Warne says players have to take change on the chin
HEAD coach Paul Warne said goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith gave a “respectful” response to being dropped for Derby County’s 3-1 win away to Fleetwood Town in League One on Saturday.
Warne made the call to replace the former Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper with Josh Vickers in one of three changes.
Wildsmith has been firstchoice this season, but had been struggling with a knock in midweek, although was fit enough to take his place on the bench.
Warne sees Wildsmith and Vickers as two number ones and Derby’s head coach explained how he spoke to the former before kick-off.
“I spoke to him before the game and he was respectful,” said Warne.
“He doesn’t have to agree with the decision. I say that all the time but all I ask them (the players) to do is respect it.
“I expected him to be disappointed and he was. But it is the same in the way I spoke to Louie Sibley and Liam Thompson and told them why they weren’t starting too. It is also the same with Joe Ward.
“For this game, I thought we needed these personalities and players. I make all my decisions based on the collective. I take everybody’s opinion on board.
“They (Joe and Josh) are two number one goalkeepers and we are blessed in that respect.
“Andy Warrington is a really good goalkeeper coach. Josh trains really hard and when I spoke to him and said are you ready to play, he said ‘I don’t live the life I lead or train the way I do not to be.’ That was reassuring.
“But there is no way that Joe can come out and say Josh has not supported me.
“Josh has been unbelievable and I expect the same from Joe if Josh plays the next one, two or 28 games.
“Football is cruel at times and I have to pick the team that is going to win.”
Goals from Nathaniel Mendez-laing, James Collins and Tom Barkhuizen did the job for the Rams.