[FM19] Derby County - Director of Football Challenge

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 7 September 2022

ROBINSON TO COACH RAMS GOALKEEPERS

RamsFanzine: Derby County DoF Igor Stimac has signed 36 year-old goalkeeping coach Jack Robinson on a contract until the summer of 2026. Robinson has previously worked at Leeds United, Crystal Palace, Manchester United and Liverpool.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 10 September 2022 

Pre-match v Wolverhampton Wanderers (H) - Premier League (9)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: Wolves have lost two of their last three Premier League games and drawn the other. Can you get three points today?

Stuniverse: As I keep saying, it's a tough league, any team can go three or more without winning. We've had a long break, our internationals have come back healthy, and we're ready to play football again. 

Team Selection

RamsFanzine: Any injury news?

Stuniverse: Louie Sibley's still out with an ankle injury but everybody else is fit and raring to go. I've made no changes today. Same starting 11 as played West Brom and the same bench.

Post-match: Derby County (3) 3-1 (1) Wolverhampton Wanderers

RamsFanzine: Another win, you've now played nine, won seven, drawn two. What did you make of it?

Stuniverse: I thought we showed great character today and we defended brilliantly. Once again our captain Harry Wilson led by example, he gave us the lead and then, after Wolves had equalised, Harry gave us the lead again. Tom Lawrence then gave us a two-goal cushion, just before half-time, with another stunning long-range shot. The first goal summed up our never-say-die attitude this season. Harry crossed from the left, Cristiano Espinoza controlled it and saw his shot saved by the goalkeeper's legs, Danny Ings followed up in a crowded penalty area and his shot hit the inside of the post and rolled all the way along the goal-line, and Harry was there, out-sprinting two defenders, to make sure the ball crossed the line.

RamsFanzine: I know Arsenal can regain top spot when they play Bournemouth away tomorrow but, for tonight at least, you're top of the Premier League. How does it feel? 

Stuniverse: We have 29 football games left to play still, so we're not getting carried away, but I'm delighted for our supporters. Another sell-out today, and to hear them chanting, "We're top of the league. We're top of the league, we're Derby County. We're top of the league!" made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. It's an incredible feeling and nobody could have predicted we'd start the season so well.

RamsFanzine: Which sets everything up nicely for a week on Sunday when you're back here at Pride Park to play Arsenal. Talk about top-of-the-table clashes?

Stuniverse: I know. We're buzzing. Absolutely buzzing. But we have to remain professional and keep everyone's feet on the ground. We'll give the players a couple of days off, they deserve it, and then we'll be back down to it to prepare for the Arsenal game.

Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates.

Edited August 14, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 11 September 2022

ARSENAL MISS OUT ON CHANCE TO GO TOP

RamsFanzine: Arsenal missed out on a return to the top of the Premier League as the Gunners lost 1-0 to AFC Bournemouth at  the Bournemouth Stadium. Derby County stay top by one point ahead of Arsenal's visit to Pride Park to play the Rams on Sunday. Derby County and Liverpool are now the only unbeaten teams in the Premier League.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 17 September 2022

TOP OF THE TABLE CLASH

DERBY COUNTY V ARSENAL

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Sunday 18 September 2022

Pre-match v Arsenal (H) - Premier League (10)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: This is it then. First versus second. Knowing that you won 4-0 last time Arsenal visited Pride Park must give you a lot of confidence?

Stuniverse: It does but, likewise, we know this will be a completely different game. Arsenal lost to Bournemouth last time out and they'll be wanting to bounce back from that. We're expecting a very difficult game today.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Louie Sibley (ankle)
Matteo Darmian (hamstring)
Martyn Waghorn (toe)

RamsFanzine: You've gone unchanged for the third consecutive match. Is this your strongest team?

Stuniverse: I haven't got a strongest team, I have a squad of players and we'll need them all throughout what will be a long and hard season. We've had no midweek games, so there's been no necessity to freshen things up. I say to my players get your chance, take your chance, and you'll keep the shirt. The way the starting 11 played against West Brom, and then again against Wolves, they all deserve to keep their shirts.

Post-match: Derby County (0) 1-2 (1) Arsenal

RamsFanzine: You're unbeaten record has gone. How do you sum it up?

Stuniverse: I thought we gave it a good effort and there wasn't much in it to be honest. The first-half was difficult for us to get any rhythm after losing first Cristian Espinoza and then Rafael Toloi to injuries.

RamsFanzine: How are they?

Stuniverse: Cristian's is ankle ligaments so he could be out a while. Rafael's got a bruised foot so he may be back fror Tottenham. 

After going a goal down, I thought we responded very well after the break and Will Hughes gave us an early equaliser. Joao Felix's free-kick was incredible and I don't think any goalkeeper in the world saves that. The penalty was harsh on Max Aarons and I thought justice was done when Alexander Nubel saved it. We kept pushing for an equaliser right to the final whistle and that pleased me.

RamsFanzine: You've dropped to 2nd but, to be 2nd after 10 games, that's an amazing start to the season.

Stuniverse: It is. Yes. But we're very disappointed to have lost this one.

Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates.

Edited August 14, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 22 September 2022

DERBY COUNTY UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

RamsFanzine: A Molina de Seguna based consortium, led by business tycoon Javi Suarez, has completed the takeover of Derby County, previously owned by Mel Morris.

The new Board have lifted the transfer embargo and increased the transfer budget available to DoF Igor Stimac.

Edited August 14, 2019 by Stuniverse

[samboing]

Even though it is disappointing to lose to Arsenal, look how far you have come, in the match preview you’re labelled as slight underdogs, that isn’t  bad going plus the great start has given you a slight cushion on Everton in 3rd place, now to pick the players up and carry on back to winning ways! I and all the rest of the guys here believe in you

[Stuniverse]

3 minutes ago, samboing said:

Even though it is disappointing to lose to Arsenal, look how far you have come, in the match preview you’re labelled as slight underdogs, that isn’t  bad going plus the great start has given you a slight cushion on Everton in 3rd place, now to pick the players up and carry on back to winning ways! I and all the rest of the guys here believe in you

Thanks, @samboing. We'll pick ourselves up, dust ourselves down, and go again.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 22 September 2022

LENGTHY SPELL OUT FOR LOWE

RamsFanzine: Derby County's 25 year-old left-back Max Lowe is set for up to four months out after tearing a calf muscle.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 24 September 2022

Pre-match v Tottenham Hotspur (a) - Premier League (11)

FourFourTwo:

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: Can you get back on track at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium today?

Stuniverse: We hope so. We had a winning habit, and then we lost to Arsenal, and we don't want losing to become  habit.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Louie Sibley (ankle)
Martyn Waghorn (toe)
Cristian Espinoza (ankle)
Max Lowe (calf)

RamsFanzine: How's the injury situation?

Stuniverse: We've lost Max Lowe to a bad calf muscle injury. Matteo Darmian has recovered from his hamstring issue and starts instead of Cristian Espinoza (ankle). Rafael Toloi still has a bruised foot, so he's on the bench, with Chris Smalling starting. Those are the two changes

Post-match: Tottenham Hotspur (0) 1-0 (0) Derby County

RamsFanzine: Looks like a clumsy challenge by Darmian cost you.

Stuniverse: Yes. You're right. Matteo got caught the wrong side of his man and, in trying to recover, he committed a clumsy foul. Kane scored the penalty and that was the only goal of the game. 

We started brightly. Danny Ings hit the post in the first minute and brought a great save out of Lloris a minute later. In fact, Danny could’ve had a hat-trick in the first 20 minutes, but Lloris had a very good game, unfortunately for us. I was pleased that it was us creating the chances in the last 10 minutes, as we chased the game, but we couldn't find a way to score.

RamsFanzine: You're still second and have two home games coming up next against Watford (17th) and Burnley (13th). Will those games give you a chance to end this losing streak?

Stuniverse: We always look to win our home games so yes, hopefully. Clearly we have some work to do on the training ground.

Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates.

Edited August 14, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 27 September 2022

LOWE EXTENDS RAMS STAY

RamsFanzine: Derby County DoF Igor Stimac confirmed that 25 year-old left-back Max Lowe has put pen to paper to extend his Rams stay until the summer of 2026.

Edited August 17, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 28 September 2022

RAMS OCTOBER FIXTURES

RamsFanzine: After playing only three matches in September, Derby County will play six matches in October, with the highlight being the visit of Liverpool to Pride Park on Saturday 22 October.

Edited August 17, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 29 September 2022

NUBEL CONTRACT EXTENSION

RamsFanzine: Derby County DoF Igor Stimac announced that 25 year-old German goalkeeper Alexander Nubel has extended his Rams contract until the summer of 2027.

Club sources inform us that Nubel's agent has negotiated a significant reduction in the minimum release clause for clubs in the European Champions Cup down from £32M, to £14.5M, a clause we expect manager Stuniverse won't be too happy with.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 1 October 2022

NEW RAMS BOARD HAPPY WITH MANAGER

RamsFanzine understand from club sources that Derby County's new chairman Javi Suarez and the Board are very pleased with the job manager Stuniverse is doing with the Rams.

[Stuniverse]

I’m honoured that @Sh0tee has name-checked me in the opening post of his [FM19] Chelsea - Director of Football Challenge.

Hmmmn... wonder where the idea for that title came from?

You can check out the Chelsea save here: 

 

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 1 October 2022

Pre-match v Watford (H) - Premier League (12)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: You've won every home game this season, except for the loss to Arsenal last time. Can you get back to winning ways against 17th placed Watford?

Stuniverse: That's the plan. We're not going to under-estimate Watford, and their former player Will Hughes has given us quite an insight into their mentality, but we've trained well and if we go out there and do our jobs properly we're confident of getting a win for our supporters. 

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Martyn Waghorn (toe)
Max Lowe (calf)

RamsFanzine: How are the injuries looking?

Stuniverse: We're getting there. Harry Wilson (thigh) and Rafael Toloi (foot) are good to go. Cristian Espinoza (ankle) can probably give us an hour, if needed, and Louie Sibley (ankle) 45  minutes.

We've made two changes today. Rafael Toloi returns for Chris Smalling and Martin Naylor comes in for Matteo Darmian.

Post-match: Derby County (0) 1-0 (0) Watford 

RamsFanzine: The phrase 'patience is a virtue' springs to mind. You restricted Watford to just one shot all game but, for long periods, it looked like you weren't going to score either. And you tried everything by the looks of it.

Stuniverse: Yes. We had to wait for the 70th minute for our captain Harry Wilson to break the deadlock with a stunning free-kick into the top corner. By then, we'd gone 4-4-2 with Guido Burgstaller and Mason Bennett up front. We never got going in the first-half, although the early injury to Will Hughes disrupted us. We felt we controlled the game, and Watford weren't really troubling us, so we pushed on more and more as the clock ticked on. Once Harry gave us the lead, it was a case of being professional, sensible, and seeing the game out. Which we managed to do comfortably.

RamsFanzine: How is Hughes?

Stuniverse: Will's twisted his ankle so he'll be out a good while, unfortunately.

RamsFanzine: The win takes you top of the Premier League. Congratulations.

Stuniverse: Thanks. Arsenal entertain Burnley tomorrow and we expect to be 2nd again after that. But we'll keep going, keep working hard, and see where it takes us this season.

Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates.

Edited August 17, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 2 October 2022

RAMS CHASE ZIRKZEE

RamsFanzine understand that Derby County DoF Igor Stimac has lodged a bid with Bayern Munich for 21 year-old Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee, who is currently on loan at FC Augsburg in Bundesliga 2.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 2 October 2022

GUNNERS GO TOP

RamsFanzine: Arsenal beat Burnley 2-0 to go back to the top of the Premier League, with Derby County dropping to 2nd.

 

Edited August 17, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 4 October 2022

ZIRKZEE SNUBS RAMS

RamsFanzine understand that Bayern Munich accepted a bid from Derby County for 21 year-old striker Joshua Zirkzee but DoF Igor Stimac has failed in his attempts to agree personal terms with the player.

Edited August 17, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 5 October 2022

Pre-match v Burnley (H) - Premier League (13)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: Burnley have lost their last five Premier League matches, their last six in all competitions, not to mention the fact that you've beaten them the last three times you've met. You should win this one as well, shouldn't you?

Stuniverse: I'm sure Mark Hughes and his team are desperate to end their losing streak so the Clarets will be dangerous opponents in that respect. We're certainly going to be expected to win, which can increase the pressure on us. We've prepared thoroughly and are confident of giving our fans a performance they can be proud of.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Max Lowe (calf)
Will Hughes (ankle)

RamsFanzine: How big a blow is losing Hughes?

Stuniverse: Obviously Will Hughes is a very important player for us but he's injured his ankle, and we'll be without him for a few weeks at least. Will's misfortune, allows Cristian Espinoza to start after recovering from his ankle injury.

Post-match: Derby County (1) 3-0 (0) Burnley

RamsFanzine: Another very impressive win from your side. Burnley didn't have a shot on target. What's your take on it?

Stuniverse: Yes. I agree with you. I thought we played very well both with the ball, and without it. We started positively and Danny Ings gave us the lead after two minutes but, again, we lost a player to injury before half-time. After the break I thought we managed the game very well and added two more goals through Mason Bennett and a penalty from Harry Wilson.

RamsFanzine: How is Lawrence?

Stuniverse: It looks like Tom's damaged ankle ligaments so he'll be out for a few weeks at least.

RamsFanzine: You win. Arsenal win. There is a bit of a gap opening up to third with Everton drawing. Do you think you can sustain a title challenge?

Stuniverse: Max Freund has a very good squad of players so we might be hearing 'Arsenal win' a lot this season. We're delighted to be 2nd and in the discussion. We will be doing everything we can to try and stay in the race, but we have to be realistic and not get carried away with ourselves. We have a lot of hard work to do and we don't have the biggest squad in the league.

Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates.

[Stuniverse]

? QUESTION ?

After this month (October 2022), we don't play again until New Year's Eve because of the World Cup in Qatar.

What should I do with the players during that seven or eight week break?

Should I give them a holiday in November and bring them back towards the end of November / beginning of December?

Should we train throughout?

Should we arrange some friendly games?

I'd welcome your thoughts...

 

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 7 October 2022

RAMS TRAINING FACILITIES UPGRADED

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Monday 10 October 2022

Pre-match v Newcastle United (a) - Premier League (14)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: With Arsenal drawing 1-1 at Liverpool, you can go level on points at the top if you win tonight.

Stuniverse: That's a great incentive for us. Of course it is. But we know St. James's Park is a very difficult place to come to. We'll have to be at our best to get anything out of this one.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Max Lowe (calf)
Will Hughes (ankle)
Tom Lawrence (ankle)

RamsFanzine: Just the one change tonight.

Stuniverse: Yes. Louie Sibley comes in for Tom Lawrence (ankle).

Post-match: Newcastle United (0) 0-2 (0) Derby County 

RamsFanzine: A good win tonight. Both goals scored by substitutes you sent on. How pleasing is that?

Stuniverse: Yes. We had to be patient again in this one. Guido Burgstaller and Mason Bennett both came off the bench to bag a goal each. As a manager some substitutions work for you like that and change a game and sometimes they don't. Tonight the substitutions worked out well. It shows what we've said all along though, that this isn't about the starting 11, it's about the squad, and we'll need everybody to contribute over the season.

RamsFanzine: You lost another player to injury. How is Espinoza?

Stuniverse: Cristian felt some tightness in his thigh, but he should be ok for the West Ham game.

RamsFanzine: Three points puts you level on points with Arsenal at the top of the table. You have to be considered title challengers, surely?

Stuniverse: No, I wouldn't say that. We weren't expected to be title challengers, but we're up there in the discussion because of the games we've won and the points we've picked up. That's all we can do. Keep trying to win football games, keep picking up as many points as we can, to put the pressure on Arsenal and to try and stay clear of the teams below us. We still have 24 games to play yet. That's a lot of football.

Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates.

Edited August 17, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 11 October 2022

ARSENAL WIN GAME-IN-HAND

RamsFanzine: Arsenal won their game-in-hand 2-1 at Watford and are now three points clear at the top of the Premier League.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Sunday 16 October 2022

Pre-match v West Ham United (a) - Premier League (15)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: West Ham are unbeaten at home in all competitions this season. Getting a result is going to be difficult at the London Stadium, isn't it? 

Stuniverse: West Ham are a good team under Michael Laudrup and the Hammers are playing very well at home. We know what to expect. Yes, it's going to be a difficult game, but we'll do our best to get a result this afternoon.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Marcos Senesi (suspended)
Max Lowe (calf)
Will Hughes (ankle)
Tom Lawrence (ankle)

RamsFanzine: How frustrating is it to lose Senesi to suspension on top of all your injuries?

Stuniverse: Of course, it is, but Marcos has been superb for us this season. Defenders are always going to pick up yellow cards, and five yellows means a suspension. The rules are the rules and it is what it is. Chris Smalling is a ready made replacement and Chris has an opportunity to impress and keep the shirt.

Post-match: West Ham United (0) 0-4 (2) Derby County

RamsFanzine: That was a very impressive performance against a West Ham side who were unbeaten here. And talking of impressive, how good was Danny Ings's hat-trick?

Stuniverse: Danny Ings was absolutely magnificent tonight. The whole team played very well today, defensively, in transition, and when we had the ball. Danny scored three. Jack Marriott got one. We could have had some more as well. 

RamsFanzine: Hang on a minute, I've got my producer in my ear...

Stuniverse: OK.

RamsFanzine: We're just hearing that Leicester have thrashed Arsenal 5-0 and your Derby County are top of the league!

Stuniverse: Really?

RamsFanzine: Yes. Really. 5-0. You and Arsenal have the same points, have played the same number of matches, but you have a better goal difference by four.

Stuniverse: Wow! That's an unbelievable result. Thank you, Leicester. As I keep saying, though, there's still a lot of football left to be played this season. 

RamsFanzine: Starting with Liverpool at Pride Park on Saturday.

Stuniverse: Yeah. It doesn't get any easier in the Premier League. At least our supporters can enjoy this week.

Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates.

Edited August 17, 2019 by Stuniverse

[JaytheGreat]

7 hours ago, Stuniverse said:

? QUESTION ?

After this month (October 2022), we don't play again until New Year's Eve because of the World Cup in Qatar.

What should I do with the players during that seven or eight week break?

Should I give them a holiday in November and bring them back towards the end of November / beginning of December?

Should we train throughout?

Should we arrange some friendly games?

I'd welcome your thoughts...

 

Depending on your injuries look like at the break, I'd give the team a few weeks off then play 2 or 3 friendlies in December.

I like Igor being aggressive out there, do you need another striker, no but atleast the striker was young and has quality. Too bad they couldn't come to terms.  

[Stuniverse]

14 hours ago, JaytheGreat said:

I like Igor being aggressive out there, do you need another striker, no but atleast the striker was young and has quality. Too bad they couldn't come to terms.  

@JaytheGreat, I certainly don’t need a striker who’s currently out on loan and can’t join us until the end of the season 😀

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 22 October 2022

Pre-match v Liverpool (H) - Premier League (16)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: You've yet to beat Liverpool as manager, although you've drawn three times. Today would be a great time to grab that first victory, wouldn't it?

Stuniverse: It would. Yes. But we're under no illusions about how difficult Unai Emery's Liverpool are going to be to play against today. We'll do our best and, hopefully, it'll be enough.

RamsFanzine: Emery's been very complimentary about you and your Derby County side, hasn't he?

Stuniverse: Yes, he has. And it's nice to hear that from managers I respect. But it's only words. It's what the players do on the pitch that counts.

RamsFanzine: Arsenal entertain Man United tomorrow. How do you see that one going?

Stuniverse: I'm not going to make predictions but, like us, Arsenal are home to a very difficult opponent. To be honest, though, I'm only interested in what we do at the moment. If we're still in the discussion with five games to go, as we hope to be, maybe then I'll take more interest in other team's fixtures.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Max Lowe (calf)
Will Hughes (ankle)
Tom Lawrence (ankle)

RamsFanzine: How's the injuy news?

Stuniverse: Marcos Senesi has served his suspension and Cristian Espinoza (thigh) is the only other player available again. Cristian keeps his place, but Marcos is on the bench as we're sticking with the Chris Smalling-Rafael Toloi pairing today. Guido Burgstaller comes in for Louie Sibley as I think experience may be important against Liverpool today.

Post-match: Derby County (1) 1-3 (0) Liverpool

RamsFanzine: For an hour you looked very good value but, in the last half an hour, Liverpool took the game away from you. Is that how you saw it?

Stuniverse: Yes. I thought we were very impressive first-half, and we played well after the break, but once Liverpool equalised, they handled the rest of the game much better than us. Mane was on fire, with his hat-trick, and arguably the best player on the pitch.

I have to accept some of the blame, I think. At 1-1, I wanted to win the game and I made changes, including going 4-4-2, to try and get us going forward and attacking more. We did create some good chances, Danny Ings really should have scored with the header he put over, but it left us too open and Liverpool and Mane picked us off. In hindsight, I probably should have kept things as they were and been content with a draw.

RamsFanzine: You gave Burgstaller a rare start and he repaid your faith with a goal. That must've pleased you?

Stuniverse: Yes. I felt Guido's experience could be important today and he was instrumental in a very impressive first 45 minutes for us. Everybody here knows Guido is a goal scorer and he proved that again today with a quality goal.

RamsFanzine: Arsenal will go top again if they avoid defeat tomorrow at home to Man United.

Stuniverse: They will... and there's nothing we can do about that. We work hard in training and then we go again against Brighton here at Pride Park next Saturday, before the long break for the World Cup.

Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates.

Edited August 18, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 23 October 2022

ARSENAL BACK ON TOP

RamsFanzine: Arsenal beat Manchester United 2-0 to overtake Derby County at the top of the Premier League.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 29 October 2022

Pre-match v Brighton and Hove Albion (H) - Premier League (17)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: You must be very strong favourites today given that Brighton visit Pride Park having failed to win any match in any competition so far this season.

Stuniverse: Yes, of course we will be, but football's not as simple as that. Ralph Hasenhuttl and his players won't want to go into the long international break on the back of yet another loss so we expect Brighton to make it very difficult for us today. We're confident though, and if we match Brighton for work-rate and commitment, we believe we'll have enough about us to send our fans home happy.

RamsFanzine: Hasenhuttl is under a lot of pressure at the moment with speculation a loss today could see him lose his job. You've shown solidarity with him this week. Why's that?

Stuniverse: As I said to Football365, I think managers generally don't get given enough time by owners and that they should have more patience and show more faith in the managers they appoint. Football clubs need stability and that comes from giving managers time. Success doesn't always happen straight away but, more often than not, will come with time. In some ways, what we've seen here.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Max Lowe (calf)

RamsFanzine: Hughes and Lawrence back on the bench?

Stuniverse: Yes. Our medical staff have passed Will Hughes (ankle) and Tom Lawrence (ankle) fit to play up to 75 minutes, should we need them, so they're both on the bench. The only change in the starting line-up sees Marcos Senesi return for Chris Smalling, who's on the bench.

Post-match: Derby County (0) 3-0 (0) Brighton and Hove Albion

RamsFanzine: Talk about Jekyll and Hyde. What did you say to the players at half-time?

Stuniverse: I thought we were too slow and too passive in the first-half and I pointed that out to the players at the break. In the second-half we increased the tempo and showed a lot more urgency. We got our reward through great goals from Martin Naylor, Kenedy with a stunning strike, and Danny Ings.

RamsFanzine: Did your third goal sum up why Brighton are struggling so much this season?

Stuniverse: Possibly, and sadly for Ralph [Hasenhuttl], it didn't look great. At 2-0 down, I really don't know what their centre-backs were doing passing the ball between the two of them, time and time again, on the edge of their penalty area. Danny nipped in, intercepted a pass, went into the penalty area and drilled his shot hard and low past the goalkeeper.

RamsFanzine: You win and Arsenal win. It's becoming a common theme this season.

Stuniverse: Yes. It is. I guess that's why we're first and second.

RamsFanzine: Well it's the final Saturday of October and you don't play again competitively until Saturday 31 December. What are you going to do between now and then?

Stuniverse: We're going to give the players about three weeks off and then we'll get together again in late November for, effectively, another pre-season with, hopefully, some friendly games in December before we go to Goodison Park on New Year's Eve.

Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates.

Edited August 18, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 30 October 2022

DERBY COUNTY'S SEASON SO FAR

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 31 October 2022

RAMS ANNOUNCE FRIENDLY FIXTURES

RamsFanzine: Derby County announce six friendly games, ahead of their return to competitive  Premier League action away to Everton on New Year's Eve, and a difficult run of four fixtures in January, including games against Manchester City and Manchester United.

The Rams have surprised everybody this season and go into the World Cup break in second place in the Premier League, three points behind Arsenal.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 1 November 2022

STUNIVERSE WINS MANAGER OF THE MONTH

RamsFanzine: Derby County manager Stuniverse has been named Premier League Manager of the Month for October.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 2 November 2022

DERBY COUNTY FINANCES

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 2 November 2022

DERBY COUNTY BOARD CONFIDENCE

Edited August 18, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 2 November 2022

RAMS DYNAMICS

[Stuniverse]

Stuniverse (note to self): 

In some of the friendly games coming up, I think I’m going to try a three-at-the-back system - probably 3-4-2-1, perhaps changing to 3-4-1-2.

In the games so far, Rafael Toloi, Marcos Senesi and Chris Smalling have all been immense at centre-back and, ahead of the Liverpool game, we’d conceded the fewest goals of anyone in the EPL (we still may have, I haven’t checked) and we still have the joint best goal difference (with Arsenal, of course) of +20.

So I’m wondering how we’d get on if all three of them played together. Kenedy would be fine pushed further forward as LWB, as he’s a LW really, and both Max Aarons and Jayden Bogle can play RWB. We may have to sacrifice our wingers, though, or drop them back.

But, against the Big Six, I’m wondering if this might be the way to go!

Edited August 19, 2019 by Stuniverse

[dap1987]

Just had a massive catch up ... where to even begin!

 

End of last season, you must have been a bit gutted to lose on the last day and miss Europe ... to then find out you made it because of Chelsea!!  Nearly as good as a last minute winner (well unless VAR rules it out but we won't go there!) .. .wait a minute, whats happened to you being in Europa?  have i missed something as to why you aren't?

 

Then an unbelievable spending spree in the summer, finally got your man in Kenedy and even better you signed Wilson on a permanent deal, and how those signings have helped!  I couldn't help but sing "you're gona win the league" whilst reading shame the World Cup could get in the way!  just in case you haven't been here before, a few things, FA Cup is no replays and European competitions are only 1 leg when usually 2 (although i did just realise I've not seen a european game yet!)

 

And finally, the takeover! Happened at a great time that didn't disrupted any transfer business and given you a few quid to spend as well, although FFP might not look too clever!  I'm not sure I've ever seen a new board come in and retain the confidence of the previous board, usually you pretty much have to start again but it can only be a positive

[Stuniverse]

2 hours ago, dap1987 said:

Just had a massive catch up ... where to even begin!

Wherever you like, @dap1987.

2 hours ago, dap1987 said:

End of last season, you must have been a bit gutted to lose on the last day and miss Europe ... to then find out you made it because of Chelsea!!  Nearly as good as a last minute winner (well unless VAR rules it out but we won't go there!) .. .wait a minute, whats happened to you being in Europa?  have i missed something as to why you aren't?

Yes, it was amazing. It looked like we hadn’t and then we had...

...but you’re not missing anything as there haven’t been any Euro Cup games yet, and there’s nothing in our fixture list, and there’s no Board expectation for Euro Cup either.

But there was no Board expectation for the MLS All-stars game at the start of the season either, and then it just appeared.

When we were told we’d qualified for the Euro Cup it said for the main stage, whatever stage that is, so I’m hoping all will become clear as the season progresses.

2 hours ago, dap1987 said:

Then an unbelievable spending spree in the summer, finally got your man in Kenedy and even better you signed Wilson on a permanent deal, and how those signings have helped!  I couldn't help but sing "you're gona win the league" whilst reading shame the World Cup could get in the way!  just in case you haven't been here before, a few things, FA Cup is no replays and European competitions are only 1 leg when usually 2 (although i did just realise I've not seen a european game yet!)

Thanks. I was delighted Igor managed to sign Kenedy and Harry Wilson. Marcos Senesi is brilliant at the back and Guido Burgstaller has scored some vital goals. Mason Mount is back on loan but I was sad to see Domingos Quina leave.

Didn’t know that about the FA Cup and Europe. Thanks for the heads-up, assuming we will get some Euro Cup action this season.

2 hours ago, dap1987 said:

And finally, the takeover! Happened at a great time that didn't disrupted any transfer business and given you a few quid to spend as well, although FFP might not look too clever!  I'm not sure I've ever seen a new board come in and retain the confidence of the previous board, usually you pretty much have to start again but it can only be a positive

Yes. New Board. New Boss in signor Javi Suarez. So far they seem very happy with how I’m managing the mighty Rams 🐏!

Really not sure how the FFP will pan out but people on here are telling me not to worry... so I’m trying not to worry.

Be interesting to see what Igor does in the January transfer window.

Edited August 20, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 2 November 2022

RAMS MISS OUT ON WORLD CUP

RamsFanzine: The final 23-men squads for the World Cup have been finalised and Derby County will not be represented.

England's manager Gareth Southgate has watched Rams players Danny Ings, Will Hughes, Chris Smalling and England U21-international Max Aarons this season but didn't include any of them in his World Cup squad.

Marcos Senesi came off the bench to win his first Argentinian cap during the last international break, but has not been included in the Argentina squad.

Welsh internationals Harry Wilson and Tom Lawrence have been called up for Wales's  friendly matches, but they won't be playing in the World Cup as Steve Clarke's side failed to qualify.

Former Rams players Pau Lopez (Spain) and Andre Wisdom (Jamaica) will be going to Qatar after being named in their nation's World Cup squads.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 16 November 2022

LAYUN TO RETIRE

RamsFanzine: Derby County's 34 yer-old Mexican full-back Miguel Layun has announced his intention to retire at the end of the season.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 18 November 2022

ESPINOZA BREAKS DOWN IN TRAINING

RamsFanzine: Derby County's 27 year-old Argentinian winger Cristian Espinoza is set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering a lower back stress fracture whilst lifting weights in training.

Edited August 21, 2019 by Stuniverse

[JaytheGreat]

Well it's that time of the season were injuries and just seem to pile up, although losing Espinoza does hurt but you still have Wilson. With Layun retiring that should free up some of the wage bill.

[Stuniverse]

23 minutes ago, JaytheGreat said:

Well it's that time of the season were injuries and just seem to pile up, although losing Espinoza does hurt but you still have Wilson. With Layun retiring that should free up some of the wage bill.

As long as Igor doesn’t try to talk Layun out of retiring...

[JaytheGreat]

I'm not sure Igor should ever be allowed to have any kind of checkbook.  

[Mrlee.1986]

2 hours ago, Stuniverse said:

Game date: 16 November 2022

LAYUN TO RETIRE

RamsFanzine: Derby County's 34 yer-old Mexican full-back Miguel Layun has announced his intention to retire at the end of the season.

Makes Igor’s Decision to sign him look even more ridiculous... 

[Stuniverse]

5 hours ago, Mrlee.1986 said:

Makes Igor’s Decision to sign him look even more ridiculous... 

You won’t get any argument from me there, @Mrlee.1986. I don’t think I’ve played Layun in any competing games, though he has played in the odd friendly and possibly at U23. I imagine he’ll get a bit of playing time during the up-coming friendliest during the World Cup break.

[Stuniverse]

5 hours ago, JaytheGreat said:

I'm not sure Igor should ever be allowed to have any kind of checkbook.  

Igor has made some good signings to be fair, @JaytheGreat, but he’s also made some absolutely terrible ones with Layun and the U23 kid who can’t play for the senior’s because he only has a youth work permit (already renew d once by Igor but still can’t play for the seniors) are just two examples...

[Stuniverse]

Apologies for the delay...

Sorry it's been a while since I last updated this thread - I'm afraid I lost some enthusiasm for the save but I aim to have a good session today and get back into it in earnest again.

Two main reasons:

1. Qatar World Cup

I don't enjoy the pre-season aspect of FM although I understand it's importance and always take control myself as  I like to try different tactics, get a look at new signings and work out what they can and can't do, and get the fitness levels of the players where I need them to be. 

The Qatar World Cup has thrown up another pre-season with my existing squad and this time it feels even more like a chore and a slog but hopefully I'll get through the friendly matches today and be ready to pick-up the EPL campaign again.

But that's not the main reason...

... the main reason is...

2. Euro Cup

After failing to make the Euro Cup last season, despite finishing 7th, because Arsenal (10th) won the Carabao Cup, we then got a reprieve when Chelsea won the Euro Cup and our qualification for the Group Stage was confirmed.

It seems we're not in the Euro Cup after all. The Group Stage is underway and we're not involved.

Any way, the small hiatus has allowed me to get that disappointment out of my system and I'm ready to manage the Mighty Rams 🐏 again!

My apologies for the delay...

 

Edited August 25, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 25 November 2022

NAYLOR JOINS INJURY LIST

RamsFanzine: Derby County's 20 year-old midfielder Martin Naylor has twisted his ankle in training and joins Cristain Espinoza (back) and Max Lowe (calf) on the injury list. Will Hughes (ankle) and Tom Lawrence (ankle) are still working their way back to full fitness.