Tom: We will still be battling on despite the situation
TOM Lawrence has spoken of the hurt within the Derby County squad following the most recent points deduction – and the skipper has issued a message to the fans.
Asked what was his reaction when he heard that more points had been deducted, Lawrence told RamsTV: “Gutted really, the whole squad felt the same way.
“The manager pulled us in before the news broke and told us all. We were all devastated. Although we knew it could come, you always have it in the back of your mind that, hopefully, it doesn’t come.”
Looking at the table, Lawrence said: “It is not impossible. We have to look at each game and play the way we have been doing and get more wins.
“If, come the end of the season, we are in with a shout then, that will be the greatest thing ever.
“It is a tough task and we are looking forward to each game as it comes.
“As players we have to look at the positives. It is not over, and I am sure the fans will be looking at it the same way. No-one has ever done it with 21 points (deducted) and we will be trying to do something special.
“Going forward, the only thing we can do is put on a performance for the fans, make them smile each game. That is something we have been doing since the start of the season and we will carry on doing that because they deserve it. They have been through a lot with this club.
“They are a massive help for us and they have shown that, we have had Pride Park bouncing, and the away games they are a massive help to us.
“Stick by us and we will try and do everything we can on the pitch.
“If it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out, but we will put this club in a better place for the future.”
Lawrence has also reacted to speculation over his future at Derby County.
The Rams skipper is one of a number of players out of contract at the end of the season.
The Daily Mail speculated that Derby could reluctantly let Lawrence leave on a free transfer in the January window as they “continue to cut costs”. He is understood to be one of the club’s highest earners.
It was also reported that a number of Championship clubs, including Swansea City, Bournemouth, Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion had “expressed an interest”.
But the 27-year-old Welsh international has said he wants to see the season out.
“For me to leave in January it would have to be for the benefit of the club and for me, otherwise there would be no point in me leaving,” said Lawrence.
“I want to see the season out here but I don’t know what can happen in the future.
“I am out of contract and so are many other lads here, so we are all kind of not knowing what is going to go on.
“Obviously, all the lads want to sort their future out but we are in the position we are in, we all knew we were going to be in the last year of our contracts but we have to do a professional job and keeping putting in performances, like we have been doing.”