Liam’s delight for owner on day made that ‘bit sweeter’ with victory
INTERIM BOSS REFLECTS ON ‘SCARY’ TIMES IN SUMMER
LIAM Rosenior has paid tribute to David Clowes, saying he was delighted for the new Derby County owner after the win against Oxford United on Saturday.
And the interim manager adds he won’t be putting pressure on the owner to sort his own future out.
Clowes became the Rams saviour when he stepped in to buy the club after the collapse of American Chris Kirchner’s bid.
The lifelong Rams fan was already involved in a deal to buy Pride Park Stadium but when the opportunity came to purchase everything, he was the one to put his money on the table to save the club.
It’s that act of dedication for the club that Rosenior was only too happy to see rewarded.
“I am delighted for David,” said Rosenior.
“He can see us winning and cheer us to victory. Hopefully, there will be many more this season.”
“There were times in the summer we didn’t think we would see this day. It was scary, scary for myself and scary for anyone with a connection for Derby County.
“It makes days like this all that bit sweeter that you can come out the other side and win your first game of the season.
“To see those 31,000 people in the stadium, I think days like this will always be remembered at this football club.
“For me to lead this team and lead it on a day like that, it is something I will never forget. I am honoured and privileged to be in this position.”
So what of Rosenior and his own future at Pride Park? He has quickly become a big favourite with the fans and many want to see that role become a permanent one.
He explained: “I’m not looking too far ahead, you focus on now and all I can do is focus on what I can affect.
“I have seen this club through so many difficult times, I can’t take my eye off the ball and start thinking about myself.
“I am confident I will be a successful manager, it’s as simple as that.
“All I can do is be confident in my work and keep working as hard as I can every single day.
“I’m confident in my ability and if you are confident in your ability, you get rewarded.
“If you play well you get rewarded and if you manage well, you get rewarded.
“I am not going to put any pressure on anyone, because that isn’t what I am about.”
Rosenior admitted he had to switch off from the emotion of the day last Saturday when the Rams beat Oxford United.
“As a manager, it’s difficult because you have to stay focused,” Rosenior added.
To see those 31,000 people in the stadium, I think days like this will always be remembered at this football club.
Liam Rosenior
“You are focused on everything, so I try and stay as calm as possible and enjoy that win. So many people have told me that as a manager you can’t enjoy too much and you have to be focused and in the game. “Obviously, I felt the atmosphere, I felt the fans made a huge difference for us, like they did last season.
“I just ask them to keep coming back. I know it can be expensive, I know the economic times we are in but we are in this together and we know that when the fans are like that they will make this a real fortress for us and we will give them something to shout about.”