Crystal clear goals on field even though future off it so uncertain
NEW FACES WILL BE WELCOME BOOST AHEAD OF A HECTIC SCHEDULE
MATTERS off the pitch at Derby County are not as clear as supporters would like and they are voicing their view on that but there is a crystal clarity about what is needed on the pitch between now and the end of the season.
Derby have 19 games in which to haul themselves away from the relegation scrap in the Championship.
The average number of points needed to stay up over the past 10 seasons has been around 47. If that applies this season, then the Rams must collect at least another 19 points from as many games.
Despite a jolting setback against Rotherham United last week, Derby have shown enough during Wayne Rooney’s 14 games in charge, first as interim manager and now manager, to suggest that is possible. Six wins and four draws have come from those 14 fixtures.
Their collapse in the final 15 minutes at Rotherham was hugely disappointing but it should not completely colour the situation.
There was nothing in the contest before the home side went ahead. Indeed, Derby should have got their noses in front when new signing Lee Gregory headed wide rather than into the net.
Derby’s reaction to falling behind was poor and that is something they must work on because there will be many tight matches between now and May.
The last time they came from behind to win was the 3-2 victory away against Millwall in June.
The arrival of five loan signings on transfer deadline day provides Rooney with more options in his squad both in terms of the starting 11 and coming off the substitutes’ bench, if needed.
The squad will be needed because games will come thick and fast. Derby have five in 14 days this month against Middlesbrough (h), Wycombe Wanderers (a), Watford (a), Huddersfield Town (h) and Nottingham Forest (h). There are five in 19 days in March - Cardiff City (a), Coventry City (a), Millwall (h), Brentford (h) and Stoke City (a).
Of course, what happens on the pitch will continue to be played to a backdrop of matters off it surrounding the protracted takeover of the club.
It is now three months since Derby confirmed a deal had been agreed ‘in principle’ with Sheikh Khaled’s Derventio Holdings (UK) Limited and yet we await completion. Questions will continue until there is a conclusion, one way or another, and the frustration among the supporter base can be felt and heard.
Of course, any takeover cannot now really affect what happens on the pitch, given that the transfer window has closed. Derby made five loan signings on deadline day and the squad is now in place for the challenge ahead. Will the Rams have enough?
This is a unique season for football and in unique situations it is
important to deal with what is in front of you. For Rooney and the players that means putting points on the board and securing the club’s Championship status.
Should Sheffield Wednesday beat Wycombe Wanderers in a clash of the bottom two teams at Hillsborough tonight, then Derby will find themselves back in the relegation zone going into Saturday’s home game against Middlesbrough.