EFL View

From the Town squad, we've got a lot of peak-age players of contract who may be of interest, especially if Warne reverts back to his favoured 3-5-2 once he's had a full summer window to build a team in his image. 
I think Kane Vincent-Young (27) will be a great pickup for somebody at this level, an attacking fullback who can play either side. He started like a train when he joined but then spent a year out injured during Covid. He's been dependable whenever he's played since and would probably be first choice for two-thirds of teams in this league but he's struggled to get a look in recently since Harry Clarke arrived. The only concern is that he could lack the physicality Warne would like because he isn't particularly good in the air but is really good at bombing up and down the flanks and surprisingly good at shooting for a defender. 
Matt Penney (25) is another fullback and perfectly capable as squad filler, especially in a formation where he doesn't need to defend very often - he played left back for us but spent much of his time at Sheffield Wednesday on the left wing. He's on loan at Charlton and isn't pulling up any trees but excelled at Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership during the first half of the season. 
Joe Pigott (29) is on loan at Pompey and still has a year left on his deal but we'd be willing to let him go on a free. His spell last year was a bit of a disaster but we never played to his strengths. He's physically imposing but he was played up front by himself and was isolated with nobody to make runs off him and win the flick ons. Warne's system would suit him though; he scored 20 goals playing in a front two for a poor Wimbledon team in 20-21 and 15 in 2018-19 so with a strike partner he'd do well. 
Really interested to see Derby's recruitment this summer again. It's intriguing watch a side with a good budget for the level but very few ways they are able to spend it because of the transfer ban. 

From the Town squad, we've got a lot of peak-age players of contract who may be of interest, especially if Warne reverts back to his favoured 3-5-2 once he's had a full summer window to build a team in his image. 
I think Kane Vincent-Young (27) will be a great pickup for somebody at this level, an attacking fullback who can play either side. He started like a train when he joined but then spent a year out injured during Covid. He's been dependable whenever he's played since and would probably be first choice for two-thirds of teams in this league but he's struggled to get a look in recently since Harry Clarke arrived. The only concern is that he could lack the physicality Warne would like because he isn't particularly good in the air but is really good at bombing up and down the flanks and surprisingly good at shooting for a defender. 
Matt Penney (25) is another fullback and perfectly capable as squad filler, especially in a formation where he doesn't need to defend very often - he played left back for us but spent much of his time at Sheffield Wednesday on the left wing. He's on loan at Charlton and isn't pulling up any trees but excelled at Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership during the first half of the season. 
Joe Pigott (29) is on loan at Pompey and still has a year left on his deal but we'd be willing to let him go on a free. His spell last year was a bit of a disaster but we never played to his strengths. He's physically imposing but he was played up front by himself and was isolated with nobody to make runs off him and win the flick ons. Warne's system would suit him though; he scored 20 goals playing in a front two for a poor Wimbledon team in 20-21 and 15 in 2018-19 so with a strike partner he'd do well. 
Really interested to see Derby's recruitment this summer again. It's intriguing watch a side with a good budget for the level but very few ways they are able to spend it because of the transfer ban. 

From the Town squad, we've got a lot of peak-age players of contract who may be of interest, especially if Warne reverts back to his favoured 3-5-2 once he's had a full summer window to build a team in his image. 
I think Kane Vincent-Young (27) will be a great pickup for somebody at this level, an attacking fullback who can play either side. He started like a train when he joined but then spent a year out injured during Covid. He's been dependable whenever he's played since and would probably be first choice for two-thirds of teams in this league but he's struggled to get a look in recently since Harry Clarke arrived. The only concern is that he could lack the physicality Warne would like because he isn't particularly good in the air but is really good at bombing up and down the flanks and surprisingly good at shooting for a defender. 
Matt Penney (25) is another fullback and perfectly capable as squad filler, especially in a formation where he doesn't need to defend very often - he played left back for us but spent much of his time at Sheffield Wednesday on the left wing. He's on loan at Charlton and isn't pulling up any trees but excelled at Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership during the first half of the season. 
Joe Pigott (29) is on loan at Pompey and still has a year left on his deal but we'd be willing to let him go on a free. His spell last year was a bit of a disaster but we never played to his strengths. He's physically imposing but he was played up front by himself and was isolated with nobody to make runs off him and win the flick ons. Warne's system would suit him though; he scored 20 goals playing in a front two for a poor Wimbledon team in 20-21 and 15 in 2018-19 so with a strike partner he'd do well. 
Really interested to see Derby's recruitment this summer again. It's intriguing watch a side with a good budget for the level but very few ways they are able to spend it because of the transfer ban. 

Well that was quite an ill-tempered match. Lots of ugly challenges and timewasting throughout. 
I was shocked to see Warne go to the 3 at the back today as it didn't work against us at Portman Road and his fortunes seemed to improve when he ditched it back in November. Not a lot changed when he made the switch today, but had he played a different system at the start, I wonder if Derby would have settled into the game better.
We started really well and the movement for Chaplin's goal was sublime. We didn't really capitalise beyond that though and Mendez-Laing clearly had the beating of Greg Leigh whenever he took him on. McGoldrick definitely should have done better with that header and I was happy we went into half-time still ahead.
I've only seen one replay of the disallowed goal but it looked harsh and there's every chance the game could have turned had it been given so it's a big what if. The referee was really poor, he lost control of the game and his decisions with yellow cards were very inconsistent. I'd be surprised if he gets given any of the important games in the run-in because even by League One standards, he was bad and couldn't get a grip on things.
I thought overall we dominated the game and took our chances well, neither team had too many clear cut opportunities but we did enough. The Cashin goal will understandably be the big talking point because it seemed to drain Derby's confidence thereafter.
There's still a long way to go though, most of the top 8 teams are either on amazing or awful runs of form which surely can't sustain itself for another month. As you probably know, Warne's Rotherham team went through some incredibly patchy spells either side of their winning runs. 
Good luck for the rest of the season and maybe see you in the playoffs. Although hopefully not, in the nicest way possible!
 

Well that was quite an ill-tempered match. Lots of ugly challenges and timewasting throughout. 
I was shocked to see Warne go to the 3 at the back today as it didn't work against us at Portman Road and his fortunes seemed to improve when he ditched it back in November. Not a lot changed when he made the switch today, but had he played a different system at the start, I wonder if Derby would have settled into the game better.
We started really well and the movement for Chaplin's goal was sublime. We didn't really capitalise beyond that though and Mendez-Laing clearly had the beating of Greg Leigh whenever he took him on. McGoldrick definitely should have done better with that header and I was happy we went into half-time still ahead.
I've only seen one replay of the disallowed goal but it looked harsh and there's every chance the game could have turned had it been given so it's a big what if. The referee was really poor, he lost control of the game and his decisions with yellow cards were very inconsistent. I'd be surprised if he gets given any of the important games in the run-in because even by League One standards, he was bad and couldn't get a grip on things.
I thought overall we dominated the game and took our chances well, neither team had too many clear cut opportunities but we did enough. The Cashin goal will understandably be the big talking point because it seemed to drain Derby's confidence thereafter.
There's still a long way to go though, most of the top 8 teams are either on amazing or awful runs of form which surely can't sustain itself for another month. As you probably know, Warne's Rotherham team went through some incredibly patchy spells either side of their winning runs. 
Good luck for the rest of the season and maybe see you in the playoffs. Although hopefully not, in the nicest way possible!
 

Well that was quite an ill-tempered match. Lots of ugly challenges and timewasting throughout. 
I was shocked to see Warne go to the 3 at the back today as it didn't work against us at Portman Road and his fortunes seemed to improve when he ditched it back in November. Not a lot changed when he made the switch today, but had he played a different system at the start, I wonder if Derby would have settled into the game better.
We started really well and the movement for Chaplin's goal was sublime. We didn't really capitalise beyond that though and Mendez-Laing clearly had the beating of Greg Leigh whenever he took him on. McGoldrick definitely should have done better with that header and I was happy we went into half-time still ahead.
I've only seen one replay of the disallowed goal but it looked harsh and there's every chance the game could have turned had it been given so it's a big what if. The referee was really poor, he lost control of the game and his decisions with yellow cards were very inconsistent. I'd be surprised if he gets given any of the important games in the run-in because even by League One standards, he was bad and couldn't get a grip on things.
I thought overall we dominated the game and took our chances well, neither team had too many clear cut opportunities but we did enough. The Cashin goal will understandably be the big talking point because it seemed to drain Derby's confidence thereafter.
There's still a long way to go though, most of the top 8 teams are either on amazing or awful runs of form which surely can't sustain itself for another month. As you probably know, Warne's Rotherham team went through some incredibly patchy spells either side of their winning runs. 
Good luck for the rest of the season and maybe see you in the playoffs. Although hopefully not, in the nicest way possible!
 

Well that was quite an ill-tempered match. Lots of ugly challenges and timewasting throughout. 
I was shocked to see Warne go to the 3 at the back today as it didn't work against us at Portman Road and his fortunes seemed to improve when he ditched it back in November. Not a lot changed when he made the switch today, but had he played a different system at the start, I wonder if Derby would have settled into the game better.
We started really well and the movement for Chaplin's goal was sublime. We didn't really capitalise beyond that though and Mendez-Laing clearly had the beating of Greg Leigh whenever he took him on. McGoldrick definitely should have done better with that header and I was happy we went into half-time still ahead.
I've only seen one replay of the disallowed goal but it looked harsh and there's every chance the game could have turned had it been given so it's a big what if. The referee was really poor, he lost control of the game and his decisions with yellow cards were very inconsistent. I'd be surprised if he gets given any of the important games in the run-in because even by League One standards, he was bad and couldn't get a grip on things.
I thought overall we dominated the game and took our chances well, neither team had too many clear cut opportunities but we did enough. The Cashin goal will understandably be the big talking point because it seemed to drain Derby's confidence thereafter.
There's still a long way to go though, most of the top 8 teams are either on amazing or awful runs of form which surely can't sustain itself for another month. As you probably know, Warne's Rotherham team went through some incredibly patchy spells either side of their winning runs. 
Good luck for the rest of the season and maybe see you in the playoffs. Although hopefully not, in the nicest way possible!
 

Well that was quite an ill-tempered match. Lots of ugly challenges and timewasting throughout. 
I was shocked to see Warne go to the 3 at the back today as it didn't work against us at Portman Road and his fortunes seemed to improve when he ditched it back in November. Not a lot changed when he made the switch today, but had he played a different system at the start, I wonder if Derby would have settled into the game better.
We started really well and the movement for Chaplin's goal was sublime. We didn't really capitalise beyond that though and Mendez-Laing clearly had the beating of Greg Leigh whenever he took him on. McGoldrick definitely should have done better with that header and I was happy we went into half-time still ahead.
I've only seen one replay of the disallowed goal but it looked harsh and there's every chance the game could have turned had it been given so it's a big what if. The referee was really poor, he lost control of the game and his decisions with yellow cards were very inconsistent. I'd be surprised if he gets given any of the important games in the run-in because even by League One standards, he was bad and couldn't get a grip on things.
I thought overall we dominated the game and took our chances well, neither team had too many clear cut opportunities but we did enough. The Cashin goal will understandably be the big talking point because it seemed to drain Derby's confidence thereafter.
There's still a long way to go though, most of the top 8 teams are either on amazing or awful runs of form which surely can't sustain itself for another month. As you probably know, Warne's Rotherham team went through some incredibly patchy spells either side of their winning runs. 
Good luck for the rest of the season and maybe see you in the playoffs. Although hopefully not, in the nicest way possible!
 

From the Town squad, we've got a lot of peak-age players of contract who may be of interest, especially if Warne reverts back to his favoured 3-5-2 once he's had a full summer window to build a team in his image. 
I think Kane Vincent-Young (27) will be a great pickup for somebody at this level, an attacking fullback who can play either side. He started like a train when he joined but then spent a year out injured during Covid. He's been dependable whenever he's played since and would probably be first choice for two-thirds of teams in this league but he's struggled to get a look in recently since Harry Clarke arrived. The only concern is that he could lack the physicality Warne would like because he isn't particularly good in the air but is really good at bombing up and down the flanks and surprisingly good at shooting for a defender. 
Matt Penney (25) is another fullback and perfectly capable as squad filler, especially in a formation where he doesn't need to defend very often - he played left back for us but spent much of his time at Sheffield Wednesday on the left wing. He's on loan at Charlton and isn't pulling up any trees but excelled at Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership during the first half of the season. 
Joe Pigott (29) is on loan at Pompey and still has a year left on his deal but we'd be willing to let him go on a free. His spell last year was a bit of a disaster but we never played to his strengths. He's physically imposing but he was played up front by himself and was isolated with nobody to make runs off him and win the flick ons. Warne's system would suit him though; he scored 20 goals playing in a front two for a poor Wimbledon team in 20-21 and 15 in 2018-19 so with a strike partner he'd do well. 
Really interested to see Derby's recruitment this summer again. It's intriguing watch a side with a good budget for the level but very few ways they are able to spend it because of the transfer ban. 

Well that was quite an ill-tempered match. Lots of ugly challenges and timewasting throughout. 
I was shocked to see Warne go to the 3 at the back today as it didn't work against us at Portman Road and his fortunes seemed to improve when he ditched it back in November. Not a lot changed when he made the switch today, but had he played a different system at the start, I wonder if Derby would have settled into the game better.
We started really well and the movement for Chaplin's goal was sublime. We didn't really capitalise beyond that though and Mendez-Laing clearly had the beating of Greg Leigh whenever he took him on. McGoldrick definitely should have done better with that header and I was happy we went into half-time still ahead.
I've only seen one replay of the disallowed goal but it looked harsh and there's every chance the game could have turned had it been given so it's a big what if. The referee was really poor, he lost control of the game and his decisions with yellow cards were very inconsistent. I'd be surprised if he gets given any of the important games in the run-in because even by League One standards, he was bad and couldn't get a grip on things.
I thought overall we dominated the game and took our chances well, neither team had too many clear cut opportunities but we did enough. The Cashin goal will understandably be the big talking point because it seemed to drain Derby's confidence thereafter.
There's still a long way to go though, most of the top 8 teams are either on amazing or awful runs of form which surely can't sustain itself for another month. As you probably know, Warne's Rotherham team went through some incredibly patchy spells either side of their winning runs. 
Good luck for the rest of the season and maybe see you in the playoffs. Although hopefully not, in the nicest way possible!
 

Well that was quite an ill-tempered match. Lots of ugly challenges and timewasting throughout. 
I was shocked to see Warne go to the 3 at the back today as it didn't work against us at Portman Road and his fortunes seemed to improve when he ditched it back in November. Not a lot changed when he made the switch today, but had he played a different system at the start, I wonder if Derby would have settled into the game better.
We started really well and the movement for Chaplin's goal was sublime. We didn't really capitalise beyond that though and Mendez-Laing clearly had the beating of Greg Leigh whenever he took him on. McGoldrick definitely should have done better with that header and I was happy we went into half-time still ahead.
I've only seen one replay of the disallowed goal but it looked harsh and there's every chance the game could have turned had it been given so it's a big what if. The referee was really poor, he lost control of the game and his decisions with yellow cards were very inconsistent. I'd be surprised if he gets given any of the important games in the run-in because even by League One standards, he was bad and couldn't get a grip on things.
I thought overall we dominated the game and took our chances well, neither team had too many clear cut opportunities but we did enough. The Cashin goal will understandably be the big talking point because it seemed to drain Derby's confidence thereafter.
There's still a long way to go though, most of the top 8 teams are either on amazing or awful runs of form which surely can't sustain itself for another month. As you probably know, Warne's Rotherham team went through some incredibly patchy spells either side of their winning runs. 
Good luck for the rest of the season and maybe see you in the playoffs. Although hopefully not, in the nicest way possible!
 

That just about sums it up. I think Ipswich will go up automatically. I don’t know why they had to continually time waste that’s all you players got booked for. 
In the first half when we were getting on top the goalie signalled to slow things down and two Ipswich players went down with head injuries while the ball was out of play.

Hope you and Wednesday go up automatically. I think the thinness of our squad is proving costly. We can’t spend 1 mill on players like you. Think we will just miss out. My first ever 🐏 game was away at Ipswich in 1976, we were Champions, won 6-2 and saw Frannie Lee play his last ever game 😁👍

Well that was quite an ill-tempered match. Lots of ugly challenges and timewasting throughout. 
I was shocked to see Warne go to the 3 at the back today as it didn't work against us at Portman Road and his fortunes seemed to improve when he ditched it back in November. Not a lot changed when he made the switch today, but had he played a different system at the start, I wonder if Derby would have settled into the game better.
We started really well and the movement for Chaplin's goal was sublime. We didn't really capitalise beyond that though and Mendez-Laing clearly had the beating of Greg Leigh whenever he took him on. McGoldrick definitely should have done better with that header and I was happy we went into half-time still ahead.
I've only seen one replay of the disallowed goal but it looked harsh and there's every chance the game could have turned had it been given so it's a big what if. The referee was really poor, he lost control of the game and his decisions with yellow cards were very inconsistent. I'd be surprised if he gets given any of the important games in the run-in because even by League One standards, he was bad and couldn't get a grip on things.
I thought overall we dominated the game and took our chances well, neither team had too many clear cut opportunities but we did enough. The Cashin goal will understandably be the big talking point because it seemed to drain Derby's confidence thereafter.
There's still a long way to go though, most of the top 8 teams are either on amazing or awful runs of form which surely can't sustain itself for another month. As you probably know, Warne's Rotherham team went through some incredibly patchy spells either side of their winning runs. 
Good luck for the rest of the season and maybe see you in the playoffs. Although hopefully not, in the nicest way possible!
 

Well that was quite an ill-tempered match. Lots of ugly challenges and timewasting throughout. 
I was shocked to see Warne go to the 3 at the back today as it didn't work against us at Portman Road and his fortunes seemed to improve when he ditched it back in November. Not a lot changed when he made the switch today, but had he played a different system at the start, I wonder if Derby would have settled into the game better.
We started really well and the movement for Chaplin's goal was sublime. We didn't really capitalise beyond that though and Mendez-Laing clearly had the beating of Greg Leigh whenever he took him on. McGoldrick definitely should have done better with that header and I was happy we went into half-time still ahead.
I've only seen one replay of the disallowed goal but it looked harsh and there's every chance the game could have turned had it been given so it's a big what if. The referee was really poor, he lost control of the game and his decisions with yellow cards were very inconsistent. I'd be surprised if he gets given any of the important games in the run-in because even by League One standards, he was bad and couldn't get a grip on things.
I thought overall we dominated the game and took our chances well, neither team had too many clear cut opportunities but we did enough. The Cashin goal will understandably be the big talking point because it seemed to drain Derby's confidence thereafter.
There's still a long way to go though, most of the top 8 teams are either on amazing or awful runs of form which surely can't sustain itself for another month. As you probably know, Warne's Rotherham team went through some incredibly patchy spells either side of their winning runs. 
Good luck for the rest of the season and maybe see you in the playoffs. Although hopefully not, in the nicest way possible!
 

Well that was quite an ill-tempered match. Lots of ugly challenges and timewasting throughout. 
I was shocked to see Warne go to the 3 at the back today as it didn't work against us at Portman Road and his fortunes seemed to improve when he ditched it back in November. Not a lot changed when he made the switch today, but had he played a different system at the start, I wonder if Derby would have settled into the game better.
We started really well and the movement for Chaplin's goal was sublime. We didn't really capitalise beyond that though and Mendez-Laing clearly had the beating of Greg Leigh whenever he took him on. McGoldrick definitely should have done better with that header and I was happy we went into half-time still ahead.
I've only seen one replay of the disallowed goal but it looked harsh and there's every chance the game could have turned had it been given so it's a big what if. The referee was really poor, he lost control of the game and his decisions with yellow cards were very inconsistent. I'd be surprised if he gets given any of the important games in the run-in because even by League One standards, he was bad and couldn't get a grip on things.
I thought overall we dominated the game and took our chances well, neither team had too many clear cut opportunities but we did enough. The Cashin goal will understandably be the big talking point because it seemed to drain Derby's confidence thereafter.
There's still a long way to go though, most of the top 8 teams are either on amazing or awful runs of form which surely can't sustain itself for another month. As you probably know, Warne's Rotherham team went through some incredibly patchy spells either side of their winning runs. 
Good luck for the rest of the season and maybe see you in the playoffs. Although hopefully not, in the nicest way possible!
 

From the Town squad, we've got a lot of peak-age players of contract who may be of interest, especially if Warne reverts back to his favoured 3-5-2 once he's had a full summer window to build a team in his image. 
I think Kane Vincent-Young (27) will be a great pickup for somebody at this level, an attacking fullback who can play either side. He started like a train when he joined but then spent a year out injured during Covid. He's been dependable whenever he's played since and would probably be first choice for two-thirds of teams in this league but he's struggled to get a look in recently since Harry Clarke arrived. The only concern is that he could lack the physicality Warne would like because he isn't particularly good in the air but is really good at bombing up and down the flanks and surprisingly good at shooting for a defender. 
Matt Penney (25) is another fullback and perfectly capable as squad filler, especially in a formation where he doesn't need to defend very often - he played left back for us but spent much of his time at Sheffield Wednesday on the left wing. He's on loan at Charlton and isn't pulling up any trees but excelled at Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership during the first half of the season. 
Joe Pigott (29) is on loan at Pompey and still has a year left on his deal but we'd be willing to let him go on a free. His spell last year was a bit of a disaster but we never played to his strengths. He's physically imposing but he was played up front by himself and was isolated with nobody to make runs off him and win the flick ons. Warne's system would suit him though; he scored 20 goals playing in a front two for a poor Wimbledon team in 20-21 and 15 in 2018-19 so with a strike partner he'd do well. 
Really interested to see Derby's recruitment this summer again. It's intriguing watch a side with a good budget for the level but very few ways they are able to spend it because of the transfer ban. 

From the Town squad, we've got a lot of peak-age players of contract who may be of interest, especially if Warne reverts back to his favoured 3-5-2 once he's had a full summer window to build a team in his image. 
I think Kane Vincent-Young (27) will be a great pickup for somebody at this level, an attacking fullback who can play either side. He started like a train when he joined but then spent a year out injured during Covid. He's been dependable whenever he's played since and would probably be first choice for two-thirds of teams in this league but he's struggled to get a look in recently since Harry Clarke arrived. The only concern is that he could lack the physicality Warne would like because he isn't particularly good in the air but is really good at bombing up and down the flanks and surprisingly good at shooting for a defender. 
Matt Penney (25) is another fullback and perfectly capable as squad filler, especially in a formation where he doesn't need to defend very often - he played left back for us but spent much of his time at Sheffield Wednesday on the left wing. He's on loan at Charlton and isn't pulling up any trees but excelled at Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership during the first half of the season. 
Joe Pigott (29) is on loan at Pompey and still has a year left on his deal but we'd be willing to let him go on a free. His spell last year was a bit of a disaster but we never played to his strengths. He's physically imposing but he was played up front by himself and was isolated with nobody to make runs off him and win the flick ons. Warne's system would suit him though; he scored 20 goals playing in a front two for a poor Wimbledon team in 20-21 and 15 in 2018-19 so with a strike partner he'd do well. 
Really interested to see Derby's recruitment this summer again. It's intriguing watch a side with a good budget for the level but very few ways they are able to spend it because of the transfer ban. 

A lot was maybe an exaggeration (I've edited the post) - I meant more that Derby will have a high wage bill for the level, but without being able to spend anything on fees. 

Thanks for the reply. I’d agree with you regarding the recruitment. We spent around £2.5m on fees alone, while Plymouth and Bolton both made a number of signings. Wednesday weren’t very active but didn’t need to be, so Derby were left behind a little bit. 
As I’ve said further up the thread though, that shouldn’t be a barrier to reaching the play-offs, with only Wycombe looking capable of mounting a challenge from outside the top six. Whatever happens once there is anybody’s guess. 
 
The challenge is probably what happens if you stay down and have to recruit to replace Cashin and Bird. If you’re still restricted to frees and loans that makes things difficult but I’d imagine your recruitment staff are researching those markets heavily. Clowes seems willing to spend big on wages so there is still the option to offer to take over contracts of out of favour players in higher divisions, similar to the James Collins deal. 

Thanks for the reply. I’d agree with you regarding the recruitment. We spent around £2.5m on fees alone, while Plymouth and Bolton both made a number of signings. Wednesday weren’t very active but didn’t need to be, so Derby were left behind a little bit. 
As I’ve said further up the thread though, that shouldn’t be a barrier to reaching the play-offs, with only Wycombe looking capable of mounting a challenge from outside the top six. Whatever happens once there is anybody’s guess. 
 
The challenge is probably what happens if you stay down and have to recruit to replace Cashin and Bird. If you’re still restricted to frees and loans that makes things difficult but I’d imagine your recruitment staff are researching those markets heavily. Clowes seems willing to spend big on wages so there is still the option to offer to take over contracts of out of favour players in higher divisions, similar to the James Collins deal. 

Thanks for the reply. I’d agree with you regarding the recruitment. We spent around £2.5m on fees alone, while Plymouth and Bolton both made a number of signings. Wednesday weren’t very active but didn’t need to be, so Derby were left behind a little bit. 
As I’ve said further up the thread though, that shouldn’t be a barrier to reaching the play-offs, with only Wycombe looking capable of mounting a challenge from outside the top six. Whatever happens once there is anybody’s guess. 
 
The challenge is probably what happens if you stay down and have to recruit to replace Cashin and Bird. If you’re still restricted to frees and loans that makes things difficult but I’d imagine your recruitment staff are researching those markets heavily. Clowes seems willing to spend big on wages so there is still the option to offer to take over contracts of out of favour players in higher divisions, similar to the James Collins deal. 

I don’t think Warne’s some great tactical genius like some managers are. But he knows what he wants from his players and his record speaks for itself. 
 
His best attribute appears to be man management. 
 
Question marks over tactics, transfer nouse and coaching. That’s not me saying he’s bad in these areas but not seen anything to suggest his tactics are Sineoneesque, coaching  Bielsaesque or his transfer nouse Redknappesque.

Hi @EFL View, just wanted to say thanks for posting and felt that was a very good and thought out piece from a more neutral perspective.
Fully agree with your points and to be honest if James Chester is showing any signs of fitness it would not surprise me if Warne tries a 3-5-2 because I think he knows that the current system has been worked out and something needs to change, even if it ends up being a plan B.
Our biggest issue is the transfer embargo and our  lack of real activity in January, whilst our competitors strengthened we have essentially replaced a loan and bought in a back up. It’s similar to last year, although we lost important players then. Warne said post game on Saturday he considers us to have a ‘superior squad’, and I think he is correct on that but that also doesn’t guarantee anything and I think that’s something we need to learn. We really lack league 1 experience truth be told, after a good couple of months we’ve been a bit naive about that.
My prediction at this time, will be that we can make the play offs but will probably fall short of winning them. This means we will probably have to sell Bird, Knight and possibly Sibley + Cashin, but hopefully it’ll provide more funds to put together a side more suited for a League One promotion push rather than our mix of youngsters and experienced heads.

Hi everyone 
I’m an Ipswich Town fan who has recently begun a blog on substack, writing about the EFL. This week I’ve focussed on Derby’s improvement since the early days of Paul Warne taking over and the importance of the tactical switches he has made.
Any subscriptions would be greatly appreciated - it’s free and will be sent over to your emails whenever I publish articles, usually on a Sunday. 
I’m trying to build up a subscriber base from across the EFL. Likewise, feel free to give me any pointers as you’ll know more about your own club than I do. There’s a link at the bottom of the post to the website.
As well as your views on the article, I’d be interested to know your thoughts on things moving forward? If Warne manages to win promotion while under a transfer ban, that’s probably even more impressive than any of his achievements with Rotherham. I guess the mood is a bit despondent after the recent wobble but all of the top teams have had them this season, except for Sheffield Wednesday. 
To me, the top two and 3rd-6th look fairly set (with the possible exception of Wycombe), so it looks like four big clubs will be the play offs. If wouldn’t surprise me if our fixture on 2nd April isn’t the last. 
Hope you enjoy the article. 
Jacob 
 
https://jacobpowley.substack.com/publish
https://twitter.com/powleyjacob?lang=en