[FM19] Derby County - Director of Football Challenge

[Stuniverse]

3 minutes ago, JaytheGreat said:

Derby is looking a little shaky early on, but that's why you play 38 games.

34 to go. Hoping the next three - H Blackburn, a Watford, H Southampton - will see us gain some momentum and points on the board.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 2 September 2023

Pre-match v Blackburn Rovers (H) - Premier League (5)

Match Preview

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Danny Ings (ankle)

Doubtful:
Luciano Vietto (knee)

RamsFanzine: A full eleven changes again.

Stuniverse: Yes. Alexander Nubel in goal. Across the back Max Aarons, Joachim Andersen, Marco Senesi and Kenedy. Luka Milivojevic and Will Hughes in front of them, with Harry Wilson, Mason Mount, and Tom Lawrence behind Jack Marriott.

Post-match: Derby County (1) 5-2 (0) Blackburn Rovers

RamsFanzine: 3-0 up and comfortable, then you made hard work of it, didn't you?

Stuniverse: Maybe, but I thought we were always in control. Yes, Frank Lampard's Blackburn deserve credit for the way they came back at us after a Harry Wilson brace and the first of Tom Lawrence's two goals had given us a 3-0 lead. But when Tom scored his second for 4-2 that seemed to take the wind out of their sails. Young Alexander Betteridge rounded it off with our fifth.

RamsFanzine: Your first game at Pride Park since the expansion and a record attendance. What was it like?

Stuniverse: Yes. It was special. 37,847 I believe. Our fans were magnificent today. During that sticky period where Blackburn pegged up back to 3-2, they really got behind the players and gave them a lift. We all appreciate the support they give us both home and away.

RamsFanzine: You're up to 7th and your captain was instrumental, wasn't he?

Stuniverse: That's why Harry Wilson is our captain. Harry leads by example on the pitch. He gave us the lead in the first-half with a sensational solo goal and then a minute after the restart he stretches our lead to two goals. He also nearly had an assist when Jack Marriott hit the post after Harry had put him through.

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Edited September 29, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 7 September 2023

WILSON INJURED WITH WALES

RamsFanzine: Derby County have been rocked by the news that their captain Harry Wilson has suffered a calf strain on international duty with Wales and could be out for two months.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Sunday 17 September 2023

Pre-match v Watford (a) - Premier League (6)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: Wilson came back from international duty with a serious injury. What's your view on how Wales handled it?

Stuniverse: Look, it's done and we can't undo it. It's a massive honour for any player to represent his country and Harry wouldn't be playing for Wales if he wan't performing to the highest level with us. It's hugely frustrating though when the player gets injured in someone else's care and there's nothing you can do about it. Harry's back now and our medical team will look after him.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Harry Wilson (calf)
Danny Ings (ankle)

Doubtful:
Luciano Vietto (knee)

RamsFanzine: Who wears the arm band in Wilson's absence?

Stuniverse: Will Hughes is our vice-captain so Will has the honour which, I know, is a massive thing for him as he graduated from our Academy, left to play for Watford at Vicarage Road for a bit, before coming back home. Today Will gets to captain the Rams at the home of his former club.

I've made two changes. Cristian Espinoza comes in for Harry and Alexander Betteridge starts instead of Jack Marriott up front.

Post-match: Watford (1) 5-0 (0) Derby County

RamsFanzine: You've lost 5-0 to bottom of the league Watford. What do you say to the supporters after a showing like that?

Stuniverse: I put my hands up and apologise to them. Today wasn't acceptable on any level and fell way below the standards we set ourselves. I can assure our fans we'll be working hard on the training ground to make sure it doesn't happen again.

RamsFanzine: What do you put it down to?

Stuniverse: I don't know. We were looking good in training before we got the news about Harry and, maybe, that had an affect on our players as Harry is a key player for us, a leader, and he's very well liked by everyone. But my players should be professional enough to go out there and do their jobs professionally.

In the first-half we never got going and if it wasn't for Alexander Nubel it would've been more than 1-0 at half-time. We changed things round before the break, and used the interval to get our instructions across to the players, and after the restart we did look better and started to create some chances. Jack Marriott and Kenedy forced their goalkeeper into making a couple of top notch saves.

But Watford caught us on the break for their second and third goals and we didn't handle the game at all after that.

RamsFanzine: Marriott looks a different player these days, 18 games now without a goal, isn't it?

Stuniverse: Jack came on as a sub for us late in the first-half. I'll admit he's struggling for form at the moment, and that's why I started Alexander Betteridge today with Danny Ings still injured, but the only way to work yourself out of bad form is to play through it. Maybe it's time to play him in some U23 games, see if Jack can get his confidence back that way.

RamsFanzine: Mount and Espinoza limped off. How are they?

Stuniverse: Yeah. The injuries didn't help us at all, particularly losing Mason in the first half. Mason's not too bad, he's bruised his thigh but next weekend's fixture may come too soon for him. Cristian will be out for a while, unfortunately, with a groin strain.

 

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Edited September 30, 2019 by Stuniverse

[dap1987]

Tricky start and you seem to be lacking a bit of consistency, hopefully not the second half of last season carry on to this one.   The Watford defeat is a bad one though, that is definitely not what you would have expected following the previous game.

 

Always a big blow when you lose a player to injury during the international break too, massive blow to your squad

[Stuniverse]

2 hours ago, dap1987 said:

Tricky start and you seem to be lacking a bit of consistency, hopefully not the second half of last season carry on to this one.   The Watford defeat is a bad one though, that is definitely not what you would have expected following the previous game.

Always a big blow when you lose a player to injury during the international break too, massive blow to your squad

Thanks, @dap1987. Yeah, the Watford result was incredibly disappointing and, on the back of last season’s inconsistency after the World Cup break, makes me wonder if I’ve taken this Derby County team as far as I can...

Edited September 30, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 18 September 2023

STUNIVERSE - RAMS JOB VERY SECURE

RamsFanzine understand that despite the humiliating 5-0 defeat against bottom club Watford, the Derby County board remain happy with Rams manager Stuniverse and his job is very secure.

Edited September 30, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 18 September 2023

RAMS PLAYERS REFUND FANS WHO TRAVELLED TO WATFORD

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 23 September 2023

LOWE AN UNHAPPY RAM

RamsFanzine understand 26 year-old left-back Max Lowe is unhappy with a lack of playing time this season, but the Rams Academy graduate decided against handing in a transfer request after a private chat with manager Stuniverse.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 23 September 2023

Pre-match v Southampton (H) - Premier League (7)

Match Preview

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Harry Wilson (calf)
Cristian Espinoza (groin)

Doubtful:
Danny Ings (ankle - 45 mins)
Mason Mount (thigh - 60 mins)

RamsFanzine: Three changes after the Watford defeat.

Stuniverse: Yes. Rafael Toloi is in for Joachim Andersen. Luciano Vietto comes in for the injured Cristian Espinoza (groin). Mason Mount (thigh) isn't quite ready to start, so Philipp Max comes in at left-back with Kenedy pushing forward as left-winger.

Post-match: Derby County (1) 6-5 (1) Southampton

RamsFanzine: How are your nerves after that one?

Stuniverse: I don't know [laughs]. Am I shaking? It was a freak game, one of those you get every so often. It really did have everything.

In the first half, I thought we looked very comfortable. Our captain, Will Hughes, gave us the lead early on and, to be honest, Southampton weren't really troubling us. Then Marcos Senesi missed an interception and suddenly they're level and that goal seemed to give them renewed hope and belief.

After the break, in a rare error of judgement, our goalkeeper Alexander Nubel dwelled too long on the ball, got dispossessed, and we're 2-1 down and then we were 3-1 down.

We had nothing to lose, we went 4-4-2, we threw on our attacking subs, we pushed forward. Mason Mount pulled one back with a pile-driver of a shot. We pushed forward looking for an equaliser, got caught on the counter-attack, and we're 4-2 down with seven minutes to go.

In American Football terms it became 'Hail Mary' time. On 88 minutes, a mad scramble in their penalty area and Marcos Senesi scores. A minute later, and Jack Marriott scores his first goal in...like...forever and it's 4-4.

Shut-up shop or keep going? Hail Mary served us well, we decide to go Hail Mary again into added on time. 90+2 and Danny Ings heads us into a 5-4 lead.

Now we do decide to shut up shop. We're frantically screaming instructions from the touchline but the noise inside Pride Park Stadium is the loudest I've ever known it. We're still trying to reorganise when Southampton score again. 5-5. 90+3.

At this stage we're well into added on time. Nobody has a clue how much longer there is to go. On the side lines we're waving our arms frantically, screaming "Get forward! Get forward!" Incredibly our players do just that. Crowded penalty area. Tom Lawrence goes down. The referee signals for VAR. What seems like an eternity later the referee gives a penalty.

90+7 Jack Marriott steps-up. Scores. That's got to be time, surely? They kick-off. They launch the ball forward. The referee blows his whistle. 3-1 and 4-2 down, we've won 6-5. 

RamsFanzine: The win lifts you to 8th place.

Stuniverse: I'm just glad we won, to be honest. The resilience, determination and character my players demonstrated out there today was incredible. What a game!

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Edited September 30, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Tuesday 25 September 2023

Pre-match v Nottingham Forest (a) - Carabao Cup 3rd Round

Match Preview

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Harry Wilson (calf)
Cristian Espinoza (groin)

Doubtful:
Danny Ings (ankle - 45 mins)

RamsFanzine: Three changes for the Forest match?

Stuniverse: Yes. Joachim Andersen returns for Rafael Toloi. Jack Marriott starts up front instead of Alexander Betteridge. Mason Mount (thigh) returns in place of Philipp Max. We won't be underestimating our rivals Nottingham Forest even though they're still in the Championship. We're determined to go to the City Ground and give our fans the bragging rights.

RamsFanzine: Am I right in thinking a change of system for tonight?

Stuniverse: You'll just have to wait and see.

Post-match: Nottingham Forest (0) 0-0 (0) Derby County
Derby win 7-6 on penalties

RamsFanzine: Congratulations. You're through to the next round.

Stuniverse: Thank you. We had to go to penalties, but we came through it victorious. It was an exemplorary lesson in how to take penalties with the first twelve converted. In the end, our goalkeeper Alexander Nubel saved the 13th penalty of the shootout and Marcos Senesi stepped up to put us through.

RamsFanzine: Instead of your normal 4-2-3-1, you started 4-1-2-3 and then changed to 4-4-2. Should you have won it in 90 minutes?

Stuniverse: I don't want to disrepect Nottingham Forest but, yes, I thought we were the better team and created the better chances. We did get the ball in the back of the net, only for it to be harshly ruled out for a so-called push on Michael Hefele that I never saw. In their goal, Karl Jakob Hein won't have many better games in his career. He was immense.

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Edited September 30, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 30 September 2023

DERBY V CHELSEA - CARABAO CUP

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 30 September 2023

RAMS FIXTURES IN OCTOBER

RamsFanzine: After an up-and-down September, Derby County have four EPL fixtures in October, starting with back-to-back visits to Manchester.

Edited September 30, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Sunday 1st October 2023

Pre-match v Manchester United (a) - Premier League (8)

Match Preview

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Harry Wilson (calf)
Cristian Espinoza (groin)

Doubtful:
Danny Ings (ankle - 45 mins)

RamsFanzine: Just the one change today.

Stuniverse: Yes. Philipp Max comes in for Luciano Vietto, with Kenedy playing further forward again.

Post-match: Manchester United (3) 4-0 (0) Derby County 

RamsFanzine: Another heavy defeat against Man United. What do you put it down to?

Stuniverse: At the risk of sounding flippant, they're better than us and have quality players all over the pitch. Camilo Contreras was world class today. I thought we played better when we went to the 4-4-2 diamond. We're missing Harry Wilson (calf) and Cristian Espinoza (groin) so that might be the way we have to go while they're out injured.

RamsFanzine: Any truth in the rumour you've told Max to buck his ideas up?

Stuniverse: I didn't put it quite like that but I've made it very clear to Philipp what I think about his recent performances. He couldn't even take throw-ins today without giving the ball away. Max Lowe has been in my ear wanting playing time and he'll get it very soon at this rate.

RamsFanzine: You really struggle against the Top Six in the EPL, why's that?

Stuniverse: I think any team outside the Top Six struggles against them, to be honest. 

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Edited September 30, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 7 October 2023

Pre-match v Manchester City (a) - Premier League (9)

Match Preview

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Cristian Espinoza (groin)

Doubtful:
Harry Wilson (calf - 60 mins)
Philipp Max (groin - 90 mins)

RamsFanzine: Two changes again.

Stuniverse: That's right. Danny Ings starts instead of Philipp Max (groin), with Kenedy playing left-back, and Martin Naylor comes in for Tom Lawrence.

Post-match: Manchester City (1) 3-0 (0) Derby County

RamsFanzine: Another loss against one of the big six clubs? How did you sum this one up?

Stuniverse: I thought we played better today, strange as that may sound, particularly after the break when we brought Harry Wilson (calf) and Tom Lawrence on to give us some width. We created some good chances today, only for their goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu to pull off some sensational saves. That's the thing against the top clubs, you don't get many chances so you have to take them. Unfortunately, we couldn't get the ball past Bazunu today.

RamsFanzine: Your form has been very indifferent so far this season. Have these players got what it takes to turn things around?

Stuniverse: Yes. I have faith in them to do just that.

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Edited September 30, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 21 October 2023

Pre-match v Crystal Palace (H) - Premier League (10)

Match Preview

Team Selection

Doubtful:
Cristian Espinoza (groin)
Martin Naylor (ankle)
Philipp Max (groin - 90)

RamsFanzine: Two changes?

Stuniverse: Yes. Tom Lawrence for Martin Naylor (ankle) and Harry Wilson for Jack Marriott.

Post-match: Derby County (4) 7-0 (0) Crystal Palace

RamsFanzine: Your captain returns and you win convincingly. How badly have you missed him?

Stuniverse: I'm delighted to have Harry Wilson back fit and firing on all cylinders. Harry's our captain and he leads by example on the pitch. His every thought is positive, he either passes forward, runs forward with the ball, or shoots. But it's not all about Harry. He didn't get on the score sheet today so let's give credit to the other players today; defensively, in transition, and with the ball I thought we were superb today.

Tom Lawrence scored two, Luka Milivojevic scored a penalty, and Kenedy, Max Aarons, Danny Ings and Louie Sibley all chipped in. And it could've been more as Harry hit the post with one free-kick and the bar with another.

RamsFanzine: Kenedy seemed to be struggling a bit towards the end, was he?

Stuniverse: Kenedy felt his hamstring tighten but he should be ok in a few days.

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[Stuniverse]

Game date: 23 October 2023

BURGSTALLER FACING THREE MONTHS OUT

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Sunday 29 October 2023

Pre-match v Everton (a) - Premier League (11)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: Everton have become something of a bogey team for you, haven't they?

Stuniverse: Yes. I would say they have. Frank de Boer has them flying this season so it will be a very difficult game for us. But we've always faced Jordan Pickford - who always played out of his skin against us - but they've sold him to Chelsea so I'm very interested to see how we get on against a different Everton goalkeeper. Confidence is high, after we put seven past Palace, and we're looking to keep their goalkeeper busy.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Guido Burgstaller (hip)
Chris Smalling (thigh)

Doubtful:
Cristian Espinoza (groin)

RamsFanzine: No changes?

Stuniverse: No. We were superb against Crystal Palace and I saw no reason to change anything. The only change is on the bench where I've named young goalkeeper Ben Hibbert. Christian Mathenia hasn't trained well lately so it's time to reward Ben who has been training very well.

Post-match: Everton (2) 2-2 (1) Derby County

RamsFanzine: You ended your run of defeats against Everton, by twice coming from behind. How did you see it?

Stuniverse: I'm very pleased with the way we played. Any away point in the Premier League is a good result and to come away with a point, at Goodison Park where we usually come away empty handed, is a very good result indeed. We showed tremendous character out there, twice coming from behind with goals from Will Hughes and Tom Lawrence.

RamsFanzine: What did you make of Pickford's replacement?

Stuniverse: I thought we created more chances than them and better chances than them. In Emil Audero they've found another good keeper and he' probably the reason we're going home with one point instead of three.

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Edited October 1, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 30 October 2023

RAMS FACE DIFFICULT NOVEMBER

RamsFanzine: Derby County face a very difficult November with two home games against Chelsea, one in the Carabao Cup, as well as hosting Arsenal.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Wednesday 1 November 2023

Pre-match v Chelsea (H) - Carabao Cup 4th Round

Match Preview

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Guido Burgstaller (hip)
Alexander Betteridge (ineligible - parent club)

Doubtful:
Chris Smalling (thigh)
Christian Mathenia (shin)
Cristian Espinoza (groin)

RamsFanzine: No changes again.

Stuniverse: Only on the bench where Martin Naylor replaces Alexander Betteridge who can't play against his parent club.

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

RamsFanzine: Commiserations. For long periods it looked like you were going to win tonight.

Stuniverse: Yes. We played very well and deservedly, in my opinion, took the lead through Marcos Senesi just before half-time. But Chelsea are a very good team and they put us under more and more pressure as the game wore on. When Kante's goal was ruled out, quite rightly for a foul on Alexander Nubel, that seemed to spur them on and they scored two goals to win it.

RamsFanzine: You get to play Chelsea again at Pride Park in 10 days time.

Stuniverse: We do. And the way we played tonight will give us confidence. But we have to go to high-flying West Ham before we even think about the next Chelsea game.

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[JaytheGreat]

Wow that Derby-Crystal Palace game was an butt kicking of epic proportions. 

[Stuniverse]

1 hour ago, JaytheGreat said:

Wow that Derby-Crystal Palace game was an butt kicking of epic proportions. 

It was a Welcome back Harry Wilson game for sure, @JaytheGreat.

0-5 v Watford

6-5 v Southampton

7-0 v Crystal Palace

What a weird season this is turning out to be!

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 4th November 2023

Pre-match v West Ham United (a) - Premier League (12)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: Are you surprised to be seeing the Hammers 4th in the EPL?

Stuniverse: No, not really. Manager Matjaz Kek has them playing very well. It's good to see and gives hope and inspiration to the rest us us. Having said all that, we want to burst the West Ham bubble today.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Guido Burgstaller (hip)

Doubtful:
Mason Mount (thigh)
Will Hughes (fatigue)
Tom Lawrence (fatigue)

RamsFanzine: Three changes today.

Stuniverse: Yes. Will Hughes, Mason Mount and Tom Lawrence were looking a little jaded in training so Cristian Espinoza (groin), Martin Naylor and Louie Sibley come in.

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

RamsFanzine: You avoided defeat, away from home, against a West Ham side 4th in the EPL. Is that a good result?

Stuniverse: I think so. Yes. Any away point in the Premier League is a good result. But we're actually a little disappointed we didn't win it. In the last 15 minutes, we were the team taking the game to them and Martin Naylor and Jack Marriott had good chances to win it for us.

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Edited October 4, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 6 November 2023

RAMS RODRIGUEZ MOVE IN DOUBT

RamsFanzine: Derby County DoF Igor Stimac has agreed a fee with Club Atletico River Plate to sign 22 year-old attacking midfielder Lisandro Rodriguez but it looks more and more like the Rams do not have the funds to complete the deal.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 11th November 2023

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

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: Ten days ago Chelsea knocked you out of the Carabao Cup at Stamford Bridge. Can you do better today?

Stuniverse: We hope so. I thought we played very well at Stamford Bridge. We took the lead and were ahead until quite late in the game but, in the end, Chelsea won 2-1. We can take a lot of confidence from the way we played that night. Hopefully, with home advantage, and a sellout Pride Park Stadium cheering us on, we can get a result for our fans.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Guido Burgstaller (hip)
Alexander Betteridge (ineligible - parent club)

RamsFanzine: Three changes.

Stuniverse: Yes. Tom Lawrence returns in place of Crisian Espinoza. Mason Mount comes in for Martin Naylor. Will Hughes replaces Luka Milivojevic.

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

RamsFanzine: De ja vu?

Stuniverse: Yes. I'm afraid so. I thought we played very well. Better than we did at Stamford Bridge. We took the lead in the second-half through a sensational goal from Mason Mount against his former club. We held the lead until about quarter of an hour from the end when they equalised. Then they won it late on, in fortunate, for them, circumstances. We blocked Jorginho's first shot but it fell to him again and he scored at the second attempt.

RamsFanzine: Next up, after the international break, is Arsenal. It doesn't get any easier does it?

Stuniverse: It doesn't [laughs]. But Arsenal are 9th, just one place above us, so we've got a good chance of getting something out of the home game if we play as we know we can.

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Edited October 4, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

13 hours ago, Stuniverse said:

RAMS RODRIGUEZ MOVE IN DOUBT

RamsFanzine: Derby County DoF Igor Stimac has agreed a fee with Club Atletico River Plate to sign 22 year-old attacking midfielder Lisandro Rodriguez but it looks more and more like the Rams do not have the funds to complete the deal.

We’ve delayed the Lisandro Rodriguez transfer for a second week as Igor Stimac has been unable to get it done. I tried to help him out by making a budget adjustment but there’s no room to manoeuvre.

Edited October 5, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 25 November 2023

Pre-match v Arsenal (H) - Premier League (14)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: How has the international break impacted your preparations?

Stuniverse: Well we've had eight players away on international duty. Which is great in one way, because it's a huge honour to play for your Country and I wouldn't want to stand in their way, but in another way it means we've had two weeks but only get to work with the whole squad for a few days. Martin Naylor got to make his England senior debut and I'm delighted for him.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Guido Burgstaller (hip)

Doubtful:
Marco Senesi (fatigue)
Philipp Max (calf)

RamsFanzine: Two changes from the defeat to Chelsea.

Stuniverse: Yes. Marcos Senesi was looking jaded after being away with Argentina so Rafael Toloi comes in for him. Martin Naylor replaces Louie Sibley.

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

RamsFanzine: Congratulations. That was a good, solid victory.

Stuniverse: It was. Arsenal may be struggling a bit this season but they're sill one of the so-called big six. Today I thought we controlled the game from start to finish. We defended well and our goalkeeper Alexander Nubel will have busier days. Going forward, we looked positive and full of energy and once Mason Mount gave us the lead we never looked like conceding. Overall, a very impressive performance, it's just a shame we couldn't add a second goal.

RamsFanzine: The win takes you above Arsenal and moves you into 8th.

Stuniverse: Yes. That's pleasing. We started the day in 10th, just three points above the relegation zone, so it's a good feeling to have got the win and be moving up the table again as it's been three league games without a win for us, four in all competitions. Our fans were superb today and they can enjoy their weekend now.

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[Stuniverse]

Game date: 26 November 2023

BUSY DECEMBER FOR RAMS

RamsFanzine: Derby County face a busy December schedule with six Premier League matches, only two at Pride Park Stadium with four away from home.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 1 December 2023

STIMAC GETS RODRIGUEZ DEAL OVER THE LINE

RamsFanzine: We announced a few weeks ago that Rams DoF Igor Stimac had agreed a deal with Atletico Club River Plate to sign 22 year-old attacking midfielder Lisandro Rodriguez to Derby County, but it was dragging out for weeks as Igor didn't have enough funds in his transfer budget. Today, though, the deal to bring Rodriguez to Pride Park until the summer of 2028 has been confirmed.

We understand that manager Stuniverse came to Igor's rescue by requesting an increase in wage budget which was then moved to the transfer budget.

Rodriguez will join the Rams when the Winter transfer windows opens on 1st January 2024.

Edited October 5, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 1 December 2023

RAMS ROCKED BY KEEPER INJURY

RamsFanzine are hearing that the Rams will be without their number one goalkeeper for up to six weeks after 27 year-old Alexander Nubel sustained a sports hernia in the gym.

Derby County manager Stuniverse will have a decision to make between 31 year-old Christian Mathenia, who started the season as back-up, or 20 year-old Rams Academy graduate Ben Hibbert, who has been on the bench in recent weeks.

[JaytheGreat]

Damn that's really the worst time for an injury to Nubel, it will be interesting to see how the back ups play. On the plus side good win over Arsenal.

[Stuniverse]

14 hours ago, JaytheGreat said:

Damn that's really the worst time for an injury to Nubel, it will be interesting to see how the back ups play. On the plus side good win over Arsenal.

I was gutted when I saw the message about Nubel’s injury. Whichever back-up I choose, they’re nowhere near Nubel’s standard. Thinking of going with Hibbert because the youngster will improve...

Edited October 6, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Monday 4th December 2023

Pre-match v Burnley (a) - Premier League (15)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: A win at Turf Moor today would take you above Burnley and into 7th. Can you do it?

Stuniverse: We'll have to see. We believe we're capable of doing that but Burnley are at home, playing very well under Mark Hughes, so it won't be easy.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Alexander Nubel (hernia)
Guido Burgstaller (hip)

Doubtful:
Philipp Max (calf)

RamsFanzine: You've made two changes. How difficult was the goalkeeper decision?

Stuniverse: Very. To be honest. Christian Mathenia was signed as the back-up but he didn't play well against QPR in the Carabao Cup and he's not been at his best in training. Ben Hibbert has been training very well and I've decided to reward Ben for his hard work today. Alexander Nubel will be out for some time so we'll see how Ben does today and take it from there. Marcos Senesi is the other change, coming in for Rafael Toloi.

Post-match: Burnley (1) 2-3 (1) Derby County

RamsFanzine: What a game that was, how do you sum it up?

Stuniverse: I think it was an entertaining game that must've been a tremendous spectacle for the supporters. Burnley hit the post twice, we hit the bar, so it could've finished 4-4. I thought we settled well into the game and were unfortunate to fall behind. Mason Mount levelled for us just before the break and in the second-half I think we stepped up and were the better side. Harry Wilson gave us the lead with a penalty. They equalise after they hit the post with a penalty and score from the rebound.

After that, we made the brave decision to switch to 4-4-2 with a quarter of an hour left and go for the win. Alexander Betteridge scored the winner for us although, to be fair, the closing minutes were a frantic end-to-end affair but we got ourselves over the line with three valuable points.

RamsFanzine: What did you make of your young goalkeeper's debut?

Stuniverse: I thought Ben Hibbert did well, ably protected by our back-four. Ben had no chance with their first goal; he dived the right way for the penalty and had no chance with the rebound. What really impressed me was his composure and his ability to play as a defensive sweeper keeper. In the last 15 minutes or so, his distribution allowed us to retain possession and keep momentum.

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Edited October 6, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 4 December 2023

DERBY HOST OXFORD IN FA CUP 3RD ROUND

 

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 9th December 2023

Pre-match v AFC Bournemouth (H) - Premier League (16)

Match Preview

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Alexander Nubel (hernia)
Guido Burgstaller (hip)

Doubtful:
Philipp Max (calf)

RamsFanzine: One change. What's your thinking behind the switch up front?

Stuniverse: Danny Ings has been on a goal drought for some time now. Alexander Betteridge came on as sub against Burnley, looked sharp and lively, and grabbed us the winning goal. I thought it was about time Alexander had a start to show us what he can do from the kick-off rather than off the bench.

Post-match: Derby County (3) 3-0 (0) AFC Bournemouth

RamsFanzine: A very good win and, effectively, you won it early, didn't you?

Stuniverse: I don't think you can ever say a Premier League game is won until the final whistle but, yes, Martin Naylor's two goals in the opening 10 minutes, plus a third from Alexander Betteridge on half an hour meant we had a fairly comfortable second-half. I was able to give three players who needed playing time the last half an hour without having to worry too much about it.

RamsFanzine: A first Premier League clean sheet for Hibbert.

Stuniverse: Yes. We defended well as a team but I thought young Ben Hibbert was magnificent today. When we needed him to, Ben produced a couple of stunning saves.

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Edited October 6, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 11th December 2023

SMALLING TO RETIRE AT END OF SEASON

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 16th December 2023

Pre-match v Wolverhampton Wanderers (a) - Premier League (17)

Match Preview

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Alexander Nubel (hernia)
Jayden Bogle (calf)
Guido Burgstaller (hip)

Doubtful:
Joachim Andersen (knee)
Luka Milivojevic (knee)

RamsFanzine: Not the best week in training, I understand.

Stuniverse: No. We picked up three injuries with Jayden Bogle pulling his calf muscle, Luka Milivojevic twisting his knee, and Joachim Andersen bruising his knee. Our medical team inform us Joachim is ok to play so we go with an unchanged starting lineup.

Post-match: Wolverhampton Wanderers (0) 2-1 (1) Derby County

RamsFanzine: You looked very comfortable at half-time. What went wrong after the break?

Stuniverse: Yeah, we did. Wolves started brightly, as we expected, but we weathered that storm and Mason Mount gave us the lead. I agree with you, we looked comfortable after the opening quarter of an hour and we should've been comfortable after the break. Our biggest problem was not getting a second goal. We shot ourselves in the foot for both of their goals through a combination of a poor first touch, and sloppy passing, we twice gave possession away cheaply when we were attacking and got caught out at the back by the pace of their direct counter-attacks.

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Edited October 6, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 20 December 2023

HAPPY CHRISTMAS IGOR

RamsFanzine understand from club sources that Director of Football Igor Stimac has received an early Christmas Present after the Board agreed to increase the amount of transfer revenue retained to 70% (from 55%).

Edited October 6, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 23rd December 2023

Pre-match v Leicester City (H) - Premier League (18)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: How do you feel about Leicester manager Walter Mazzarri singling out Mount as your danger man?

Stuniverse: Well Walter can identify a quality player, that's for sure, but Mason Mount isn't the only quality player we've got.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Alexander Nubel (hernia)
Jayden Bogle (calf)
Guido Burgstaller (hip)

Doubtful:
Jack Marriott (hamstring)
Luka Milivojevic (knee)

RamsFanzine: You've made no changes, despite losing at Wolves last time out.

Stuniverse: That's right. Overall I was very pleased with the performance at Molineux, we were just unfortunate. We're at home today, with a full Pride Park Stadium behind us. If we play like we did against Wolves, cut out the silly mistakes, and show a bit more composure in the final third, we're more than capable of beating Leicester today.

Post-match: Derby County (1) 1-0 (0) Leicester City

RamsFanzine: A hard fought win.

Stuniverse: Yes. I thought we were very good value for the win under trying circumstances out there. Tom Lawrence gave us the lead and, once again, we were unable to add a second. It didn't matter today though because defensively we were phenomenal and Leicester never once troubled Ben Hibbert in our goal.

RamsFanzine: Absolutely. Leicester had just one attempt on goal and it was off target.

Stuniverse: I think they were more interested in kicking our players out of the game to be honest. Before the game, Walter highlights Mason Mount as our key player and after half an hour Mason can no longer continue because every man and a dog in a blue shirt has been kicking him. Coincidence? I think not. Before that, they'd made sure Martin Naylor couldn't continue either.

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Edited October 6, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Wednesday 27 December 2023

Pre-match v Newcastle United (a) - Premier League (19)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: Yesterday's results mean you're still 7th with a great opportunity to consolidate your position with a win against relegation threatened Newcastle.

Stuniverse: We'll be looking to do exactly that but, in spite of their low league position, St. James's Park remains an intimidating place to go. If we can start well, and quieten the crowd, we believe we have a good chance.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Mason Mount (heel)
Martin Naylor (toe)
Jayden Bogle (calf)
Guido Burgstaller (hip)

Doubtful:
Jack Marriott (hamstring)
Luka Milivojevic (knee)

RamsFanzine: Two forced changes and a surprise on the bench?

Stuniverse: Yes. Danny Ings comes in for Mason Mount (heel) and Louie Sibley replaces Martin Naylor (toe). By surprise, I suppose you mean Alexander Nubel on the bench. Yes, Alexander's made a remarkable recovery from his sports hernia. Our medical team have passed him fit to play but, with so many games at this time of the year we didn't want to rush him.

RamsFanzine: Two strikers. Does that signal a change of formation?

Stuniverse: It does [4-4-2]. Thanks to Leicester we don't have enough fully fit central midfielders to play the way we normally do.

Post-match: Newcastle United (0) 0-1 (0) Derby County

RamsFanzine: Talk about the late, late, late show. How dramatic was that?

Stuniverse: It was incredibly late, I grant you. 90 minutes plus four of five. Last chance saloon. Harry Wilson curls in a free-kick from the left, Will Hughes heads it against the post, Marcos Senesi slides in amongst a crowd of players and toe pokes the ball goalwards but it has't got enough on it, then, out of nowhere, Luciano Vietto slides in and pokes the ball over the line. Up until that point, it had been an entertaining game with both goalkeepers in outstanding form. I didn't think we were ever going to beat Martin Dubravka and, in the end, it took the scrappiest of scrappy goals to do it.

RamsFanzine: With Liverpool two places and four points ahead of you, that really sets-up your visit to Anfield in three days time, doesn't it?

Stuniverse: It does. But three days is no time to recover. We lost Louie Sibley today with a gashed leg and our injury list continues to grow. My team selection is more going to be a case of counting who's fit to play and hoping I've got 11 players fully fit and another seven able to make some sort of contribution.

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Edited October 6, 2019 by Stuniverse

[JaytheGreat]

Even in a slight injury crisis you are managing to put together quite a solid run in the Premier League. I would chalk that Wolves loss up due to outside influence from another Wolverhampton Wolves manager from across the FM multiverse. 

[Stuniverse]

57 minutes ago, JaytheGreat said:

Even in a slight injury crisis you are managing to put together quite a solid run in the Premier League. I would chalk that Wolves loss up due to outside influence from another Wolverhampton Wolves manager from across the FM multiverse. 

Darn that FM multiverse, @JaytheGreat !

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 30th December 2023

Pre-match v Liverpool (a) - Premier League (20)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: How is the injury situation looking?

Stuniverse: Well, we've got nobody back fit yet and we lost Louie Sibley to a gashed leg sustained against Newcastle and Kenedy picked up a yellow card and is suspended. All in all, we have nine players who aren't fit to play but we're down to the bare bones and two of them are on the bench. We also have a couple of players looking fatigued after the last game, who should really be on the bench today, but we need them to start as we have no-one else. 

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Kenedy (suspended)
Mason Mount (heel)
Martin Naylor (toe)
Guido Burgstaller (hip)

Doubtful:
Alexander Nubel (hernia)
Jayden Bogle (calf)
Jack Marriott (hamstring)
Louie Sibley (leg)
Luka Milivojevic (knee)

RamsFanzine: Two changes.

Stuniverse: Yes. This is our second game in four days so I would have liked to make more but that wasn't possible. Max Lowe replaces Kenedy (suspended) and Cristian Espinoza comes in for Louie Sibley (gashed leg).

Post-match: Liverpool (1) 4-0 (0) Derby County

RamsFanzine: For a long time there was just one goal in it, even though you played most of the second-half a man down. How do you sum it up?

Stuniverse: Look, we were down to the bare bones and our players were fatigued after a tough recent schedule. We saw that in our lethargic first-half display. After the red card, the players did their best to dig-in, Ben Hibbert made some fine saves to keep us in it, but in the end our tired legs and their quality up front told.

RamsFanzine: What was Ings thinking?

Stuniverse: I honestly don't know. Danny's not that type of player, and it was out of character, but I can't defend his two-footed tackle from behind. I'm just pleased he didn't injure their player.

RamsFanzine: With the Winter transfer window about to open are we likely to see much transfer business from you?

Stuniverse: That's a question for Igor Stimac really but we have Lisandro Rodriguez joining us. After that, Igor tells me we have to offload before we can bring anybody else. I understand there's been bids for Rafael Toloi, Guido Burgstaller and Bradley Cross.

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Edited October 8, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 31 December 2023

BURGSTALLER RETURNING TO AUSTRIA

RamsFanzine: Derby County DoF Igor Stimac has confirmed the sale of 34 year-old striker Guido Burgstaller to Wolfsberger AC.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 1 January 2024

RODRIGUEZ COMPLETES RAMS MOVE

RamsFanzine: Derby County DoF Igor Stimac has completed the signing of 22 year-old Argentinian attacking midfielder Lisandro Rodriguez in a £4.2M deal fro River Plate.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 1 January 2024

RAMS JANUARY FIXTURES

RamsFanzine: Derby County face four EPL games in January, with the visit of Tottenham Hotspur eagerly anticipated by Rams fans, plus an FA Cup tie at home to League One Oxford United.

[JaytheGreat]

Needs to work on his dribbling but other than that Rodriguez looks like a very good signing.

[Stuniverse]

1 minute ago, JaytheGreat said:

Needs to work on his dribbling but other than that Rodriguez looks like a very good signing.

Thanks @JaytheGreat. Let’s hope so. Given our injury crisis, and the fact we’ll have had just two days rest since the Liverpool game, Rodriguez will probably go straight into the starting 11 against Fulham in the EPL.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 1 January 2024

TOLOI JOINS VDG

[Stuniverse]

Stuniverse shares Best Newcomer Award

I’d never heard of the FMCU Awards (sorry, @Deisler26) but am delighted to have shared the Best Newcomer Award with @_Ben_ and @scousevasey.

I understand the awards are votes based so a BIG THANK YOU to anybody who voted for me!

I’d like to thank....

 

Edited October 12, 2019 by Stuniverse