Osula takes advice on board to see out a Rams win
DERBY County face Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend as they look to extend their unbeaten run in what is the game of the day in League One, writes Leigh Curtis.
Paul Warne’s side go into the match on the back of a 2-1 win away against Newport County in the FA Cup, with the Rams having come through a very tricky November in good form.
But Saturday’s clash against the promotion-chasing Owls represents another significant test for Warne’s side with a bumper crowd expected.
In the run-up to that game, here is some of the latest news from Pride Park Stadium.
Derby’s head coach embraced on-loan Sheffield United striker Will Osula at the end of Sunday’s victory against Newport, having sent him on as a substitute in the FA Cup second round clash.
Osula has started three games for the Rams in the FA Cup and has scored three goals in the competition so far, but he found himself on the bench for the trip to Rodney Parade.
So what did Warne say to the forward as they left the pitch?
It was all about getting himself onside from goal-kicks which Warne had been shouting for him to do during the latter stages of the game.
“He wants to play as they all do,” said Warne.
“I understand that. But I was talking to him about getting onside from goal-kicks because if we win the first header, then you are in position.
“That’s what happened, he came back onside, we won the header and then he won a foul on the halfway line.
“It’s little things like that. Everything matters and I say that to them all the time.
“He wins a free kick and the game is nearly over. If he doesn’t and he’s offside, or the centre-back steps in, puts it to the right, win a throw and put it in the box to score, then it’s so frustrating.
“It’s little details but the easiest details. I thanked him for listening because I was shouting at him to get onside.
“They are all just learning. They are learning their trade and are young men. They don’t have 500
league games but they are doing great.”
■Recruitment update
The Rams’ search for a new head of recruitment has now entered its final stage with the club having identified the man they want.
They are currently going through the process of the appointment having sifted through the candidates for the position that was advertised in October.
While that is ongoing, the Rams’ plans for the January window will be unaffected, with the club keen to strengthen the squad for the second half of the season.
Warne said earlier this month that he would at least like three players when the market opens, with wide positions expected to be the priority.