Conor: Focus only on promotion after ‘failure’ last year
HOURIHANE SAYS IT’S A CREDIT TO EVERYONE THAT RAMS MANAGED TO GO UP AFTER MISSING OUT 12 MONTHS AGO
CONOR Hourihane says its has been “some turnaround” for Derby County following their failure to finish in the League One top six a year ago.
The Rams returned to the Championship as they sealed second place in League One with a victory over Carlisle United amid jubilant scenes at Pride Park Stadium.
It came 12 months after Paul Warne’s side missed out on the top six in agonising fashion with a lastday defeat away against Sheffield Wednesday. They missed out on a play-off spot as Peterborough United leap-frogged them.
Derby responded to that Hillsborough heartbreak in unforgettable fashion by setting a new club record for points in a season (92) and the most away wins over a campaign (13).
Asked whether the players had spoken about those achievements, skipper Hourihane told Rams TV: “Not really, to be honest with you.
“As players, it has been just full focus on promotion.
“We had the disappointment last year with not making the play-offs and to go on and achieve what we have this year, it probably makes me realise how much of a failure last year was.
“For a club like this to only finish seventh in League One is not good enough.
“To flip that on its head and get into the top two this year has been some turnaround in the last few years from the club and that’s a credit to everyone.”
Meanwhile, striker James Collins revealed a trip to Las Vegas is the Rams’ promotion bonus.
Speaking to the EFL podcast, Collins explained how the deal was agreed before the start of the season.
He said: “At the start of the season, you go and sort your bonuses out and the club said they would put a trip on for us and a pot to go away with if we won promotion.
“We agreed a figure and you know what the lads are like, the lads are like it’s got to be Vegas.
“When it got down to the last couple of games, we thought there’s a chance here! That spurred a few lads on because they’re thinking we have to get promoted here for one more shot at Vegas! We have quite a lot of older lads and they might not be able to go again
“Conor Hourihane was brilliant. He was speaking to the club secretary and we kept it under wraps.
“As soon as we did the deal he was straight onto Clare the secretary and managed to get flights sorted. I think
Pompey are going at the same time. I think Wrexham are and I heard a rumour that Mansfield are, too.”
FORMER Derby County captain Richard Keogh has announced his retirement and says his career “surpassed” all of his expectations.
Keogh broke the news on social media after he was released by Forest Green Rovers following their relegation from League Two.
It brings a 20-year career to an end and the centre-back is now set to move into coaching. Keogh made nearly 800 appearances in his career and spent seven years with the Rams.
In his statement, Keogh said: “I wish I could play on forever but we all know eventually this day will come. So, after 786 appearances and 20 years, I am announcing my retirement from playing.
“My career surpassed all my expectations, full of unforgettable moments that not only made me a better player but also a better person. I want to express my gratitude and appreciation to my family, friends, agent Cos and advisors. Their love, support, sacrifice and guidance made it possible for me to live out my dream.
“I have been extremely fortunate and feel privileged to have played for and captained incredible clubs. I want to extend my appreciation to all of my past teammates, managers and coaches – the pleasure was mine and I am honoured to call many of you friends for life.
“And now to the fans – you make the game special. Playing through Covid undeniably proved the game is nothing without you. The bond I shared with many of you made every game memorable. Thank you.
“Wearing the captain’s armband for Ireland was the ultimate honour. To represent the green jersey was the impossible dream and to play in a major tournament was the dream come true.
“The camaraderie, the matches, the shared moments with fans – these are memories that will stay with me forever. “Last but not least, to my amazing wife Charlie and my sons Seb and Myles. Your unwavering love and support means everything to me.
“Thank you for being my rock. I am eternally grateful. I now look to the next chapter, where I am fully focused on taking my next step into coaching.”