BondJovi

Ermm. Marriott started the first game of that season. And scored the second game.

I don't think we were that bad at the start of 20/21 and unlucky not to have 3-5 more points. I was surprised when I looked back at the match stats to see how close those matches were. We haved played far worse football matches under Rooney and Warne since then.
For most of those first 9 games, we didn't have the key players in the so called Rooney revival. No Cazim Richards, Lawrence, Waghorn, Bielik. Which would explain why we struggled with goals! It also helped not having Rooney on the pitch later.
 

Rooney achieved much more with fewer resources? Erm, no he didn’t.
Bielik’s return coincided with a purple patch and then under Rooney we presided over a 9 game losing run and nearly got relegated (and that is with a fit Kazim and minus Rooney himself which was like playing with 10 men).
Nobody is saying Cocu would have gotten us promoted.
But we finished midtable (60+ points) the season before and players like Bird, Knight and Sibley were all better under Cocu than they were under Rooney.
Name me one good game Rooney had after Covid. The guy was an embarrassment.
Cocu was here for 15 months. He had to deal with the Keogh fiasco, constant rumours of Rooney taking his job, Mel, Bielik’s injury, Rooney’s presence post Covid and the loss of key players because Mel was done. He walked into an impossible job.
His work at PSV will be more than anything Rooney achieves in his managerial career.

I don't think we were that bad at the start of 20/21 and unlucky not to have 3-5 more points. I was surprised when I looked back at the match stats to see how close those matches were. We haved played far worse football matches under Rooney and Warne since then.
For most of those first 9 games, we didn't have the key players in the so called Rooney revival. No Cazim Richards, Lawrence, Waghorn, Bielik. Which would explain why we struggled with goals! It also helped not having Rooney on the pitch later.
 

There is that. But we are league one team. We played against a league two team who rested half the regular team, in a competition that features u21 teams of which Brown has played against!
If he isn't even trusted in that situation, when can he possibly be?
To me it sends out all the wrong messages. You need to believe that if you join this academy there will be opportunities in the first team. 

There is that. But we are league one team. We played against a league two team who rested half the regular team, in a competition that features u21 teams of which Brown has played against!
If he isn't even trusted in that situation, when can he possibly be?
To me it sends out all the wrong messages. You need to believe that if you join this academy there will be opportunities in the first team. 

There were those reports in press only a few games into the season about Rooney lining up his coaching staff, for a job that wasn't even available! No denials there.
I don't for one moment believe Rooney signed on with the intention of becoming manager. I think he genuinely saw it as an opportunity to learn from a great coach. I then think  he realised his playing days were numbered (quicker than expected) and that behind the scenes it wasn't what was sold to him (or Cocu for that matter). His performances after lockdown were dreadful, he had completely let himself go, it showed a huge lack of respect on all parts. When things weren't going well, I believe he used it to his advantage (or was advised to) to position himself as the man to save the day. His big things will be different speech, 15-20 games later, it was as bad, if not worse than before!
Rooney to me remains a conflicting character. On one hand, I thought he was magnificent as a figure head (as manager...no) when the club were in crisis. On the other, I can't really forgive a player who undermimes his manager, a player who let himself go to the point of being useless when we needed him most. A manager who showed appaling man management of Whittaker and to some degree Sibley. Add to that, despite being the man fighting to stop the final nail going in the coffin, he very nearly puts it in himself with the Kirchner deal. 
A well written character in a modern story, his moral compass remains ambiguous. 
 

There were those reports in press only a few games into the season about Rooney lining up his coaching staff, for a job that wasn't even available! No denials there.
I don't for one moment believe Rooney signed on with the intention of becoming manager. I think he genuinely saw it as an opportunity to learn from a great coach. I then think  he realised his playing days were numbered (quicker than expected) and that behind the scenes it wasn't what was sold to him (or Cocu for that matter). His performances after lockdown were dreadful, he had completely let himself go, it showed a huge lack of respect on all parts. When things weren't going well, I believe he used it to his advantage (or was advised to) to position himself as the man to save the day. His big things will be different speech, 15-20 games later, it was as bad, if not worse than before!
Rooney to me remains a conflicting character. On one hand, I thought he was magnificent as a figure head (as manager...no) when the club were in crisis. On the other, I can't really forgive a player who undermimes his manager, a player who let himself go to the point of being useless when we needed him most. A manager who showed appaling man management of Whittaker and to some degree Sibley. Add to that, despite being the man fighting to stop the final nail going in the coffin, he very nearly puts it in himself with the Kirchner deal. 
A well written character in a modern story, his moral compass remains ambiguous. 
 

There were those reports in press only a few games into the season about Rooney lining up his coaching staff, for a job that wasn't even available! No denials there.
I don't for one moment believe Rooney signed on with the intention of becoming manager. I think he genuinely saw it as an opportunity to learn from a great coach. I then think  he realised his playing days were numbered (quicker than expected) and that behind the scenes it wasn't what was sold to him (or Cocu for that matter). His performances after lockdown were dreadful, he had completely let himself go, it showed a huge lack of respect on all parts. When things weren't going well, I believe he used it to his advantage (or was advised to) to position himself as the man to save the day. His big things will be different speech, 15-20 games later, it was as bad, if not worse than before!
Rooney to me remains a conflicting character. On one hand, I thought he was magnificent as a figure head (as manager...no) when the club were in crisis. On the other, I can't really forgive a player who undermimes his manager, a player who let himself go to the point of being useless when we needed him most. A manager who showed appaling man management of Whittaker and to some degree Sibley. Add to that, despite being the man fighting to stop the final nail going in the coffin, he very nearly puts it in himself with the Kirchner deal. 
A well written character in a modern story, his moral compass remains ambiguous. 
 

I liked the breathtaking young Rooney with his world-leading brilliance and love for the game. It didn't last long. For a decade he became an impediment to the England team. His arrival at Derby completely undermined Cocu, who had the potential to do something special at our club, if Mel hadn't insisted on this absurd bit of tinkering. Yet in the administration season, with the club leaderless, Rooney stepped up and held everything together which was an immense task - over those months, despite being a poor football manager, he was a magnificent leader of men, and I'll remember him fondly for that. But after he buggered off my attitude to him is now much more "meh". I don't especially associate him with us mentally, and I don't care about him or Birmingham. I do care that Paul Warne isn't making nearly enough of some talented players at his disposal (including but not limited to Cash) which means those players will almost certainly leave. In which case I don't care where they go, as long as we get the most money for them. But it will be heartbreaking as they should be at the club leading us to promotion.

There were those reports in press only a few games into the season about Rooney lining up his coaching staff, for a job that wasn't even available! No denials there.
I don't for one moment believe Rooney signed on with the intention of becoming manager. I think he genuinely saw it as an opportunity to learn from a great coach. I then think  he realised his playing days were numbered (quicker than expected) and that behind the scenes it wasn't what was sold to him (or Cocu for that matter). His performances after lockdown were dreadful, he had completely let himself go, it showed a huge lack of respect on all parts. When things weren't going well, I believe he used it to his advantage (or was advised to) to position himself as the man to save the day. His big things will be different speech, 15-20 games later, it was as bad, if not worse than before!
Rooney to me remains a conflicting character. On one hand, I thought he was magnificent as a figure head (as manager...no) when the club were in crisis. On the other, I can't really forgive a player who undermimes his manager, a player who let himself go to the point of being useless when we needed him most. A manager who showed appaling man management of Whittaker and to some degree Sibley. Add to that, despite being the man fighting to stop the final nail going in the coffin, he very nearly puts it in himself with the Kirchner deal. 
A well written character in a modern story, his moral compass remains ambiguous. 
 

It all comes down to trust. Why wait until the game is won before giving them a go? Isn't it better to see what they can do when there is still something to play for? 
What did we achieve or learn by flogging Collins for 90 mins? I know some will say once it went 2-1 you wouldn't risk it but I disagree. Especially given the nature of this competition. I hope the next match in this competition Warne is willing to be brave and show that trust.

It all comes down to trust. Why wait until the game is won before giving them a go? Isn't it better to see what they can do when there is still something to play for? 
What did we achieve or learn by flogging Collins for 90 mins? I know some will say once it went 2-1 you wouldn't risk it but I disagree. Especially given the nature of this competition. I hope the next match in this competition Warne is willing to be brave and show that trust.

It all comes down to trust. Why wait until the game is won before giving them a go? Isn't it better to see what they can do when there is still something to play for? 
What did we achieve or learn by flogging Collins for 90 mins? I know some will say once it went 2-1 you wouldn't risk it but I disagree. Especially given the nature of this competition. I hope the next match in this competition Warne is willing to be brave and show that trust.

I would be, but I think there is more pressure on Warne than we believe.
Appointed in part, or mainly, due to his record of promotions from this league. The fan base have been told the budget is good enough to get the team promoted. What should expectations be based on that?
So, we have a manager who has the reputation of being a promotion specialist in this league, with a budget that will enable him to do the job. In his own words he failed last season.  If Warne doesn't believe his squad is stronger than last season, then he has cocked up his transfer window. I also feel his interviews have changed of late, more short and sarcastic, I thought he was a great listen when he first joined.
I don't really believe he has any excuses for missing out this season. I think we might be ok, more based on the stength of individuals rather than the tactical/coaching skills of the manager. I hope we start to see better performances, it would give the belief that the right thing is to stick long term.  Christmas is the first point at which we can get a real sense of where things are heading. 

I would be, but I think there is more pressure on Warne than we believe.
Appointed in part, or mainly, due to his record of promotions from this league. The fan base have been told the budget is good enough to get the team promoted. What should expectations be based on that?
So, we have a manager who has the reputation of being a promotion specialist in this league, with a budget that will enable him to do the job. In his own words he failed last season.  If Warne doesn't believe his squad is stronger than last season, then he has cocked up his transfer window. I also feel his interviews have changed of late, more short and sarcastic, I thought he was a great listen when he first joined.
I don't really believe he has any excuses for missing out this season. I think we might be ok, more based on the stength of individuals rather than the tactical/coaching skills of the manager. I hope we start to see better performances, it would give the belief that the right thing is to stick long term.  Christmas is the first point at which we can get a real sense of where things are heading. 

I would be, but I think there is more pressure on Warne than we believe.
Appointed in part, or mainly, due to his record of promotions from this league. The fan base have been told the budget is good enough to get the team promoted. What should expectations be based on that?
So, we have a manager who has the reputation of being a promotion specialist in this league, with a budget that will enable him to do the job. In his own words he failed last season.  If Warne doesn't believe his squad is stronger than last season, then he has cocked up his transfer window. I also feel his interviews have changed of late, more short and sarcastic, I thought he was a great listen when he first joined.
I don't really believe he has any excuses for missing out this season. I think we might be ok, more based on the stength of individuals rather than the tactical/coaching skills of the manager. I hope we start to see better performances, it would give the belief that the right thing is to stick long term.  Christmas is the first point at which we can get a real sense of where things are heading. 

Wildsmith
Wilson   Nelson   Cashin   Forsyth
Smith   Fornah
Mendez-Laing   Sibley   Barkhuizen
Waghorn

Subs: Vickers, Nyambe, Elder, Bradley, Embleton, Washington, Collins

I know Cocu has his haters, but I loved his willingness to give the younger players a go. On occaision he chose a youngster to bring on over an experienced player, and not always in easy situations. I cannot see Warne doing that. Players in the U18s/ U21s need to see that there is a path.  I don't understand the reluctance to use something which could save us a lot of cash and potentially generate a lot. I haven't understood that for a lot of Derby managers. I am not entirely convinced Warne takes that side of the club seriously. Bless him.

I know Cocu has his haters, but I loved his willingness to give the younger players a go. On occaision he chose a youngster to bring on over an experienced player, and not always in easy situations. I cannot see Warne doing that. Players in the U18s/ U21s need to see that there is a path.  I don't understand the reluctance to use something which could save us a lot of cash and potentially generate a lot. I haven't understood that for a lot of Derby managers. I am not entirely convinced Warne takes that side of the club seriously. Bless him.

I know Cocu has his haters, but I loved his willingness to give the younger players a go. On occaision he chose a youngster to bring on over an experienced player, and not always in easy situations. I cannot see Warne doing that. Players in the U18s/ U21s need to see that there is a path.  I don't understand the reluctance to use something which could save us a lot of cash and potentially generate a lot. I haven't understood that for a lot of Derby managers. I am not entirely convinced Warne takes that side of the club seriously. Bless him.

I know Cocu has his haters, but I loved his willingness to give the younger players a go. On occaision he chose a youngster to bring on over an experienced player, and not always in easy situations. I cannot see Warne doing that. Players in the U18s/ U21s need to see that there is a path.  I don't understand the reluctance to use something which could save us a lot of cash and potentially generate a lot. I haven't understood that for a lot of Derby managers. I am not entirely convinced Warne takes that side of the club seriously. Bless him.

I know Cocu has his haters, but I loved his willingness to give the younger players a go. On occaision he chose a youngster to bring on over an experienced player, and not always in easy situations. I cannot see Warne doing that. Players in the U18s/ U21s need to see that there is a path.  I don't understand the reluctance to use something which could save us a lot of cash and potentially generate a lot. I haven't understood that for a lot of Derby managers. I am not entirely convinced Warne takes that side of the club seriously. Bless him.

I know Cocu has his haters, but I loved his willingness to give the younger players a go. On occaision he chose a youngster to bring on over an experienced player, and not always in easy situations. I cannot see Warne doing that. Players in the U18s/ U21s need to see that there is a path.  I don't understand the reluctance to use something which could save us a lot of cash and potentially generate a lot. I haven't understood that for a lot of Derby managers. I am not entirely convinced Warne takes that side of the club seriously. Bless him.

I know Cocu has his haters, but I loved his willingness to give the younger players a go. On occaision he chose a youngster to bring on over an experienced player, and not always in easy situations. I cannot see Warne doing that. Players in the U18s/ U21s need to see that there is a path.  I don't understand the reluctance to use something which could save us a lot of cash and potentially generate a lot. I haven't understood that for a lot of Derby managers. I am not entirely convinced Warne takes that side of the club seriously. Bless him.