] - Managing the (not so) Mighty Rams

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Tuesday 3rd August 2021

Contract Expiry Dates

Including the U23s and U18s I've promoted to make up the numbers, I have 30 players in the first-team squad.

Of those 30 players, two players, Phil Jagielka and Sam Baldock only have contracts until the end of December.

Only ten, of the reaining 28 players, are contracted beyond the end of this season.

Additionally, most of the U23 players and all of the U18 second-year scholars will also be out of contract by the end of the season.

Edited November 13, 2021 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Wednesday 4th August 2021

Tactical Thoughts

We've been training three tactical systems so far this pre-season.

--

Control Possession, Attacking 4-2-3-1 Narrow

The Control Possession, Attacking 4-2-3-1 Narrow is my preferred formation and the one I'm looking to use at the start of the Championship season. We used it throughout pre-season, with the exception of the Manchester United game, with mixed results, I'll admit.

Overall, the system did what I was looking for in pre-season, we controlled possession, we created plenty of chances, but we were unable to score as many goals as we should've done from the chances we created. I think that's more due to our lack of strikers and natural finishers than the system itself.

Given we're short of fire-power, I'm looking for a system that allows us to create plenty of chances in an attempt to score the goals we need to win as many games as possible. We have 12 points to make-up before we even get started so draws aren't going to help us much.

This system should be ideal for the more defensive Graeme Shinnie and Max Bird to form a partnership in midfield and help protect the defence, allowing the full-backs / wing-backs to get forward unobstructed as the attacking three behind the lone striker will play narrower.

--

Control Possession, Attacking 4-3-3 DM Wide

The second system is more of a Control Possession, Attacking 4-1-2-3. It's similar to my preferred formation, but with a deep-lying playmaker providing more protection to the defence, allowing us to attack with more width.

We didn't use this system i pre-season but have been training it since the players reported back.

--

Cautious, Fluid Counter-Attack 5-2-3 WB Wide

Finally, for now, we have the Cautious, Fluid Counter-Attack 5-2-3 WB Wide system that served us very well in our 2-0 victory over Manchester United in pre-season.

This is a system I' considering when we play significantly stronger opposition or we're looking to manage out a game in the closing stages.

Edited November 13, 2021 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Friday 6th August 2021

Press Conference: H v Huddersfield Town

It's going to be a very proud moment for me, managing Derby County in my first competitive game at Pride Park Stadium, but I need to make sure my head rules my heart as there's a job to be done.

Jack Stretton (calf) and Louie Watson (ankle) are both available for selection but medial advice is neither of them are ready for 90 minutes yet.

We're hoping Lee Buchanan (thigh) and Kornell McDonald (hamstring) will be back with us in training soon but Jason Knight (ankle), Colin Kazim-Richards (achilles) and Krystian Bielik (ACL) will be a while yet.

This is the team we're likely to go with but, to be honest, with such a threadbare squad there was only really a decision to be made at goalkeeper and centre-back. Kelle Roos, Ryan Allsop, Richard Stearman and Kamil Jozwiak are all unlucky to miss out.

You always want to start a season well but, with 12 points to catch up before we even reach zero, it's more important than ever that we get off to a good start this campaign.

Edited November 13, 2021 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 7th August 2021

Derby County v Huddersfield Town - Championship (1)

I'm delighted with that result. Absolutely delighted. I know we still have 45 games to play but, after everything this football club has been through, and is going through, it's very satisfying to get off to a winning start. I'm delighted for the players who were magnificent, I'm delighted for the backroom staff who are working so hard behind the scenes, and I'm especially delighted for the fans who got behind the players all afternoon.

Our game plan worked well. We had more possession than Huddersfield, we created more chances than them and, crucially, we scored more goals than them.

Sam Baldock scored a debut goal after 34 minutes, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way from the penalty spot, after Nathan Byrne had been tripped.

We switched off five minutes later when we allowed Lewis O'Brien too much space in our penalty area and he equalised.

Curtis Davies nearly restored our lead just before the break when he headed Tom Lawrence's corner against the woodwork.

After the break, we showed a lot of character and took the game to them. We got our reward in the 66th minute, Nathan Byrne crossed low into the box, Sam Baldock's shot was parried by the goalkeeper, and Tom Lawrence smashed home the rebound.

We were looking comfortable until the last 15 minutes when Huddersfield put us under pressure for the first time in the game. Liam Rosenior (FTC) wanted us to shut-up-shop and on 84 minutes we made the changes and saw out he game.

The noise inside Pride Park Stadium on the final whistle was unbelievable. It was something special.

Edited November 13, 2021 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Monday 9th August 2021

First unhappy player

Less than a week into the season and I've already had to deal with my first unhappy player - Kelle Roos (GK).

--

--

--

--

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Wednesday 11th August 2021

Administrators seek buyers

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Wednesday 11th August 2021

Press Conference: (a) v Hull City

We've picked up a couple of knocks in training this week. Tom Lawrence has a bruised foot, he could probably play tonight but we won't risk him. Graeme Shinnie has pulled ankle ligaments so we're not going to see him for a couple of weeks.

Jack Stretton (calf) and Louie Watson (ankle) are back to close to the fitness levels we're looking for but Lee Buchanan (thigh) and Kornell McDonald (hamstring) aren't back with us.

We'll rotate a bit for the Carabao Cup, but we haven't got the players to make 11 sweeping changes like most teams can. Hull City are a good team and I have to select a side I believe is capable of getting us through to the next round.

Edited November 13, 2021 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Wednesday 11th August 2021

Hull City v Derby County - Carabao Cup, 1st Round

Wow! What a game that was. I picked a young team today and, after the substitutions, we had an even younger team out on the pitch.

I'll be honest, we thought it was going to penalties, and then what a moment in added on time. Max Bird hits a free-kick to the far post, where Jack Stretton rose highest to head us into a late lead.

Even then, there was still time for Hull City to rattle our crossbar from a corner.

But the lads held on for a superb win. That performance and result will do wonders for those U23s players I trusted tonight and I look forward to working with them.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Thursday 12th August 2021

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Friday 13th August 2021

Press Conference: Peterborough United (a)

David Marshall felt a tight groin in training so we gave him a couple of days rest, but he should be ok to play. Tom Lawrence is back from his bruised foot, we rested him against Hull, more as a precaution than anything.

Kornell McDonald (hamstring) and Lee Buchanan (thigh) are back training with us, but the Peterborough game is too soon for them.

Graeme Shinnie (ankle) should be back in a week or so and Jason Knight (ankle) probably has another couple of weeks out.

We'll probably make a few changes, reverting back to something more like the team against Huddersfield.

Edited November 13, 2021 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 14th August 2021

Derby County takeover moves closer

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 14th August 221

Peterborough United v Derby County - Championship (2)

I'm thrilled for all the travelling Rams fans because that was something special. I'm so proud of the players. To come to the Weston Homes Stadium, and totally control the game, speaks volumes about the character of this squad of players.

Our opening goal, I admit, was something of a scramble after 35 minutes. Nathan Byrne put a low cross into the six yard box, Sam Baldock and Tom Lawrence both had shots blocked before Ravel Morrison somehow poked the ball over the line.

A good Peterborough move, saw Siriki Dembele equalise on the hour mark.

That equaliser was against the run of play and we could've gone either way after that, but the players responded. And how.

We had a devastating 20 minute spell, scoring three times. Sam Baldock headed home Tom Lawrence's corner, Ravel Morrison volleyed home a Nathan Byrne cross, and Festy Ebosele scored his first ever goal, getting on the end of Kamil Jozwiak's through ball.

The only negative, was when Jordan Brown got sent off for a second yellow card late on. We were 4-1 up and Jordan really didn't need to make the tackle he made.

Peterborough will no doubt point out that they had three goals disallowed. They did, but they were chalked off for a reason. We held our defensive line well and all three were clearly offside.

Edited November 13, 2021 by Stuniverse

[Djecker]

Great start!

[Stuniverse]

2 hours ago, Djecker said:

Great start!

Thanks, @Djecker. I am delighted with the start but know there are tougher games yet to come.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Tuesday 17th August 2021

Press Conference: Hull City (a)

Lee Buchanan and Kornell McDonald are both back in training, but I think we'll take our time and ease them back in carefully. With Craig Forsyth and Dylan Williams we have no need to rush Lee back and the same goes for Kornell with Nathan Byrne and Festy Ebosele.

David Marshall is back to full fitness but Ryan Allsop has done nothing wrong with the gloves so David may have to be patient, sit on the bench and wait for his opportunity.

Jordan Brown misses out through suspension and that needs to be a lesson Jordan learns after his second yellow card for a needless, and unnecessary challenge on the halfway line when we were 4-1 up against Peterborough and time was running out. With Graeme Shinnie due back in training at some point next week, I'm not sure when I'll be able to give Jordan another opportunity.

Jason Knight is making good progress and could be back in training the week after next. That'll just leave us without long-term absentees Colin Kazim-Richards (achilles) and Krystian Bielik (ACL).

People shouldn't read too much into the fact that we recently went to the MKM Stadium and beat Hull City in the Carabao Cup. That might actually count against us because I'm sure Grant McCann will have his players fired up to set the record straight. We rested players for that game, Hull rested players, so this will be a completely different game.

The players were outstanding last time at Peterborough so I won't be looking to make too many changes. Kamil Jozwiak will probably come in for the suspended Jordan Brown with Ravel Morrison dropping back to play alongside Max Bird.

Edited November 14, 2021 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Wednesday 18th August 2021

Hull City v Derby County - Championship (3)

Delighted, I'm absolutely delighted with this win. It was a tough game, as we expected, but in the closing stages we were the braver team, we were the team making the attacking changes and looking to win, whereas Hull, I sensed, were happy with the draw.

Sometimes that kind of attacking gamble can back-fire on you but not today. I was ecstatic when Tom Lawrence scored our late goal because it was the least we deserved for our hard work and commitment.

I hadn't realised quite how many changes Hull City had made for the Carabao Cup-tie until I saw their team for today. Obviously, we know all about Tom Huddlestone's qualities, but it was clear their line-up was a stronger one than the last time we played them.

The first-half was fairly even but, if I'm honest, Hull probably shaded it. We defended magnificently and needed the experience of Craig Forsyh, Curtis Davies, Phil Jagielka and Nathan Byrne as they threw themselves into blocks and tackles and read the game well. Ryan Allsop showed just what a good goalkeeper he is and that he has the gloves on merit. 

The Hull bench went crazy with a very loud shout for a penalty but, fortunately, the referee wasn't intimidated as we knew all along that it was a great, clean tackle by Craig Forsyth.

After the break, we improved and created more but we were our own worst enemies - running into offside positions and giving the ball away unnecessarily. We'll need to improve in those areas.

Wayne Rooney (AM) was keen for us to go for it and I agreed. We changed to an attacking, control possession 4-2-4 wide.

And it worked. Isaac Hutchinson drove forward, cut inside, and released Nathan Byrne down the right with a cross-field ball, Nathan took the ball on, before sending a slide rule pass between two defenders into the penalty area, Tom Lawrence ran onto the ball and, with only the goalkeeper to beat, slotted it underneath him and into the back of the net.

Liam Rosenior (FTC) was in my ear straight away and I was already thinking it, with only two minutes plus added on time remaining, we set the team up to defend what we had and the players saw the game out with relative ease.

We did have one nervy moment late on when a Hull header shaved the top of our crossbar and went over but, other than that, we managed the closing stages of the game well.

Edited November 14, 2021 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Friday 20th August 2021

Press Conference: Middlesbrough (H)

Injury wise we're getting there. Lee Buchanan and Kornell McDonald are available for selection again.

Graeme Shinnie will be back training with us in a day or so and Jason Knight, hopefully, at some point next week.

Colin Kazim-Richards is on course to be back with us sometime around the middle of next month and Krystain Bielik will be a good while yet.

I need to find a way to get Richard Stearman some more playing time but I'm tempted to go with an unchanged team following the win at the MKM Stadium against Hull City.

 

Edited November 14, 2021 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 21st August 2021

Derby County v Middlesbrough - Championship (4)

I'm over-the-moon with that performance and it just goes to show what a spirited and determined squad of players we have here. After controlling the game, heads could easily have dropped when we fell behind on 72 minutes after Louie Sibley tripped Marcus Tavernier and Martin Payero gave Boro the lead from the penalty spot.

By that point, we'd already lost Sam Baldock to an injury but, fortunately, it looks like a bruised shin so hopefully he won't be out for more than a few days.

We'd already brought Jack Stretton on for Sam when Boro took the lead and we then pushed Louie Sibley further forward as a false nine and asked Festy Ebosele and Ravel Morrison to play out wide. Instead of heads dropping, the players showed real character and raised their game. We attacked Boro, put them under sustained pressure, and remarkably scored three goals in a seven minute spell just before entering added-on time.

First, Ravel Morrison, Max Bird, and Louie Sibley combined well, Ravel took the ball down the left, crossed low into the six yard box, and Jack Stretton made no mistake.

Then Craig Forsyth hit a low cross to the far post, where Festy Ebosele arrived in the six year box to poke the ball home with his wrong foot.

Barely a minute later Craig Forsyth hit another low cross to the near post where Jack Stretton's shot was blocked back to him; this time, Craig lofted a cross to the far post, where Festy Ebosele arrived late in the six yard box to head his second, and our third goal of the game.

The Rams fans have been brilliant with me since I was appointed and there was a crowd of 28,978 inside Pride Park today. They were brilliant again today, and stuck with the team when we went behind, and the crowd really gave the players a lift when we went a goal behind. The noise inside Pride Park once we equalised was like nothing else and really lifted the players to go on and win the match.

It's a massive confidence boost to everyone at the Football Club that we've clawed back the -12 points after only four games and to move off the bottom of the Championship on goal difference is an added bonus.

But we can't be complacent about it, there's still 42 Championship games to play and we have a lot of hard work ahead of us, but we've given ourselves more than a fighting chance of staying up now.

Edited November 14, 2021 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Tuesday 24th August 2021

Press Conference: Blackburn Rovers (H)

Kornell McDonald bruised a foot in training which is unfortunate because I was planning on giving him a run out against Blackburn in the Carabao Cup. Given he missed all of pre-season with a hamstring injury I'm gutted for Kornell.

Graeme Shinnie is back though and will probably get a run out and I hope to be able to give Lee Buchanan some playing time in the second-half.

Sam Baldock bruised a shin against Middlesbrough. My medical team have declared him fit to play but I don't think I'm going to risk him with it being the Carabao Cup. Jack Stretton has impressed off the bench in recent games and he deserves a start.

Jason Knight should hopefully be back in training next week.

Blackburn are flying high in 2nd place in the Championship so we're expecting a difficult game even if they do make sweeping changes.

I'm thinking of making quite a lot of changes myself tomorrow and giving the younger players a chance to get some more game time and stake a claim for a starting place in the Championship.

Edited November 14, 2021 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Wednesday 25th August 2021

Derby County v Blackburn Rovers - Carabao Cup, 2nd Round

We knew this was going to be a difficult game against Blackburn and so it proved, which was why we went with an attacking, control possession 4-3-3 2DM wide system.

There wasn't much in it first-half, although it would be fair to say Blackburn shaded it, although I thought we were holding our own until we shot ourselves in the foot. Festy Ebosele tripped Ben Brereton Diaz in the penalty area and Daniel Butterworth converted the penalty.

It probably didn't help matters that some of the younger players had played for the U23s on Monday night and were looking tired. We had to replace Eiran Cashin and Jordan Brown with Lee Buchanan and Max Bird at the break.

In the second-half, we went back to our normal attacking, control possession 4-2-3-1 Narrow and whilst we looked brighter, and created more, we didn't work their goalkeeper anywhere near enough.

We switched off on the hour mark when defending a free-kick. Ben Brereton Diaz was allowed too much room to win a header and when the ball crashed back off the bar, none of our defenders reacted and Darragh Lenihan did react, volleying the rebound home.

After that we huffed and puffed a bit but never looked like scoring.

At least, now, we can concentrate on the Championship.

Unfortunately, after we'd made our substitutions, Kamil Jozwiak stubbed a toe and that could see him out for a couple of weeks.

Edited November 14, 2021 by Stuniverse

[abulezz]

Looks like you are enjoying your Sunday to the max! Great set of updates. 

[Stuniverse]

5 minutes ago, abulezz said:

Looks like you are enjoying your Sunday to the max! Great set of updates. 

Thanks, @abulezz, yes I am. I can't quite believe the start we've made.

Expecting the bubble to burst at some point though...

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Friday 27th August 2021

Press Conference: Nottingham Forest (H)

I'm a lifelong Rams fan so I know exactly what the East Midlands derby means to the supporters. It's up to us to make sure that it's our supporters going into work after the game with smiles on their faces.

I know it's a trophy most football fans won't be aware of but we want to make sure it's our captain, Curtis Davies, lifting the Brian Clough Trophy tomorrow.

Sam Baldock is available again after missing out in midweek with a bruised shin. We'll need to be careful with Graeme Shinnie though as medical advice is to not give him more than 75 minutes.

We'll definitely be without Kamil Jozwiak and Jason Knight although both are close to a return to training.

Edited November 14, 2021 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 28th August 2021

Derby County v Nottingham Forest - Championship (5)

Well, in all my wildest dreams, I didn't expect that result. We were confident after the start we'd made this season, we trained and prepared well, and went into the game confident and determined to win the Brian Clough Trophy for our magnificent supporters, but I didn't see us demolishing Forest like that.

To be fair, Forest started the game brightly and put us under pressure early on, but we weathered the storm.

We took the lead on 17 minutes when Sam Baldock volleyed home a corner from Tom Lawrence. 1-0.

After 37 minutes we were nearly sucker punched when a straight forward ball over the top put Lewis Grabban clean through, he rounded Ryan Allsop but, fortunately for us, his shot hit the post.

At the break we told the players to just keep going, doing the things they'd been doing first-half, but we looked fast asleep and less than a minute after the restart, Forest were level. Philip Zinckernagel out ran Nathan Byrne, crossed from the right, and Lewis Graban escaped from Curtis Davies to head Forest level. 1-1.

But less than three minutes later we were back in front. Another Tom Lawrence corner and this time Craig Forsyth scored with a header. 2-1.

56 minutes, Tom Lawrence hit a free-kick into the penalty area and Scott McKenna shoved Sam Baldock. Sam stepped up and powered the spot kick hard and low into the bottom right corner of Samba's net. No goalkeeper in the world was stopping that one. 3-1.

On 82 Richard Stearman chipped an exquisite ball over the Forest defence, Tom Lawrence only had the goalkeeper to beat, and he did. 4-1.

A minute into added on time, yet another Tom Lawrence corner and this time it's Max Bird scoring with a header in off the underside of the bar. 5-1.

Incredibly, after just five Championship games, we go into the international break out of the relegation zone in 19th place.

Edited November 14, 2021 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Sunday 29th August 2021

International break

We have 10 players away on International duty and I have my fingers crossed that they all return to Derby fit and healthy.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Tuesday 31st August 2021

Summer Transfer Window Closes

I know I disabled the first transfer window, but...

...now all bets are off.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Wednesday 1st September 2021

Monthly Reports

Manager Performance

Finances

Dynamics

Results

Championship League Table

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Wednesday 1st September 2021

Manager of the Month

Player of the Month

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Wednesday 8th September 2021

Backroom staff could be leaving

Even though my backrom staff are under contract, other football clubs have started offering them contracts in an attempt to poach them away.

So far, Rob Kozluk (scout), Steve Devine (U23 physio) and Tom Turner (U18 goalkeeping coach) have been targeted.

I've tried offering them all new contracts but, as we're in Administration, I can only offer them a contract for £1.00 per week. So, instead, I've asked them all to stay but they've all told me to let them make their own decisions.

Fair enough.

--

Former Rams player and Academy graduate, Rob Kozluk, has snubbed Middlesbrough but the other two haven't made a decision yet.

Edited November 14, 2021 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Thursday 9th September 2021

Press Conference: Birmingham City (a)

I'm very proud of our 10 players who were away on international duty representing their countries, but it's made it difficult to prepare for our Championship fixture on Friday night and, whilst it's the same for Birmingham City, I'm not sure how many players they had away with their National teams. Everybody else in the Championship play on Saturday and have an extra 24 hours preparation.

Although I imagine the Administrators will welcome the TV money.

Fortunately, all our international players returned unscathed and are available for selection, with the exception of Festy Ebosele who bruised his shin whilst away with Ireland U21s.

It's been great during the international break to welcome Jason Knight back to training but I won't be risking him against Birminham. We're also hopeful Colin Kazim-Richards will be back in training soon, possibly within the next three weeks.

We were outstanding last time out against Nottingham Forest but I am thinking about two changes. Graeme Shinnie is fully fit and will come in for Louie Watson and I'm going to give Richard Stearman a start as, sadly, Phil Jagielka is beginning to show signs of his age catching up on him.

Edited November 14, 2021 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Friday 10th September 2021

Birmingham City v Derby County - Championship (6)

There was nothing at all in this game between us and Birmingham City so we are absolutely delighted to have found a way to win at St. Andrews and bring home the three points.

This was one of those dour games, where both defences dominated, and the two teams cancelled each other out. Birmingham created more chances than us but we both only got one attempt on target over 90 plus minutes.

Fortunately, our attempt on target was a magical free-kick from Tom Lawrence that won us the game. 

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 11th September 2021

Backroom staff opt to stay

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 11th September 2021

Championship Results and League Table

[karanhsingh]

Good luck with this! I am sure I will also be returning to Derby at some point in the FM22 cycle

[Stuniverse]

41 minutes ago, karanhsingh said:

Good luck with this! I am sure I will also be returning to Derby at some point in the FM22 cycle

Thanks, @karanhsingh. Six games into the Championship campaign and results are far better than I expected, but every team we’ve played so far is in the bottom nine. The fixtures are about to get tougher.

Derby County is certainly an interesting challenge on FM22.

[Bitner]

Certainly off to a flier, mate!

Cheers,
Bitner 

[Stuniverse]

4 hours ago, Bitner said:

Certainly off to a flier, mate!

Cheers,
Bitner 

Thanks, @Bitner, although we have stronger opponents still to play, starting with 2nd placed WBA at the Hawthorns next.

Edited November 15, 2021 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Monday 13th September 2021

Press Conference: West Bromwich Albion (a)

Without wanting to sound disrespectful to the six teams we've played in the Championship so far, all of them are below us in the Championship table and in the bottom nine, West Bromwich Albion are unbeaten in 2nd place, having won four and drawn two, and represent our sternest test so far.

We're flying, six wins out of six, but our trip to the Hawthorns to play WBA will be a real litmus test of how good we actually are.

Festy Ebosele is available again after bruising his shin on Ireland U21 duty. Our medical team advise us that Jason Knight can give us 45 minutes if needed, but Eiran Cashin (bruised shin) and Kornell McDonald (gashed leg) are ruled out.

After the hard fought victory at St. Andrews against Birmingham City, I'm tempted to go with an unchanged team.

Edited November 15, 2021 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Tuesday 14th September 2021

West Bromwich Albion v Derby County - Championship (7)

This was always going to be a difficult game against West Brom and so it proved.

But I think we can hold our heads high because, overall, I thought we more than matched them and would've got something out of the game if it wasn't for a couple of fine saves by their goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

In the end, in a game of few clear cut chances, the difference was an early Max Bird mistake when he gave the ball away cheaply and, three passes later, Karlan Grant scored the only goal of the game.

We went more attacking just after the hour mark but were unable to score an equaliser.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Friday 17th September 2021

Press Conference: Stoke City (H)

Jack Stretton is unavailable for selection after stubbing his toe in training but we're hopeful he'l be back in training by Monday.

We've been playing well and I'm not going to panic and make knee-jerk changes after one defeat.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 18th September 2021

Derby County v Stoke City - Championship (8)

After a defeat, you always look for a reaction from your players and that's exactly what we got today. A reaction. A positive reaction and a great win against Stoke.

Defensively we were superb today and that gave us the impetus to go on and win the game with two goals in four minutes.

First, Graeme Shinnie and Craig Forsyth combined well down the left, Craig crossed and Louie Sibley headed us ahead.

Then, Louie Sibley played the ball out right, Nathan Byrne took the ball down the right wing, put over a great cross, and Tom Lawrence doubled our lead with a header.

Edited November 15, 2021 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Monday 20th September 2021

Duncan set for Billericay loan

We've received a loan bid for Bobby Duncan and, given the Administration situation, I have no input whatsoever into whether or not the bid is accepted.

Edited November 15, 2021 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Wednesday 22nd September 2021

Grimsby seek Cashin loan deal

[Stuniverse]

Thursday 23rd September 2021

Ebbsfleet eye Thompson loan move

[Bitner]

You're playing very well. Hope things go well for you all season!

Cheers,
Bitner

[Stuniverse]

9 minutes ago, Bitner said:

You're playing very well. Hope things go well for you all season!

Cheers,
Bitner

Thank you, @Bitner. So far so good!

I really need a Takeover to happen sooner rather than later though.

And to avoid injuries to my key players.

[DefinitelyTaylor]

Echoing the words above, a good start especially with everything considered. It seems you are really enjoying the save judging off the mass posting too.  Always good to see!

[Stuniverse]

3 hours ago, DefinitelyTaylor said:

Echoing the words above, a good start especially with everything considered. It seems you are really enjoying the save judging off the mass posting too.  Always good to see!

Thanks, @DefinitelyTaylor. Yes I am enjoying it - still amazed by how well we’ve started.

I hope you’re enjoying reading it.

(Of course, in real-life, -12 became -21 today).

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Friday 24th September 2021

Press Conference: Sheffield United (a)

Our trip to Bramall Lane to play Sheffield United is going to be another difficult test for us. The Blades may have got off to a poor start, winning two, drawing two, and losing four, but they were a Premier League side last season and will be determined to kick-start their season.

We lost Dylan Williams with pulled ankle ligaments but Dylan and Colin Kazim-Richards should both be back in training next week.

After our 2-0 win over Stoke City, we'll probably go with an unchanged team.

Edited November 16, 2021 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 25th September 2021

Sheffield United v Derby County - Championship (9)

Another win, that's eight out of nine so far this season. I really can't praise the players enough, they have been brilliant since I came into the club, they've worked hard in training, given their all on the pitch, and are getting their rewards.

Today's victory was as a result of an amazingly determined defensive display. Defensively, we kept ourselves in the game and that meant when we got an opportunity, with Ravel Morrison putting Jack Stretton clean through to beat the goalkeeper, we had something to hold onto.

I wouldn't call it a smash-and-grab, not at all, I thought we were always in the game but defensively the goalkeeper and the back-four were magnificent.