The Worst Team in History

[DerbyJack]

The Premier League Season of 2007/08 saw Derby County struggle to amass just eleven points, picking up just one solitary victory on their way to becoming the worst team in Premier League history.​

The club were re-soundly dumped back into the relative safety of the Championship and six years on from that horrifying season, the Rams still find themselves hiding in the second tier.

Four managers have tried and failed to restore some pride back into the two time winners of the Football League, with latest manager Nigel Clough, failing to live up to his fathers achievements the club have turned to me to transform the Rams from a Premier League laughing stock into one of Europe's finest teams.

With little in the way of funds, a loyal and passionate fan base to keep happy and one of the toughest leagues in the world to progress from, its certainly going to be a challenge, however the current squad is looking up for the fight.

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Its a strong looking squad on paper, however much of the squad is based entirely on potential, with a growing number of young players progressing up the ranks to become first team squad members.

The midfield and strike force is looking particularly strong and despite lacking numbers in the middle of the field I doubt I'll be making many moves in the transfer window for that department, however our defence requires a lot of work with just two wide defenders in the first team, however the main point of focus in the transfer window will be holding on to one player in particular...

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Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea even rumours of Barcelona, all the big boys are keeping close tabs on the hottest thing to come out of Derby since the mighty Tommy Huddlestone. Already blessed with enough ability to carve open teams at this level, young Will Hughes is almost destined to be a leading midfielder at the top flight in the near future, it just remains to be seen if he will do it in a Derby County shirt.

Alongside our stand-out youngster comes the likes of Jeff Hendrick, Mason Bennett, Mark O'Brien and loanees Geroge Thorne and Andre Wisdom. who alone is almost certain to become a rock at the heart of one of the biggest teams in Europe.

Its a squad that quite frankly in a few years should walk the division with ease, however for now they remain a tenderly young squad craving experience.

With an important debut season coming its crucial to get the formation working quickly in our attempts at a quick return to the top flight to avenge our miserable stay six seasons ago.​

 

[adamm8]

I definitely agree they are the worst team in history!

Leicester City fan

Will follow

 

[minergy]

Looking good, I will follow.


Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk

 

[DerbyJack]

Haha, I think we could atleast agree the dirty red dogs are worse then us. **** of a season the foxes are having though, hopefully we can join you in the Premier League. Thanks adam.

Cheers Minergy.

With the squad sized up as best possible and a tactic just about in place, I jumped into my first transfer window in an attempt to plug some of the gaps in the team sheet and get us ready for the coming season.

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Just three permanent departures from the team and most importantly of all Will Hughes is not one of them.

Third choice goalkeeper Saul Deeney travels across the border to provide some cover for Scottish side Motherwell, with midfielders Ben Davies and Paul Coutts both making there way to Burnley and Sheffield United respectivley, with the departure of Coutts bringing in a cool seven hundred thousand pounds.

Four of our promising youth players also depart the club on loan duty, with promising striker Mason Bennett opting for a taste of regular first team football with Scunthorpe. A good season with the Irons and he could return to the I-Pro as a potential first team striker.

Not a bad transfer window thus far however all attention now pins on who we can bring in to strengthen the team.

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Cost: Free
From: Out of Contract​

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Despite strengthening my scouting team with no less then six additions, we could only find veteran midfielder Barry Ferguson to strengthen our ranks. The Scot has a bruising reputation in English football and having been released of his duties at Blackpool he's keen for a return to the action, with a spot in the first team. Truth be told he'll mainly be used as cover for young Jeff Hendrick but the veteran workhorse will certainly make some impact this season

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So despite holding on to our main assests and making some decent profit from the window, we're left disappointed having only managed to sign just one player and a thirty five year old at that.

Its not an ideal situation to be in but with a hungry and passionate team raring to go we're still confident of our chances.​

 

[DerbyJack]

The all important preseason is upon us and gives me an ideal opportunity to see what kind of shape the squad is looking in heading towards my debut season at the helm. Having made very few changes, the real point of focus is upon the new formation and getting it in working order before the season starts in just a months time.

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Friendly
6th July 2013
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+ Narrow 4-1-2-1-2 Formation adopted, to take advantage of our defensive and attacking midfield options.
- Defender Mark O'Brien out for six months with damaged knee cartilage
- New loan signing George Throne arrives with torn cruciate ligaments ruling him out until mid August

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The first game of my tenure is a friendly against local side Mansfield Town. Despite fielding a relatively strong team we struggled to match up to their spirited efforts conceding a sloppy goal that summed up efforts on the day as we made the short journey home with our tails between our legs.

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Friendly
15th July 2013

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A short pre season tour of the Netherlands sees us up against Volendam. The Dutch second tier side proved to be more of a handful then planned taking a well earned lead in the first half but our young prospects made ammends after the hour mark with left back Hoganson and the clubs brightest star Will Hughes both finding the net.

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Friendly
18th July 2013

Our final game of our brief venture into Holland has up against Telstar. American loanee, Zak Whitbread took matters into his own hands to get the game off with a bang, netting a goal for each side with the soon to be departing Jamie Ward signing off his Rams account with a goal to help us on the way to a comfortable victory as we returned to England

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Friendly
29th July 2013

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Final game of the pre-season sees us play the traditional game against our feeder club Burton Albion and it proved to be a tight affair in Derbyshire as the Brewers took the lead after just seven minutes courtesy of the unfortunate Pliatsikas, the Greek defender rounded off an successful trial in some style, however attacking midfielder Dawkins saved his blushes with an equalising goal just nine minutes later.

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The pre-season is done and dusted and proved to be a rather bland affair. A victorious tour of the Netherlands was a brief highlight but two disappointing games against lower league English opposition leaves us looking at making some unwanted tweaks to the tactics with the season opener just days away, however we can atleast take comfort in the fact we made it through relatively unharmed.​

 

[DerbyJack]

First month in charge of the mighty Rams see's us get under way in frantic style with seven games packed into the month, with the early favourites keen to get to the top of the pack early on, its sure to be an immediate test for our eager team.​

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3rd August 2013
Sky Bet Championship

- Left back Forsyth injured his groin in the first half, ruled out for three weeks.
- O'Connor red card suspended for one game

Our season gets off to a fortunate start as a potentially tricky tie against Blackburn sees us run out narrow winners. Russells opening goal was just what we deserved but a red card for temporary right back O'Connor gifted the run of play to Rovers and they duly took advantage pegging us back with a second half equaliser. Fortunately for the rams fans a penalty handed us all three points as we hung on for the final whistle and all three points

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6th August 2013
Capital One Cup - First Round​

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My first steps into cup football has us facing League Ones Carlisle. The Cumbrians fielded a strong team in there attempts at making the next round but we were in no mood to play around as our front men led the charge with ruthless efficiency with a Chris Martin penalty opening the scoring, to help us coast towards a comfortable victory and the second round.

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10th August 2013
Sky Bet Championship​

- Central defender Andre Wisdom ruled out of the game with food poisoning.

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Our first away trip under my spell as Rams manager ends in complete failure, with Brighton taking the spoils following an efficient display at their new stadium. Our patched up defence looked particularly weak in front of Brightons pacey attack and is definitely a cause of concern for the remainder of the season.

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17th August 2013
Sky Bet Championship
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- Loanee Zak Whitbread away on International duty for the U.S first team.

The first of my East Midlands derbies is a true thriller. We opened the scoring courtesy of the in form Chris Martin in an end to end first half that saw Leicester chasing our shadows but still clinging on to a point, however a rallying cry saw us fly out into the second half in some style with defensive duo Wisdom and Keogh both picking up a goal each before Martin rounded off the scoring late into extra time to seal a solid victory not just over our rivals but a promotion contender too.

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24th August 2013
Sky Bet Championship
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+ Tottenham's on loan midfielder George Thorne returns to match fitness

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-Hot Prospect Will Hughes ruled out with a twisted ankle for three to four weeks following a rash challenge.

We continue the fine run of form our strikers have been in with another solid display, this time against newly promoted Yeovil. Jon Eustace picks up his second from the spot to start proceedings but it takes the increasingly impressive pairing of Martin and Russell to finish the job in style, as we increase our claim to an early stake of the playoff spots.

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27th August 2013
Capital One Cup - Second Round​

+ Johnny Russell nets his fifth of the season after just six games.

This time its a league two side who face us in the league cup and once again the strikers give them short thrift, with Scottish sharpshooter Johnny Russell showing a fine finishing touch to ease home two well worked team goals and send us smoothly through to the third round of the competition. Theirs no stopping us now.

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31st August 2013
Sky Bet Championship
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-Craig Forsyth injured in training ruling himself our for three to four weeks.

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Outside runners for a playoff spot, Burnley are in no mood to let points slip away early in the running and make no mistake in their day at the I-Pro Stadium with an early goal from the exciting Ashley Barnes proving to be enough to take the spoils, as our strike force finally misfires having only troubled the Burnley goal just three times in the entire ninety minutes.

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August 2013
Sky Bet Championship​

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Well just five games into the season and we've already started to make ourselves comfortable in the playoff spots, keeping a firm hold on them throughout the entire month. There is a **** of a way to go before the end of the season though and with many more games to come it can be only hoped that we're still there come the end of it and with a worrying number of injuries so early in the season its a not going to be an easy ride.​

 

[DerbyJack]

The season might be underway but we still found time to do some last minute dealings towards the tail end of the transfer window.

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One last departure from the team and its arguably the biggest with striker and fan favourite Jamie Ward ending his stay at Derby. With Johnny Russell taking his place in the first team he was already eager for some first team action and when Wigan came in with a two million pound offer it worked out as the perfect deal for both parties.

The departure was an unexpected one and we were quick to leap into action once more and replenish the squad before the window came to a close.


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Cost: Free
From: Out of Contract

With a substantial transfer budget now behind us thoughts turned to making a big money signing to replace the departed Jamie Ward, however as it turned out we needed to look no further then Ivan Klasnic. The former Bolton man had a miserable spell in Germany however with a lethal finish and composure in front of goal, we're keen to get the Croatian in fighting form for the remainder of the season.

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Cost: Free
From: Out of Contract

We are in dire need of defensive options with very little cover for both the central and right back roles but Aussie veteran Lucas Neill filled the bill perfectly. Having recently returned from a spell in the United Arab Emirates its fair to say Neill is very much in the twilight of his career, however one last spell with Derby County might just give him the opportunity to bow out on a high.

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Our three signings are all aged over thirty years old and despite having been on the verge of retirement I am certain that these three men can add some much needed experience and grit to our young but talented squad.​

 

[DerbyJack]

Having got to the playoff spots its now all about holding on to them. With the season barely under way theres not much to be done other then to make sure we keep our pace with the leading pack.

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14th September 2013
Sky Bet Championship

The daunting prospect of a trip to Millwall is something no travelling fan truly looks forward to and The Lions Den proved once again to be a tough nut to crack with only a fortunate goal from the in-from Johnny Russell proving enough to salvage a point as our usually fluid attack struggled without the input of the creative youngster Will Hughes.

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17th September 2013
Sky Bet Championship​

+ Mark O'Brien declared fully fit to bolster defensive options.
+ We welcome the return of Will Hughes to the starting line up.

+ Chris Martin fires home his 5th of the season.

An instant impact for the returning Will Hughes as his creative wizardry creates three goals as we dominate a strong Bolton side to increase our credentials as a promotion chasing team. Our fluid and neat play in the middle of the park was exactly what we've been aiming for with the tactics now we can only hope to keep it rolling throughout the rest of the season.

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21st September 2013
Sky Bet Championship

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Having demolished Bolton we were keen to give recently relegated Reading another taste of our potential but we failed to live up to our own lofty standards, creating just three shots in targets in a game that struggled to build up any head of speed. Not one to remember for the Derby faithful.

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24th September 2013
Capital One Cup - Third Round

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- Midfielder James Bailey injured following a heavy fall that resulted in a damaged elbow and two weeks on the sidelines.

We've had a relatively easy route thus far in the competition and drawing Bradford gave us the perfect opportunity to go further in the competition but the giant killing specialist where in now mood to give up without a fight and duly forced us all the way to penalties with only good fortune being enough to take us into the fourth round.

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28th September 2013
Sky Bet Championship

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- Left back Hoganson ruled out for 2 weeks with a torn groin.
+ Johnny Russell nets his tenth of the season in rapid time.

One of the biggest games of the season for any Rams fan ends in a disappointing draw. A fortunate penalty for Forest gifted them the lead after just eight minutes, however two quick fire goals on the half hour mark restored Derby County to their rightful place in the lead but a poorly defended goal in the sixty second minute saw the spoils shared.

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September 2013
Sky Bet Championship

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Our hold of the playoff spots slips slightly, leaving us hanging perilously close to the edge of the spots but non the less at this early stage of the season we find ourselves at the right end of the table and hot on the tails of the chasing pack.

 

[DerbyJack]

The games certainly come thick and fast in the early part of the season and once again we're put to the test with five games packed into October as we look to maintain our promising form.

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1st October 2013
Sky Bet Championship

+ 5 League Games unbeaten.

A potentially tricky tie against The tractor boys took a while to burst into life but when it did, it certainly went off like a rocket. Will Hughes opened the scoring just two minutes before the break and when the teams came back out the rampant pace continued, with goals and a red card adding to the drama but we emerged from it in fine fashion with a comfortable two goal lead and another three points for the tally

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5th October 2013
Sky Bet Championship

Another rival sent packing. Derby have enjoyed near dominance over Leeds in recent years and in keeping with tradition the Rams once again gave Clough something to smile about as he looked down on an efficient display from the Rams, with a goal from promising midfielder Jeff Hendrick proving to be the deciding goal.

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19th October 2013
Sky Bet Championship

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Watford have set off like a rocket, with their promotion chances already looking strong but when Johnny Russell tucked home a neat goal in the sixty second minute it finally put a halt to their rampant form and gave the Rams another boost further up the table as we leap frogged the Hornets.

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26th October 2013
Sky Bet Championship

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Once again we take all three points to continue our impressive form, this time with relegation threatened Birmingham falling victim to the charging Rams, with Russell again finding the back of the net and a first goal for recent signing Ivan Klasnic as the Croatian makes a fine impact from the bench.

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29th October 2013
Capital One Cup - Fourth Round

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Our Capital One Cup run comes to an abrupt end as we run up against the reigning Premier League holders Manchester United. With the league looking mighty close for the Red Devils it was a surprise to see them field their first team against us but they did the job perfectly with a second half demolition job from Rooney seeing United take a step closer to silverware.

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October 2013
Sky Bet Championship

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The best thing to come out of the academy in years, continues to impress and following a month that saw him have a hand in nearly every goal that was scored its no surprise to see him ****** his first award of what is shaping up to be an impressive season for the Eighteen year old.

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The season is shaping up nicely and with an unbeaten month under our belts we're certainly making a name for ourselves in the early runnings of the season, as we look to make an instant impact and claim those all important promotion spots.

Its already shaping up to be a tough fight for those coveted automatic spots and with QPR and Nottingham Forest locked on points with us we've got some serious competition if we're too take something from this season but in current form we're more then ready for a scrap.​

 

[DerbyJack]

Following the relentless pace of games, an international break gives us some rest bite in November but non the less with some important games to come, its still one that takes a lot of attention from the rams fans.

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2nd November 2013
Sky Bet Championship

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- Simon Dawkins ruled out with a twisted ankle for six weeks

QPR are the favourites for an immediate return to the Premier League and Rangers are making short work of it just far as they join us locked at the top of the table and despite surrendering an early lead before the break, we were able to claw back an important early point courtesy of the rampant Russell.

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9th November 2013
Sky Bet Championship

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+ The ruthless Johnny Russell nets his fifteenth of the season.
+ Will Hughes bags his fifth of the campaign.
+ 10 league games unbeaten.


Sheffield Wednesday are attempting to adjust to life back in the Championship and despite holding a respactable place in the league thus far they were humiliated on a cold afternoon at the I-Pro stadium, as our inform star players took to the stage to fire us towards a four goal demolition.

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23rd November 2013
Sky Bet Championship

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+ Left back Hoganson returns to full fitness.

Another recently promoted side is put to the sword as the trip to Bournemouth see's us leave with the spoils courtesy of our strike partnership. Martin has struggled to find the net alongside his free scoring partner but stole the headlines this time around with a well taken brace to help us to another three points.

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November 2013
Sky Bet Championship

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Two in a row for Will Hughes. Its fantastic signs of the quality this young man possesses but for every award he wins the more attention he's drawing from the big money suitors, with the Premier Leagues finest team beginning to circle around our blonde bombshell.

Nottingham Forest and Queens Park Rangers enjoyed a terrible month, with Reading emerging out of the woodwork to ****** the top spot in fine fashion all be it with a game in hand over both us and QPR. Another contender just entered the race.​

 

[Disclaimer89]

This story is really taking shape!
Smart signings for Derby!
I will be following

 

[DerbyJack]

Thanks Disclaimer, hopefully the veterans can keep doing there job. They've certainly not let me down so far.

Having made the most of the breathing space in November, we're straight back into the thick of it in December with another seven games packed into the month. Its certainly going to be a busy Christmas.

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1st December 2013
Sky Bet Championship

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+ Simon Dawkins returns to full fitness
+ Contract extended with board and two million made available for transfers.

Johnny Russell is unstoppable at times in the league and within forty five minutes he had put Wigan to the sword in efficient fashion. Having been hot on our heels for a promotion spot its a valuable victory and for Wigan the addition of a red card only serves to make it a disappointing afternoon for the recently relegated outfit.

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4th December 2013
Sky Bet Championship

- Right back Lucas Neill suffers a gashed leg from a strong challenge and is ruled out for 2 weeks.

Middlesborough are keen to take something from this season and are lingering with intent just outside the playoff spots and having taken a well earned point from their travels to the East Midlands its clear that the the club are not to be taken lightly this season.

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7th December 2013
Sky Bet Championship

- Simon Dawkins having just returned to fitness last week is ruled out again with a gashed leg.
- Veteran midfielder Barry Ferguson joins him for a fortnight in the treatment room with a damaged elbow.

Having rested both Russell and Hughes in this game it was potentially a nervy affair for the Rams but the core of the team continued to perform above and beyond expectations, treating Blackpool to a master class in quick passing counter attacking football that resulted in a comfortably three goal victory.

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14th December 2013
Sky Bet Championship

+ 15 League Games Unbeaten.

We might have been in fine form of late but plucky Charlton were certainly a match for our team, with the Addicks holding us at bay with ease until a Will Hughes freekick managed to finally break the deadlock with less then ten minutes on the clock, as we made the journey back from the capital with three points in the bag.

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21st December 2013
Sky Bet Championship

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+ Lucas Neill, Simon Dawkins and Barry Ferguson all make a welcome return to full fitness.

- George Throne banned for one game with five yellow cards.
- Lucas Neill marks his return to the first team with a one game ban following two clumsy challenges.

Doncaster are struggling towards the bottom end of the table but it took a fortunate penalty to see Rovers off, with the bullish Chris Martin hammering home the spot kick in what proved to be the only goal of the game, as we hung on for all three points with just ten men.

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26th December 2013
Sky Bet Championship

Another game down and another penalty keeps the points coming in for the Rams over the festive period. A rare goal from captain Richard Keogh gifted us the lead before the break but it took the calmest man in the stadium, Chris Martin to tuck home a last minute penalty to secure the points from an unfortunate Huddersfield.

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29th December 2013
Sky Bet Championship

Its been a sensational year for the Rams fans but it ends on a low as Barnsley pull off a comfortable victory that they fully deserved having enjoyed near dominance over a lacklustre Derby side. It brings an end to our superb run of games and having lost to ten men its certainly a wake up call for the team as we head into the new year.

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December 2013
Sky Bet Championship

We continue to keep hold of the award , as out third of the season goes to the ever present Jeff Hendrick. The twenty one year old has impressed as a partner for Craig Bryson in the midfield and fully deserves to pick up the ward for his tireless efforts.

We end the year at the top of the table and with an eight point margin. Reading maintain there claim to a promotion spot following a solid month but QPR and our East Midland rivals are breathing heavily down there necks as we enter the second half of the season, with all very much to play for.​

 

[DerbyJack]

Mid-point of the season and a prime opportunity to strengthen our claim to the top spot of the table. Its fair to say the current team is far short of Premier League standard but a few sound transfers could soon have us looking like a serious top flight team.

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Just two permanent departures from the team, as versatile defender James O'Connor and striker Conor Sammon are both shown the door. The two elder statesmen of the team where falling far short of the growing standard in the team and a welcome shot at some first team football had both clamouring for the exit.

Joining them out of the club, all be it on a temporary basis was attacking midfielder Simon Dawkins and another defender in the shape of Jake Buxton. Both were playing little more then a bit role this season and are highly unlikely to make a return to the club.

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Cost: 325,000
From: Real Madrid - Castilla

My investments in our scouting team paid off, when we finally hit a gold mine in central Europe in the shape of Real Madrids development team Castilla. The Spanish giants have a wealth of talent in their midst and we greedily snapped up the opportunity to sign some of their outcasts with attacking midfielder Benavente becoming the first to trade Madrid for the Midlands, with the Peruvian looking set for a bright future at the club, competing with fellow prodigy Will Hughes.

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Cost: 350,000
From: Real Madrid - Castilla

Another highly rated youngster joins the ranks, with Spanish defender Derik adding some much needed depth to our central defence. The Twenty year old has a potentially bright future ahead of him and with a bit of development could become an absolute brick wall at this level and beyond.

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Cost: 60,000
From: Real Madrid - Castilla

Last to join us is a much needed left back in the shape of Javier Nobeljas. Despite not possessing the same potential as his fellow recruits, the Spaniard will certainly have enough to make an instant impact for the remainder of the season, as he immediately makes himself the number one left back on the team sheet.​

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A risky strategy in signing three young players from a foreign league but the youth and potential will hopefully balance nicely with our three veteran signings made earlier in the season as we set forth into the new year.​

 

[DerbyJack]

Any hope the the new year might reward us with some time to rest was soon forgotten as the FA Cup loomed into view but the rampant pace has done wonders for the Rams and with a promotion spot in our hands, there's no need for anything to change.

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1st January 2014
Sky Bet Championship​

-Zak Whitbread returns to Leicester with his loan terminated by request.

Wigan haven't really hit the ground running back in the Championship but a goal on the half hour mark seemed to almost be enough to pick up the spoils but a rallying effort ten minutes from time saw the Rams steal all three points courtesy of a fortunate penalty.

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4th January 2014
FA Cup - Third Round

The second string team where given a run out against League Twos Cambridge and highlighted just how little strength we have in depth as they slumped to a weak draw and an unwanted replay in an already hectic weak. If we're to be serious about promotion this season we need everyone to pull their weight.

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11th January 2014
Sky Bet Championship

+ Chris Martin nets his tenth goal of the season in style.

Leicester City are narrowly behind their East Midlands rivals in the hunt for promotion and we just about managed to keep the foxes at bay as a goal in the last gasp minutes of the game from striker, Chris Martin capped off a spirited display that saw us take all three points back home.

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15th January 2014
FA Cup - Third Round Replay

Making no mistake this time we fielded a much stronger team, as we saw off Cambridge in style with a debut goal for Peruvian midfielder Benavente, he's certainly looking likely to give Hughes a run for his money and Barry Ferguson certainly seems to have some passion for the FA cup netting his second against the minnows to guide us into the fourth round.

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18th January 2014
Sky Bet Championship

Late goals are becoming our saving grace in the league and a tie against Brighton proved to be no different as Conor Sammons last act in a Derby shirt saw him net the winning goal with the last kick of the game to keep our winning streak ticking over nicely.

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22nd January 2014
Sky Bet Championship

Blackburn are in dire straights, with a strong squad unable to string together any kind of form and the finances at the club boarding on disastrous and the threat of administration looming dangerously, however they still managed to put up a strong fight before starlet Will Hughes netted a stunning winner to add to Rovers woes.

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25th January 2014
FA Cup - Fourth Round

QPR are giving us a real run for our money in the league and nearly dumped us out of the FA Cup following a well taken Joey Barton penalty but the Rams never know when to give up at present and hit back with a penalty of our own and another Ferguson FA Cup goal that was followed up by Benaventes second goal in two games to seal our place in the Fifth Round.

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28th January 2014
Sky Bet Championship

+ Five games unbeaten in the league.
- Influental midfielder Craig Bryson ruled out with groin strain for the next 3 weeks.

An opportunity to rest some key players against struggling Yeovil worked out well for the team as they shut the game down within fifteen minutes to not only round off a flawless month in the league but give us some much needed time to rest following a hectic month of football.

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January 2014
Sky Bet Championship

Its hard to think that this month has been anything but perfect. With five hard earned victories with some of the most in form frontmen in the league and a defence that has been nothing short of ruthless, we're carrying on into the new year in the same kind of form that saw us shoot to the top of the table.

Another flawless month has us leading the charge with a resounding fourteen point lead over our nearest rivals. The East midland teams continue to dominate the runnings at the top of the tables but its certainly the Rams fans who are ruling the roost as we head into the home stretch.​

 

[Pumfrey97seagull]

Great job so far!

those signings look good as well

 

[DerbyJack]

Thanks Pumfrey, im quite surprised by how well its going to be honest, im usually useless with Derby.

February finally sees us with a bit of time between the games as we draw towards the end of the season at a rapid pace. With a spot at the top now well within our grips its all about maintaining our current form.

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1st February 2014
Sky Bet Championship

Birmingham are fighting desperately to avoid the drop at the other end of the table and a very welcome point at the I-Pro Stadium continued to give the fallen giants a chance of staying in the league. Its the second time this season, we've dropped points against teams with ten men, perhaps we're getting too complacent.

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7th February 2014
Sky Bet Championship

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-Blackburn docked 10 points for entering administration.

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+ Andre Wisdoms fifth goal of the season
- Nobeljas is ruled our for two games following a straight red card

QPR too are deep in a fight for there Championship status, however unlike Birmingham, they are fully concentrating on the top of the table with an automatic spot wide open for the taking, however they failed to deliver the goods as we increased our standing at the top of the table with a nervy victory courtesy of a Wisdom header and a strong defensive effort having been reduced to ten men.

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11th February 2014
Sky Bet Championship

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+ Johnny Russell nets his 20th goal of the campaign.

Sheffield Wednesday are comfortable in mid table and fittingly played like a team with little left to play for in the season as we ran out comfortable three goal winners with captain Keogh opening the scoring and lethal striker Johnny Russell finishing the job to bag the points in the first half.

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16th February 2014
FA Cup - Fifth Round

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Having sent them packing in the league, we then narrowly did the same in the FA Cup with Johnny Russell again coming up with the goods to send us one step further into the FA Cup. Could we be on course for an unlikely place at Wembley? I doubt it. We've got the mighty Tottenham Hotspur, eager for silverware waiting for us in the next round.

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22nd February 2014
Sky Bet Championship

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We round off the month with another victory but boy did we have to work for it. Bournemouth have taken to the league like ducks to water and deservedly controlled the game as we struggled to keep up with their frantic pace, however a fortunate red card gave us the opening we desperately needed and right back Lucas Neill rolled back the years to smash home the winner with two minutes left on the clock.

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February 2014
Sky Bet Championship

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Another almost faultless month for the boys in black and white as we secure another ten points to further aid our push towards the Premier League. Its been an unbelievable season thus far and with the amount of monthly awards we're picking it, its definitely not one to be forgotten in a hurry.

Is it almost over? With almost twenty points over our nearest rivals and the most prolific attack being partnered by the leagues most tight defence, its safe to say the people of Derby are feeling confident about our chances of being in the top flight for the coming season, however there's still plenty of games left and stranger things have happened.​

 

[DerbyJack]

With all eyes on the season as we draw to the close, the intake of the youth players almost went under the radar, however there was one arrival that couldn't hide from the spot light

Rory Gibbons has the potential to be an outstanding midfielder and with his career just beggining with the Rams, hopes are high that the fifteen year old could become a club legend with a long spell with Derby County. Currently Gibbons operates only on the left of the field but with our fantastic youth coaching and plenty of time to develop, we are aiming to nurture him into a controlling midfielder in the centre of the pitch.

Time will tell if Gibbons can make it up to not just his potential but my hopes but we'll certainly be keeping a close eye on young Mr Gibbons. ​

 

[DerbyJack]

I'm getting into the swing of the rampant pace in this league and it continued to keep travelling at dramatic speed in March as we completed another month of the season, with no less then eight matches under our belt.

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1st March 2014
Sky Bet Championship

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+ Andre Wisdom nets his fifth goal of the season
+ Ten games unbeaten in the league...just

We had this game under wraps as we looked set to take all three points from a Burnley team that has fallen a long way short of its potential. Wisdom and Russell continued there fine form this season with a goal a peice within the first quarter of an hour and all seemed to be going well until the last ten minutes of the game when a complete collapse in our defence let Burnley claw back an undeserved point.

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4th March 2014
Sky Bet Championship

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- Top Scorer Johnny Russell away with the Scottish National Team.

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Our unbeaten run comes to an abrupt end as relegation fighters Millwall ripped up the form book, snatching all three points with a well taken penalty that proved to be the only goal of a match where both teams struggled to string together any form of attack.

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8th March 2014
FA Cup - Fifth Round

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- Richard Keogh banned for one game for a straight red card

Tottenham have one eye set on a Champions League spot in the Premier League but that didn't stop them from making sure they are still well in the hunt for silverware in the current season as they narrowly sneaked past us. A red card for club captain Richard Keogh cruelly snacthed any hopes of an upset from us but we still put on a spirited performance, with only a Soldado penalty proving to be enough to bring our cup run to a close.

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11th March 2014
Sky Bet Championship

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- Barry Ferguson out for two months with a dislocated shoulder.

We again dropped points in the league, this time courtesy of another team desperate to climb out of the relegation zone, Bolton Wanderers. A fortunate goal after just six minutes came from what was Lee Grants first mistake of the season but we had a deal of luck ourselves when a penalty just before the break allowed us to salvage a point.

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14th March 2014
Sky Bet Championship

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Four games on the bounce without a win. We're in the worst form of our season thus far and it couldn't came at much worse a time. With the end of the season now within touching distance, our seemingly iron tight grip of the top spot now looks a lot weaker as this time we managed to gift a point to one of our nearest chaser for the championship title, Reading.

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22nd March 2014
Sky Bet Championship

+ Johnny Russell nets his twenty fifth goal of his impressive season​

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An East Midlands derby couldn't come at a better time as we fire our way back to winning ways with a comfortable victory over fierce rivals Nottingham Forest. Our two key players this season, Will Hughes and Johnny Russell increased their popularity amongst the Derby faithful with a goal each to seal the Brian Clough trophy and dent Forests playoff hopes in the process.

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25th March 2014
Sky Bet Championship

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Absolutely no excuses for this result and no one could have seen it coming. The Tractor Boys find themselves at the wrong end of the table but quickly took us to pieces with five first half goals that shocked the Rams fans and left us seriously contemplating what went wrong. Its hard to see how we could survive in the Premier League if we're still capable of results like this.

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29th March 2014
Sky Bet Championship

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+ Will Hughes signs a lucrative new contract keeping him with us until 2018.

+ We secure a playoff spot despite our worst month of the season so far.

We bounce back from our humiliation against Ipswich with a late victory against Charlton. The team certainly looked shell shocked in the early parts of the game but a fortunate own goal gave us a much needed opening with Andre Wisdom adding some gloss to the finish to at least end the month on a slight high.

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March 2014
Sky Bet Championship

Our gap is cut to twelve points. Its still a commanding lead over the chasers and with the Playoff spot in the bag its hard to see the season completely turning on its head but based on recent form, we'll be crying out to seal the automatic spot in the next few games.​

 

[DerbyJack]

The final full month of games for the Rams is here and we're raring to get it under way with the Championship title well within our reach, we could potentially be lifting the title with games to spare. There is no time to waste. The Premier League awaits.

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4th April 2014
Sky Bet Championship

- Lucas Neill now banned for 2 games having picked up his 10th Yellow Card.
- Striker, Chris Martin is now 15 games without a goal.

We kick things off with a whimper, having secured a playoff place in the league I assured the press before the game that we wouldn't be taking our foot off the gas. I lied. Playoff contenders Middlesborough where in no mood to give us a pat on the back as they strive towards a long awaited return to the top flight and deservedly took all three points in efficient fashion.

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8th April 2014
Sky Bet Championship

+ Richard Keogh nets his 5th goal of the season.


A stunning game at the seaside as we fight back from behind to take a hard earned victory. Ricardo Fuller had fired The Tangerines into a resounding lead with a clinical hat-trick but the Rams rallied at half time and came back out into the game eager to show what they could do with a late barrage of goals to cap a perfect day for the Rams fans as we now sit just three points away from potentially clinching the title.

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12th April 2014
Sky Bet Championship

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+ Sky Bet Championship Title finally secured.
- Mark O'Brien ruled out with a bruised shin for 8 days.

The fans flocked to the I-Pro stadium for the chance to potentially see their beloved Rams make the final step into the top flight and they were not to be disappointed as Will Hughes the very future of the club fittingly helped fire the club on its way to a return to the Premier League, with a two goal victory over Huddersfield.

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19th April 2014
Sky Bet Championship

+ Andre Wisdom bags his tenth goal of the season not bad for a central defender.

I'm not entirely sure if the players still had a lingering hangover from securing the title or if we simply felt the need to finally relax but either way with the title making its self at home in our trophy cabinet we slipped up with Doncaster Rovers taking full advantage to boost their survival hopes. We've been very generous to the relegation of late.

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21st April 2014
Sky Bet Championship

With an outside shot at snatching a playoff spot, Barnsley arrived at the I-Pro determined to take something from it and deservedly took all three points. We never really got into the game and despite having out usually lethal strike force upfront, we could only create three shots on goal. We're lazily stumbling towards the end of the season. It cant come soon enough.

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26th April 2014
Sky Bet Championship

The penultimate match in the penultimate month started brightly but quickly fizzled out for the Rams as we again let more points slip. We're certainly not ending the season on a high and aren't exactly sending any warning messages to the top flight but non the less at least we've made it. God knows where we'd be on this form though.

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April 2014
Sky Bet Championship

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Despite having a month to forget for the team, Will Hughes still manages to somehow impress the right people to take home his third monthly award. The youngster is on the short list for the Player of the Year award and based on his form this season and relentless drive, its fair to say his with a shout of another award before he's unleashed on the Premier League.

Job Done. I was kind of hoping to hit the the 100 point mark and go up in style but following out recent collapse in form, I'd just be grateful to get the season done and dusted and start preparing for an exciting time in the Premier League.​

 

[DerbyJack]

So just one game stands between us and the Premier League. Its a big one as well, as we go toe to toe with rivals Leeds to bring down the curtain on a fantastic season for Derby.

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3rd May 2014
Sky Bet Championship

- Liverpool's loanee Andre Wisdom tears his hamstring and will be ruled out for 3 months.

Johnny Russell ends his short stay in the Championship with his twenty third of the campaign but it proved to not be enough to keep Leeds at bay as a second half collapse gifted Leeds with a victory, there first against Derby in twelve long games fro the former giants. Its a poor way to end a triumphant season.

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May 2014
Sky Bet Championship

We wrap it up having made no further increases on our lead and with Reading closing the gap at the end to just six points. It was all so easy for the Rams at the start of the season but as times gone by we've found ourselves looking decidedly average in the league and my confidence has started to slip following our disappointing end but non the less I still can't wait to get some revenge in the top flight.​