Shinnie says time to turn draws to wins
TOO many draws has hindered Derby County in their unlikely bid to escape the bottom of the Championship and midfielder Graeme Shinnie wants today’s match against Bristol City to be the start of a much-needed winning run.
The Rams have drawn 10 times already in this League campaign. Only League Two Leyton Orient have drawn as many.
They would happily have taken an 11th draw against Queens Park Rangers on Monday but Shinnie believes, in taking four points against promotion contenders Bournemouth and Fulham recently, his side have proved their capability to challenge for more wins.
“There was a bit of frustration on Monday after the Queens Park Rangers game,” he told RamsTV. “The way we played in the second half was disappointing and we know we can be better than that, but there were spells in the game where we were really good.
“We are going up against teams in the top six. Queens Park Rangers are up to third, so playing against these teams and competing like we are shows how capable this team is and the quality we have in it.
“It’s a case of moving on to Bristol City now and trying to win down there. That’s our season, just a case of moving on to the next game and trying to win every one that comes along.”
The 30-year-old said the players have always had belief, despite the club’s off-the-field issues.
“We know what we are and what we have got,” he added. “We have a thin squad with a lot of youngsters in it but, on top of that, we have a lot of quality in the team and it has shown in the last few games.
“It’s just about doing it on a regular basis. You get up for these big matches but it’s the ones in the middle that we need to start trying to dominate and pick up maximum points.
“We just keep trying to motor on and pick up as many points as we can and see where it takes us.
“It is a strange situation for us but, like I keep saying, it’s about trying to take three points in every game we can. We’ve drawn too many matches which we felt we should have done better in.
“There have been a few where we’ve been in good positions and we’ve let it slip, which has been disappointing.
“We want to turn draws into wins if we can and try and march on and do the best we can.”