[FM19] Derby County - Director of Football Challenge

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 1st January 2024

Pre-match v Fulham (H) - Premier League (21)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: You've had just two days to rest since the Liverpool game. How are you holding up?

Stuniverse: Well at least Fulham are in the same situation as us so we can take some consolation in that. The team selection today was more about getting our 11 fittest players out there on the pitch and less about anything else. It means we do have a couple of square pegs in round holes but, we felt, fitness was the most important thing today.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Danny Ings (suspended)
Martin Naylor (toe)

Doubtful:
Mason Mount (heel - 75 minutes)
Alexander Nubel (match fitness)
Tom Lawrence (jaded)
Harry Wilson (jaded)
Will Hughes (jaded)
Joachim Andersen (jaded)
Jayden Bogle (calf)
Jack Marriott (hamstring)
Louie Sibley (leg)

RamsFanzine: Five changes in the end.

Stuniverse: Yes. Lisandro Rodriguez makes his debut in place of Tom Lawrence. Luciano Vietto comes in for the suspended Danny Ings. Kenedy replaces Harry Wilson. Luka Milivojevic returns in place of Will Hughes and Chris Smalling takes over from Joachim Andersen.

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

RamsFanzine: Congratulations on the win. Another game where you had to be patient.

Stuniverse: Thank you. Yes, I thought we controlled the game throughout but, for long periods, it looked like we might not get the breakthrough, but then a superb cross from Max Aarons, a far post header by Kenedy, and it never looked in doubt after that. We lost Luciano Vietto to a knock on his ankle, and Tom Lawrence with a twisted knee, but we think both should be back in contention by the weekend.

RamsFanzine: The win consolidates your position in 7th place, but you're five points behind West Ham in 6th. Can you break into the top six?

Stuniverse: We believe we can, but all we can really do is continue working hard on the training ground and look to pick up as many points as we possibly can.

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Edited October 12, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 2nd January 2024

DERBY COUNTY FINANCES

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 6th January 2024

Pre-match v Oxford United (H) - FA Cup 3rd Round

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: Any truth in the rumour you've asked Smalling to reconsider his retirement?

Stuniverse: Yes. Your sources are spot-on with that one. After how well Chris played against Fulham I think he can still do a job for us and, with Rafael Toloi joining VDG, I think Chris will get more opportunities now. If he wants to play on another year, I'd be delighted to continue working with him.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Danny Ings (suspended)
Ben Hibbert (virus)
Martin Naylor (toe)

Doubtful:
Tom Lawrence (knee)
Alexander Nubel (match fitness)
Jayden Bogle (calf)
Louie Sibley (leg)

RamsFanzine: Four changes and a team selection that suggests you mean business.

Stuniverse: Yes. Our captain Harry Wilson replaces Cristian Espinoza. Mason Mount (heel) comes back in for Luciano Vietto. Will Hughes is back for Luka Milivojevic. Alexander Nubel (hernia) replaces Ben Hibbert who has a virus.

Of course, the FA Cup is a great competition with so much tradition and history. We're taking it very seriously and we want to go as far as we can in the FA Cup.

Post-match: Derby County (0) 2-1 (0) Oxford United

RamsFanzine: Congratulations, you're through to the next round, but was that much harder than you expected?

Stuniverse: I think you have to give a massive amount of credit to Paul Cook and his Oxford players because they did make things very difficult for us. Jack Marriott gave us a 73rd minute lead. Cristian Espinoza thought he'd made it 2-0 but, probably, the assistant was right to rule it out for offside. When they equalised on 90+3 it would've been easy for heads to drop but this squad has character, they went down the other end and Max Aarons won it with a sensational volley.

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Edited October 12, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 8 January 2024

RAMS HOST SWANS IN FA CUP

RamsFanzine: Derby County have been drawn at home to struggling Championship side Swansea City in the 4th round of the FA Cup.

Edited October 12, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Deisler26]

Try here

[Stuniverse]

12 minutes ago, Deisler26 said:

Try here

Thank you.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Friday 12th January 2024

Pre-match v Norwich City (a) - Premier League (22)

Match Preview

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Danny Ings (suspended)

Doubtful:
Ben Hibbert (virus)
Alexander Nubel (match fitness)
Jayden Bogle (calf)
Martin Naylor (toe)

RamsFanzine: Just the one change today.

Stuniverse: Yes. After his goal against Oxford I thought Jack Marriott deserved a start today instead of Alexander Betteridge.

Post-match: Norwich City (3) 5-2 (1) Derby County

RamsFanzine: What happened?

Stuniverse: We were awful and there's much work to be done on the training ground. Norwich wanted it more than us. You can't give anyone a three-goal lead at this level and expect to get anything out of the game. We improved after the break but, by then, the damage was done.

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Edited October 12, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 20th January 2024

Pre-match v Tottenham Hotspur (H) - Premier League (23)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: Spurs are three places and six points behind you. At Pride Park today, this is a great chance to put some real distance between the two of you, isn't it?

Stuniverse: It is. Yes. But we'll have to play a lot better than we did at Carrow Road last time out.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Danny Ings (suspended)
Lisandro Rodriguez (Argentina U23 duty)

Doubtful:
Martin Naylor (toe)
Louie Sibley (leg)

RamsFanzine: More changes again. four this time. You've been struggling lately to pick a consistent team.

Stuniverse: That's injuries and suspesions for you. It doesn't help that Lisandro Rodriguez is on international duty so Tom Lawrence comes in for him. Cristian Espinoza replaces Max Lowe. Joachim Andersen returns for Chris Smalling. Ben Hibbert has recovered from his virus and is back in goal for Alexander Nubel.

Post-match: Derby County (1) 2-0 (0) Tottenham Hotspur

RamsFanzine: Congratulations. What a complete performance.

Stuniverse: Thank you. I have to agree with you I thought we completely controlled the game today. We had one shaky moment when Harry Kane was clean through and Ben Hibbert denied him with a wonder save. After that, I thought it was all us. Jack Marriott gave us a first-half lead. Luka Milivojevic wrapped it up after the break with a thunderbolt. We created a lot more chances than Tottenham, we hit the woodwork three times, we could, perhaps should, have scored even more.

RamsFanzine: Chalk and cheese from the Norwich game.

Stuniverse: Yes. We were awful against Norwich and today we were unbelievably good. It makes the Norwich defeat even more baffling when we know we can play this well.

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[Stuniverse]

Game date: 26 January 2024

DERBY SIGN OMEJE

RamsFanzine: Derby County DoF Igor Stimac has snapped up Middlesbrough's 16 year-old striker PETER OMEJE for £450K.

Edited October 12, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date:

SHANGGANG SIGN SENESI

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Sunday 28 January 2024

Pre-match v Swansea City (H) - FA Cup 4th Round

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: Following the sale of centre-backs Marcos Senesi and Rafael Toloi there appears to be growing concern amongst Rams supporters. Do they have reason to be concerned?

Stuniverse: Marcos and Rafael are big losses to this football club, but Igor Stimac informs me the club's finances are such that we had to sell.

RamsFanzine: Any truth in reports Stimac also rejected a bid for a third centre-back Andersen?

Stuniverse: Yes. Igor rejected a bid from Guangzhou Hengda for Joachim Andersen. I'm glad he did, else Chris Smalling would've been our only senior centre-back. Joachim isn't too happy about it though.

RamsFanzine: All this leaves you somewhat short in the centre of defence.

Stuniverse: Yes. It does. Igor's working hard to bring replacements in.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Lisandro Rodriguez (Argentina U23 duty)

Doubtful:
Martin Naylor (toe)

RamsFanzine: You've opted to go for Milivojevic to replace Senesi in your only change. Most people were expecting Smalling to come in.

Stuniverse: Chris Smalling is retiring at the end of the season. I tried to talk him out of it but Chris has decided it's time to hang his boots up. I agree Chris is the obvious choice, but Luka Milivojevic can also play there and this game is the perfect opportunity to take a look at him alongside Joachim Andersen.

Post-match: Derby County (0) 2-2 (2) Swansea City

RamsFanzine: Well you're still in the FA Cup but 2-0 down going into the last 10 minutes, did you think you were going out?

Stuniverse: No, but it was getting close. Swansea did well for their first goal but we gave them their second on a plate when Kenedy under-hit his back pass leaving Ben Hibbert exposed. But we kept going, and never gave up, and that's one of the many good things about this squad, their character and willingness to work hard for each other. We made changes and substitutions to go more attacking and Alexander Betteridge gave us a lifeline on 84 minutes and Harry Wilson sent us to a replay with an 87th minute equaliser. I think we also need to give Manuel Kuttin, in their goal, a huge amount of credit; at times, he kept us out single-handedly and, on the three other occasions we got the ball past him, the woodwork kept us out.

RamsFanzine: Will it be more difficult at the Liberty Stadium?

Stuniverse: I expect so, yes. Swansea will be at home and, after today, they will be confident of defeating us. We have to cut out the individual errors and make sure we get the job done at the second time of asking.

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Edited October 12, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 29 January 2024

BRIGHTON HOST WINNERS

RamsFanzine: The winners of the FA Cup 4th Round replay between Swansea City and Derby County will travel to face Championship side Brighton and Hove Albion in the 5th Round. Brighton are currently 4th and chasing promotion to the EPL.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 31 January 2024

PESCARA SIGN GUNDOGAN

'Silky' Ilkay Gundogan's Rams career was blighted by injuries, as predicted by @dap1987.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 31 January 2024

WALLACE WELCOME TO RAMS

RamsFanzine: Derby County DoF Igor Stimac has announced the signing of 29 year-old Brazilian centre-back Wallace from AS Monaco for £10.75M.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Wednesday 31st January 2024

Pre-match v Blackburn Rovers (a) - Premier League (24)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: This is Alex Neil's first game in charge of Blackburn. To what extent does that affect things for you?

Stuniverse: It affects things at preparation stage as we don't really know what to expect from Alex's Blackburn. Teams often benefit from a new manager boost to form, at least initially, so we need to be right on our game to make sure that doesn't happen. I wish Alex all the best, just not tonight.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Lisandro Rodriguez (Argentina U23 duty)

Doubtful:
Martin Naylor (toe)

RamsFanzine: No changes today and no sign of new signing Wallace.

Stuniverse: Correct. We're going with the same 11, although we're delighted to welcome Martin Naylor (toe) back onto the bench. Wallace only arrived today and he doesn't speak any English yet so we've signed him up for an intensive language course and we look forward to introducing him to the squad at training. Wallace will get playing time once he's settled in.

Post-match: Blackburn Rovers (0) 5-3 (2) Derby County

RamsFanzine: You were 2-0 up and taking a second-half penalty. It didn't look possible you'd lose at that stage.

Stuniverse: No. That's right. Jack Marriott and Harry Wilson had given us a deserved lead and we were looking good. I wouldn't so much say Luka Milivojevic missed the penalty so much as David Raya produced a fine save.

Then Cristiano Espinoza gets a knock. Ben Hibbert loses his bearings and Joachim Anderson's header goes in. That gives them a lift and they push forward. Ben makes another mistake and they equalise. We didn't handle the game very well after that. Alexander Betteridge grabbed us a consolation goal, but the game was lost by then. Capitulating like we did in the last half an hour is unacceptable and we need to make sure it doesn't happen again. Young Ben has come in and done well in our goal but I feel it might be time to take him out of the pressure cooker for a bit. 

RamsFanzine: There's still a couple of hours to go in the transfer window. So far you've had more outs than ins. Can we expect any more business from Derby in the closing hours?

Stuniverse: I don't think so. There was nothing in the pipeline I was aware of before kick-off, although I'm sure Igor Stimac will have been on his phone constantly since then.

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Edited October 13, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 23:00 - 31 January 2024

WINTER TRANSFER WINDOW CLOSED

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 1 February 2024

RAMS FEBRUARY FIXTURES

RamsFanzine: Derby County face four EPL fixtures in February, including a home game against Manchester United, plus the FA Cup replay away at Swansea City.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 3rd February 2024

Pre-match v Watford (H) - Premier League (25)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: You were humiliated 5-0 by Watford at Vicarage Road earlier in the season. You owe your supporters a better showing today, don't you?

Stuniverse: We do. And we will. I'm sure our fans will be totally behind us, cheering us on.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Lisandro Rodriguez (Argentina U23 duty)

Doubtful:
Cristian Espinoza (groin)

RamsFanzine: Three changes today including a debut for Wallace.

Stuniverse: Yes. Wallace comes in for Luka Milivojevic. I gave Luka a couple of games at centre-back against Swansea and Blackburn but what that showed us is he's a defensive midfielder who can cover centre-back in an emergency, and he's not a long-term solution there. Young Ben Hibbert has done well, but the EPL is a pressure cooker and I feel it's time to recall Alexander Nubel in  goal and give Ben a breather. Cristian Espinoza hasn't recovered from the groin injury he picked up at Blakburn so Martin Naylor comes back in.

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

RamsFanzine: A good win, but Watford made you work for it.

Stuniverse: Yes, they did. Watford are a very good side. I think they got almost all their attempts on target and really worked our goalkeeper, so it was good to see that Alexander Nubel had no rustiness and was back in the groove. They really pushed us in the closing stages. But a trademark goal from Jack Marriott, and a superb free-kick from Harry Wilson, had put us into a winning position and, unlike against Blackburn, we saw the game out professionally today.

RamsFanzine: Lawrence limped off. How is he?

Stuniverse: Tom's twisted his knee so he may miss the next couple of games.

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Edited October 13, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Wednesday 7th February 2024

Pre-match v Swansea City (a) - FA Cup Round 4

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: You were very close to being knocked out by Swansea at Pride Park. Does that make them favourites now they've got you back to the Liberty Stadium?

Stuniverse: Swansea gave us a real scare in the first game, there's no doubt about that. This time we know what to expect. We've worked hard in training and we're confident of progressing to the next round.

Team Selection

Doubtful:
Tom Lawrence (knee)

RamsFanzine: You've made only one change for this cup-tie.

Stuniverse: Yes. The team played well against Watford and get the chance to go again. Tom Lawrence hasn't recovered from his twisted knee so Danny Ings comes in for him.

Post-match: Swansea City (0) 0-0 (0) Derby County
Derby win 1-0 after extra-time

RamsFanzine: Well Swansea took you the distance near enough, but you're through. Congratulations.

Stuniverse: Thank you. Yes. Unlike the first game I thought we were the better team all the way through tonight and deserve to be in the next round. We had by far the lion's share of chances. We didn't have our shooting boots on though and didn't get enough on target. Fortunately, when it came to the late penalty, Jack Marriott converted it.

RamsFanzine: You're off to Brighton in the next round.

Stuniverse: Yes, and as Swansea have shown us over... what... 90... 180... 210 minutes, there's some good teams in the Championship and Brighton are no exception.

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[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 10 February 2024

Pre-match v Southampton (a) - Premier League (26)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: You go to St. Mary's Stadium sitting two places and four points above Southampton. You've got a good record against the Saints and now would be a good time to beat them?

Stuniverse: It would. Yes. And that's what we'll be looking to do. But the fact that they're at home, and right behind us in the league, and we've got quite a few tired looking players after extra-time on Wednesday night, we know it won't be an easy game.

Team Selection

Doubtful:
Joachim Andersen (jaded)
Martin Naylor (jaded)
Will Hughes (jaded)
Kenedy (jaded)
Tom Lawrence (knee)
Danny Ings (ribs - 75 minutes)

RamsFanzine: Five changes today.

Stuniverse: Danny Ings took a heavy blow to his ribs against Swansea so Alexander Betteridge comes in for him. After extra-time on Wednesday night, there's some lethargy in the legs so we need to utilise the squad today. Chris Smalling comes in for Joachim Andersen. Luka Milijovejic replaces Martin Naylor. Cristian Espinoza for Harry Wilson. Lisandro Rodriguez instead of Will Hughes. 

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

RamsFanzine: Would you agree that was a smash-and-grab?

Stuniverse: If I was Saints manager Stale Stolbakken, probably. Yes. I thought we defended tremendously all game and Alexander Nubel showed what a world class goalkeeper he is. In the end, it came down to a simple fact. Jack Marriott was ruthless in front of goal and scored when he had the chance.

RamsFanzine: That win stretches the points difference between you and Southampton to seven points, consolidating your position in 7th.

Stuniverse: Yes. Indeed. It was a very important win for us and to do it with a makeshift team was particularly pleasing. We still have Arsenal breathing down our necks but, frankly, we're looking up, not down, and we're going to see if we can catch West Ham and Liverpool.

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Edited October 13, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Tuesday 20 February 2024

Pre-match v Brighton and Hove Albion (a) - FA Cup 5th Round

Match Preview

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Kenedy (suspended)

Doubtful:
Lisandro Rodriguez (jaded)
Jayden Bogle (jaded)
Martin Naylor (jaded)
Tom Lawrence (knee)

RamsFanzine: Three changes today.

Stuniverse: Yes. We're missing Kenedy through suspension and Tom Lawrence still has some discomfort in his knee. We also have some tired legs. Harry Wilson returns for Alexander Betteridge. Will Hughes for Lisandro Rodriguez. Joachim Andersen replaces Chris Smalling.

Post-match: Brighton and Hove Albion (0) 1-1 (0) Derby County
Derby win 2-1 after extra-time

RamsFanzine: You're through to the next round. Congratulations. But did you think you were going out when Brighton took the lead late on?

Stuniverse: Well it didn't look good on 83 minutes when we went a goal down. But we knew we'd been the better team and they'd scored very much against the run of play. The character in this squad is amazing and they never know when they're beat. We kept going. We kept pushing forward. Credit to the players, they kept doing the right things, and we got our reward. Martin Naylor grabbed an equaliser, and Joachim Andersen won it in the second period of extra-time.

RamsFanzine: Another game where you've struggled to score against a Championship side. Why's that?

Stuniverse: I think you have to give Brighton a lot of credit. They defended well, and they defended in numbers, and they packed their penalty area, and they were brave and threw themselves in front of shots, I don't think we've ever had so many shots blocked. And their goalkeeper, Julian Pollersbeck, was immense. 

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Edited October 14, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 22 February 2024

OLD TRAFFORD QUARTER-FINAL FOR RAMS

RamsFanzine: Derby County have been drawn away to Manchester United in the Quarter-Final (6th Round) of the FA Cup.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Sunday 25th February 2024

Pre-match v Manchester United (H) - Premier League (27)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: Man United are flying high in 2nd place and you have a terrible record against Klopp. Is today the day you get a result against a Klopp side?

Stuniverse: I'd love nothing more. Clearly, Jurgen Klopp is a brilliant manager, and he has a fantastic squad available to him, but my team are in good form, have prepared well, and with a full Pride Park Stadium cheering us on we're confident we can get a result. 

Team Selection

Doubtful:
Lisandro Rodriguez (jaded)
Jayden Bogle (jaded)
Louie Sibley (jaded)

RamsFanzine: Two changes today?

Stuniverse: Yes. Tom Lawrence (knee) returns from injury instead of Lisandro Rodriguez and Kenedy (suspension) comes back in for Cristian Espinoza.

Post-match: Derby County (1) 3-4 (1) Manchester United

RamsFanzine: Wow! You lost by the odd goal in seven. How do you sum that one up?

Stuniverse: I thought we started well and went toe-to-toe with Man United. Three minutes in, Harry Wilson receives the ball wide right, he cuts inside on a mazy run, leaves three, if not four, defenders in his wake, then smashes a fierce shot from outside the area over David De Gea's head, over his outstretched arm, right into the roof of the net.

But Man United are a fantastic team. They level it by halftime and go ahead after the break. We change it up, we go more attacking, we switch to 4-4-2 and Cristian Espinoza equalises for us. Now we have a choice, twist or stick? We thought about going back to our normal shape, but they'd edged it then and we felt we'd been on top since going more attacking. We stuck, and continued taking the game to them. 

They caught us on the counter. Their third goal was ridiculously lucky, Guerrero's shot from point blank range is magnificently saved by Alexander Nubel but the ball ricochets, hits Guerrero's knee, and goes in. Their fourth was a wonder goal from Contreras.

Jack Marriott pulled it back to 3-4 and then missed a great chance to level it at the death.

RamsFanzine: What's going on with Andersen?

Stuniverse: Guangzhou Hengda want him. Igor's rejected a £19.5M bid. They're prepared to offer him wages I'm not sure any EPL club could match, let alone us. But we've already sold centre-backs Marcos Senesi and Rafael Toloi, and only brought Wallace, who I've been very impressed by, in. Joachim wants to go to China but we can't let him go.

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Edited October 14, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Wednesday 28th February 2024

Pre-match v Crystal Palace (a) - Premier League (28)

Match Preview

Team Selection

Doubtful:
Will Hughes (jaded)

RamsFanzine: One change today.

Stuniverse: Yes. For once, our medical room is empty and nobody's injured. Will Hughes is looking a bit jaded so Martin Naylor gets a start.

Post-match: Crystal Palace (2) 2-0 (0) Derby County

RamsFanzine: A disappointing defeat. How did you view it?

Stuniverse: It was one of those games where we did absolutely everything, but score. We had our shooting boots on, a high proportion of our attempts were on target, but their goalkeeper, Sergio Rico, played the game of his life. I also lost count of how many times we hit the woodwork. 

RamsFanzine: Arsenal's win means you drop down to 8th.

Stuniverse: Yes.

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[Stuniverse]

Game date: 1 March 2024

RAMS MARCH FIXTURES

RamsFanzine: Derby County have three EPL games scheduled for March, all three at home against teams in the top six of the EPL. The Rams also travel to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United in the FA Cup.

Edited October 14, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 2 February 2024

MARRIOTT FACING SPELL OUT

RamsFanzine: Jack Marriott will be out for up to seven weeks with shin splints.

Edited October 14, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Tuesday 5th March 2024

Pre-match v Manchester City (H) - Premier League (29)

Match Preview

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Jack Marriott (shin splints)

RamsFanzine: Two changes.

Stuniverse: That's right. Alexander Betteridge replaces the injured Jack Marriott and Lisandro Rodriguez comes in for Max Lowe.

Post-match: Derby County (2) 3-3 (0) Manchester City

RamsFanzine: Commiserations. I thought I was going to be congratulating you on a win today.

Stuniverse: You should've been. 3-1 up, with 16 minutes to go, we need to be seeing that out for a win, regardless of the calibre of opposition. Goals from Joachim Andersen, Will Hughes and Harry Wilson had put us in a position to win the game, but we were naive at the back in the closing minutes.

RamsFanzine: With Liverpool beating Arsenal, you're back up to 7th and possible Euro Cup qualification.

Stuniverse: Well, that's something, but there's still nine games to go.

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Edited October 14, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 9th March 2024

Pre-match v Everton (H) - Premier League (30)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: Everton have become something of a bogey team for you. Does playing at Pride Park give you the opportunity to start setting that record straight?

Stuniverse: We're expecting another sell-out crowd so, yes, I'd like to think so. Frank de Boer has Everton flying this season, they're 4th, 17 points better off than us, so it won't be easy.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Jack Marriott (shin splints)

Doubtful:
Kenedy (shin)
Harry Wilson (jaded)

RamsFanzine: Three changes from the Man City game.

Stuniverse: Yes. Danny Ings comes in for Alexander Betteridge. Max Lowe comes in for Kenedy who picked up bruised shin last time. Harry Wilson was looking a bit tired so Cristian Espinoza starts.

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

[report] 

RamsFanzine: You gave Everton a good run for their money but you ended up losing again?

Stuniverse: Yes. We did.

RamsFanzine: Arsenal moved ahead of you on goal difference, pushing you down to 8th. With West Ham in 6th, 11 points better off, it's looking like a two-horse-race between you and Arsenal for 7th and possible Europa Cup qualification.

Stuniverse: Yes, I'd agree with that assessment. With a couple of teams waiting in the wings in case we both slip-up.

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[Stuniverse]

Game date: Sunday 17 March 2024

Pre-match v Manchester United (a) - FA Cup 6th Round (Quarter-Final)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: You've made it to the Quarter-Finals of the FA Cup, but you're away to Premier League leaders Man United. It's mission impossible to make the semi-finals, isn't it?

Stuniverse: We don't think so. No. Man United are top of the league on merit but we're capable of beating anybody on our day and, hopefully, this'll be our day. The players want to make the semi-final so we need to run out at Old Trafford with confidence and do everything we can to make it through.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Jack Marriott (shin splints)

Doubtful:
Joachim Andersen (food poisoning)

RamsFanzine: Three changes today.

Stuniverse: That's right. Harry Wilson for Cristian Espinoza. Luka Milivojevic for Martin Naylor. Kenedy for Max Lowe.

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

RamsFanzine: Football can be a cruel game at times.

Stuniverse: Yeah. You can say that again. We decided our only chance was to take the game to them and for 35 minutes we were magnificent. We had eight attempts on goal, five on target, and were only denied by an outstanding David De Gea. Then they scored with their first attempt on goal and it was a different game after that.

We kept going after the break and took more risks in the last 20 minutes. They made it 2-0 on 81 minutes. Alexander Betteridge pulled one back after 83 minutes and then De Gea sensationally saved Harry Wilson's penalty. I don't think we deserved to lose, but we did. I'm so proud of the players because they gave it absolutely everything and they didn't deserve to lose this one. 

 

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Edited October 26, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 24 March 2024

RAMS BOARD REDUCE RETAINED TRANSFER REVENUE TO 30%

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 31 March 2024

Pre-match v West Ham United (H) - Premier League (31)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: With eight games remaining, you're 14 points behind 6th placed West Ham. To stand any chance of a Top Six finish you must win today. Would you agree?

Stuniverse: Yes. If we win, the gap becomes 11 points with 21 left to play for. Even then, though, it'll be a very big ask. Realistically we're in a race with Arsenal for 7th and a win today wold take us above Arsenal.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Jack Marriott (shin splints)
Philipp Max (thigh)

Doubtful:
Alexander Nubel (thigh)

RamsFanzine: Just the one change today.

Stuniverse: Yes. Alexander Betteridge won his first two caps for Enland this international break and scored a goal. Danny Ings has been struggling a bit so we're going to give Alexander a start.

Post-match: Derby County (0) 0-1 (0)  West Ham United

RamsFanzine: You had 63% possession, far more attempts on goal, and yet you lost. How did that happen?

Stuniverse: We couldn't score and they did late on. Based on the statistics it was a smash-and-grab but the only stat that counts is goals scored. They got one, we didn't.

RamsFanzine: It's looking like another 7th or 8th placed finish again for your Rams side.

Stuniverse: We still have seven games to play. We'll see where we are after 38 games.

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Edited October 26, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 1 April 2024

REMAINING DERBY COUNTY FIXTURES - CAN RAMS END POOR RUN OF FORM?

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Wednesday 3rd April 2024

Pre-match v Chelsea (a) - Premier League (32)

Match Preview

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Alexander Betteridge (ineligible)
Jack Marriott (shin splints)

Doubtful:
Philipp Max (thigh)
Alexander Nubel (thigh)

RamsFanzine: Two changes.

Stuniverse: Alexander Betteridge can't play against his parent club so Danny Ings comes back in. Cristian Espinoza also replaces Tom Lawrence.

RamsFanzine: It looks like a change from 4-2-3-1 may be on the cards. Is it?

Stuniverse: You'll have to wait and see.

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

RamsFanzine: For saying you were 2-0 down after 10 minutes, your team rallied round when they could have easily capitulated. 

Stuniverse: Yes. They did. We changed to a 4-1-2-3 and Chelsea hit us hard, and early, while we were still adjusting. 2-0 down, the damage was done. You can't gift Chelsea a two goal lead at Stamford Bridge and expect to get anything out of the game. Tom Lawrence scored a great goal but it was too little too late.

RamsFanzine: You've now lost your last three Premier League games and taken just one point from a possible 18. Are you capable of turning things around?

Stuniverse: Yes. I believe so.

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[Stuniverse]

Game date: Sunday 7th April 2024

Pre-match v Arsenal (a) - Premier League (33)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: It's you or Arsenal for 7th place so it must be disappointing to have to go to the Emirates Stadium on a poor run of form?

Stuniverse: Our chances of qualifying for the Euro Cup improve dramatically if we beat Arsenal today. We had a team meeting, I reminded the players that they are more than capable of turning this bad run on its head, and morale has lifted around the squad. The players know how important this game is and they want to do well. 

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Jack Marriott (shin splints)
Kenedy (calf)

Doubtful:
Philipp Max (thigh)
Alexander Nubel (thigh)

RamsFanzine: Three changes.

Stuniverse: Yes. Tom Lawrence for Cristian Espinoza, Lisandro Rodriguez for Luka Milivojevic. Max Lowe for Kenedy (calf).

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

RamsFanzine: Another two early goals conceded and another defeat.

Stuniverse: Yes.

RamsFanzine: Can you turn around this terrible run of defeats?

Stuniverse: Yes.

RamsFanzine: Wallace was taken off on a stretcher. How is he?

Stuniverse: It's ankle ligaments so we may not see him again this season and that's a big blow for us.

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Edited October 27, 2019 by Stuniverse

[JaytheGreat]

Rough stretch for the Rams.

[Stuniverse]

7 minutes ago, JaytheGreat said:

Rough stretch for the Rams.

Yeah, @JaytheGreat. Nothing's working at the moment. Injuries and bad luck, in some games, hasn't helped but, as we know, those are just excuses... I'm surprised my job is still secure, to be honest.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Monday 15th April 2024

Pre-match v Burnley (H) - Premier League (34)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: You're at home against bottom of the table Burnley, who have lost their last seven matches. This must be the game where you record a long overdue win, isn't it?

Stuniverse: We hope so. Yes. But we won't be taking Burnley for granted. If we don't work hard enough, and if we don't do the right things, Burnley are more than capable of ending their own bad run. I don't think that'll happen though, we're confident of getting the victory.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Wallace (ankle)

Doubtful:
Jack Marriott (shin splints - 45 mins)
Kenedy (calf)

RamsFanzine: Three changes today.

Stuniverse: That's right. Kenedy returns from his calf injury instead of Tom Lawrence. Chris Smalling comes in for the injured Wallace (ankle). Alexander Betteridge for Lisandro Rodriguez.

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

RamsFanzine: You twice took the lead and Burnley pegged you back twice. But you got the win in the end. How does it feel?

Stuniverse: It feels great. I'm pleased for the players who've worked so hard during this winless streak. I'm delighted for the fans because we've put them through the wringer a bit of late. Alexander Betteridge gave us the early lead. Tom Lawrence made it 2-1. Danny Ings won it for us late on.

RamsFanzine: Mount limped off. How is he?

Stuniverse: Mason's twisted his knee so he may miss a game or two.

RamsFanzine: The win keeps you in contention for 7th place and Euro Cup qualification.

Stuniverse: It does. We have four games left to try and get 12 points, or as many points as we can, and then we'll see if it's enough.

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Edited October 26, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 20th April 2024

Pre-match v AFC Bournemouth (a) - Premier League (35)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: Bournemouth are only out of the relegation zone on goal difference so a good opportunity to go to the Bournemouth Stadium and get a win.

Stuniverse: It would be nice to follow up the victory over Burnley with another win. Yes. That's what we'll be trying to do.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Wallace (ankle)

Doubtful:
Jack Marriott (shin splints - 45 mins)
Mason Mount (knee)

RamsFanzine: Two changes today.

Stuniverse: Yes. Mason Mount hasn't recovered from his twisted knee so Martin Naylor comes in. Tom Lawrence comes in for Max Lowe after a couple of impressive performances off the bench.

Post-match: AFC Bournemouth (0) 3-3 (1) Derby County

RamsFanzine: You were 3-0 up with 15 minutes to go and the game looked won. What happened?

Stuniverse: We switched off. Simple as that. The players thought the game was won, Bournemouth didn't and never gave up, and it's sickening to have only drawn that one. Harry Wilson, Alexander Betteridge, and Louie Sibley had put us in a fantastic position to win the game but give Bournemouth some credit - there's not many teams with the character to have turned that one around.

RamsFanzine: You took Betteridge off immediately after he scored. Why was that?

Stuniverse: Alexander had already signalled that he was struggling with his knee. We were busy getting Lisandro Rodriguez ready to come on, and filling out the paperwork for the 4th Official, when Alexander scored. At the moment we think Alexander may miss a couple of weeks or so.

RamsFanzine: With Arsenal and Southampton both winning, you've now dropped to 9th and are four points adrift of 7th place.

Stuniverse: Yes. That's what happens when you needlessly drop points.

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[Stuniverse]

Game date: Friday 26th April 2024

Pre-match v Leicester City (a) - Premier League (36)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: You've beaten Leicester the last three times you've played them. Can you make it four?

Stuniverse: I hope so.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Wallace (ankle)
Alexander Betteridge (knee)

Doubtful:
Jack Marriott (shin splints - 45 mins)
Mason Mount (knee - 90)
Tom Lawrence (calf - 90)

RamsFanzine: Almost an unchanged side.

Stuniverse: Yes. These players were very good against Burnley and, for 75 minutes, they were outstanding against Bournemouth. I'm keeping faith in them. Only one change, as you say, Mason Mount returns from a twisted knee to replace Alexander Betteridge who has knee ligament damage.

Post-match: Leicester City (1) 2-1 (0) Derby County

RamsFanzine: You must've thought you'd salvaged a point with your late equaliser, but it wasn't to be.

Stuniverse: No. Harry Wilson pulled us level late on and we should've held on for the point, but we switched off again. To be fair, Leicester were the better team and we didn't deserve anything today.

RamsFanzine: Your season has really fallen away since Christmas. What do you put that down to?

Stuniverse: Well Igor sold the heart of our defence with both Marcos Senesi and Rafael Toloi heading out in January. We've also had a lot of niggly injuries which has made it impossible to pick a settled team. Why are we conceding so many goals? Ask Igor!

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[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 4th May 2024

Pre-match v Wolverhampton Wanderers (H) - Premier League (37)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: Wolves secured their survival last weekend. Does that help or hinder your chances today?

Stuniverse: Wolves will be more relaxed knowing they're safe, for sure, but that doesn't mean they'll ease up any today. This is the first of two home games to end our season and we want to finish strongly for ourselves and our fans.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Luciano Vietto (leg)
Nicky Brogan (ankle)

Doubtful:
Wallace (ankle - 75)
Alexander Betteridge (knee - 75)
Mason Mount (knee - 90)
Tom Lawrence (calf - 90)

RamsFanzine: Only one change.

Stuniverse: Yes. I'm trying to get more of a settled selection now the injuries are starting to clear up. Jack Marriott (shin splints) comes in for Martin Naylor.

Post-match: Derby County (2) 3-2 (1) Wolverhampton Wanderers

RamsFanzine: Wolves made you work for that one but you got the win. Congratulations.

Stuniverse: Thank you. I thought our captain, Harry Wilson, was immense with his two goals and his overall play deserved a hat-trick. After Wolves had tied it up at 2-2, Mason Mount won it for us late on.

RamsFanzine: With one match to go, you've missed out on Euro Cup qualification and can finish as high as 8th or as low as 11th.

Stuniverse: We're disappointed to have missed out on the Euro Cup but we'll look to beat Newcastle and finish as high as we can.

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[Stuniverse]

Game date: 7 May 2024

LAWRENCE FACING LENGTHY SPELL OUT

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Sunday 12th May 2024

Pre-match v Newcastle United (H) - Premier League (38)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: Newcastle were relegated last weekend so this should be a comfortable home win, shouldn't it?

Stuniverse: That's a bit disrespectful to Newcastle but, yes, we want to finish the season on a high with a home win.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Tom Lawrence (hip)
Luciano Vietto (leg)
Leon Cooper (knee)

Doubtful:
Wallace (ankle - 75)
Alexander Betteridge (knee - 75)

RamsFanzine: One change again.

Stuniverse: Yes. I wanted to go with an unchanged side but, unfortunately, Tom Lawrence picked up a bad hip injury in training and we've sent him to see a specialist. Cristian Espinoza comes in.

Post-match: Derby County (3) 5-2 (2) Newcastle United

RamsFanzine: You wanted to finish the season in style and you've done just that.

Stuniverse: Yes. Cristian Espinoza gave us the perfect start in under 30 seconds. Mason Mount made it 2-0 and Danny Ings made it 3-0, but they'd pulled back to 3-2 by the break. In the second-half we were sensational and Danny completed a classy hat-trick.

RamsFanzine: You've finished 9th in the end.

Stuniverse: Yes. The players can have a well deserved break and then we come back for pre-season, regroup, and try and do better next season.

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[Stuniverse]

Game date: 13 May 2024

DERBY COUNTY RESULTS 2023/24 SEASON

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 13 May 2024

RAMS BOARD SET INITIAL BUDGETS

 

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 22 May 2024

RAMS END-Of-SEASON REVIEW AND AWARDS

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 22 May 2024

RAMS SQUAD DYNAMICS

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 22 May 2024

BOARD CONFIDENCE - STUNIVERSE'S JOB STATUS 'SECURE'

[Stuniverse]

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

As we prepare for the 2024/25 Premier League season, the final year of my current contract, I'm announcing that this will be the final season of this save. I'm looking forward to FM20 coming out, and want to hit the ground running; I already know what the FM20 Career Update save I'll be writing about on here will be.

As for this FM19 Derby County Director of Football save I have some thoughts to raise the ante which will really be a make or break for Stuniverse as Derby County manager.

Watch this Space...

Edited October 27, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 4 June 2024

STIMAC SIGNS NEW CONTRACT

RamsFanzine: Derby County Director of Football Igor Stimac has extended his stay at the Rams until the summer of 2027.

Edited October 27, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 12 June 2024

STIMAC AND STUNIVERSE IN RAMS BUST-UP

RamsFanzine understand from club sources that Derby County Director of Football Igor Stimac and manager Stuniverse have had a major falling out about transfer policy in the end of season meeting to discuss plans for the summer transfer window.

Stuniverse blames Stimac for the downturn in form during the second half of the 2023/24 season after Stimac sold centre-backs Marcos Senesi and Rafael Toloi in the Winter Transfer Window. Stuniverse wanted assurances that his best players would not be sold in this transfer window, but Stimac refused to provide such assurances.

Stimac insisted his purchases had improved the Rams squad and if new signings Philipp Max, Luka Milivojevic, Christian Mathenia, Luciano Vietto, Mitchell Weiser, Alexander Betteridge and Lisandro Rodriguez had been given more playing time by Stuniverse, Derby County would have qualified for the Euro Cup.

Tempers flared between the two and Chairman Javi Suarez was called upon to intervene. Our sources inform us that Suarez confirmed that due to the current finances at the club, every player was available for the right price [Asking Price = 'Unspecified' for all players].

Stimac and Stuniverse refused to shake hands with Stimac claiming the Rams were under-performing under Stuniverse and Stuniverse blaming Stimac's lack of control over contract negotiations for the wage bill spiralling out of control.

Edited October 27, 2019 by Stuniverse