Rooney’s men up for fight, time to end uncertainty
THE first international break of the season is usually an ideal time to take stock after a hectic opening few weeks of the campaign, an opportunity to assess the pluses and minuses from the early games, and to look forward.
For Derby County fans, the hope is that the club and the EFL use this time to make strides toward sorting out their longrunning battle which has left supporters weary and worried.
Last Thursday was yet another day that saw the mood among some fans switch from frustration and annoyance to anger as the list of reasons behind the transfer embargo grew in length.
The EFL say Derby have breached a regulation for failing to pay transfer fee instalments. This was removed in July but has now reappeared, taking the number of listed reasons for the embargo to five.
The Derby Telegraph approached the Rams for a comment, but no comment was forthcoming, which has been the club’s consistent stance in what is an ongoing case. As for the EFL, it says it does not comment on individual cases.
It is an ongoing case, so that is understandable, but it does not help the mood among the fanbase. If answers to questions are not possible then some words from the club could help address concerns.
The club responded to a number of concerns raised by supporters in a lengthy statement in May, while Derby owner Mel Morris met with the Supporter Charter Group – representatives of various supporters’ groups – four weeks ago to discuss key issues but uncertainty and worry remain.
It has been said many times previously that this has dragged on far too long. That continues to be the overriding feeling. We are told talks are ongoing but talking needs to be replaced by a solution, a conclusion to breach an apparent impasse because supporters are suffering. They crave a solution.
The issues off the pitch are not helping Derby on the pitch.
Winning games is tough enough without added
uncertainty and obstacles, such as the transfer embargo that is hampering manager Wayne Rooney’s plans to bolster the squad and in turn boost the team’s chances of being competitive over the 46 League matches.
Derby are unable to sign players as things stand. Speaking last month, Rooney said: “We are going to have difficult moments if we continue to be in the position we are in, it is going to be very tough.”
Rooney is a fighter, as he has said when asked about the task he faces. There is also a character, spirit and togetherness among the players, as we have seen in the five League games played.
Six points have been collected from a victory over Hull City along with draws against Huddersfield Town, Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest. The points tally is nothing to write home about but as Rooney said it has been an “OK start”, all things considered.
Character and spirit might not always be enough to pick up points but a new-found bond has blossomed between team and fans and that will be important in a tough-looking five games in 20 days this month against Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion away, Stoke City at home, Sheffield United at Bramall Lane and then Reading at Pride Park Stadium.
Rooney and the players have shown they are up for the fight. An end to the off-the-field uncertainty would be a welcome helping hand for them.