StarterForTen

I’m just imaging the negotiations under the old regime… first bid by manager: £250k (rejected) second bid by manager: £300k (rejected) third bid by chairman: £1.8million (accepted, and door locked)

So we know now that a two-goal victory takes us into the top two and one point off top. Come on Derby; step up and grab the prize.

About 30 years ago, I asked for one in a chip shop on White Hart Lane. The server looked at me as if I were an alien.

And the need to wear Stone Island.

These bloody puns; drives me crazy. Im going to clip someone tonight.

Not every player in a squad can be a regular starter of course. Think he’ll have enough in the tank to be an impact sub at the very least. He’ll spend most of the 2025/26 season aged 33; hardly over the hill

Actually 80% of points available from here takes us to at least 99 points. On current ppg levels, 94 would be top two. My pedantry aside, I absolutely take your general point that we can not afford to ease off the gas when it comes to wracking up wins.

An 80% win rate would earn at least 110 points across the season; that’s quite a high bar you’re setting.

I think you’ll find that constipation is the thief of time… spent in the smallest room away from your bleating family.

For what it’s worth (not very much!) I think both Bird and Cashin will sign two and a half year deals this month with the proviso both can go for a stipulated fee this summer if the club are not promoted. That would give the players a bit of security (in case of injury) and higher wages with Derby securing their assets a little better.

I'll take quality over quantity any time!

I saw Todd and McFarland play in the Championship winning era, but I was under 10 so I don't think my opinion was the soundest! Over the last 40 or so years, I'd say: Wright; Stimac; McGrath

There were two very good young centre halves on display yesterday: Cashin and Peterborough’s Ronnie Edwards. I was very impressed with Edwards and he’s linked with a £5m move to west Ham this month. The pair of them side by side would be very tasty! The modern day Todd and McFarland.

Try knackered at 58!

You think?

Hourihane may as well be in the stand. Alongside Barkhuizen.

It would be a meltdown, and quite rightly so. However, there is not a single ounce of evidence to suggest that is going to happen, but don't let that spoil your fun.

Because we’re not playing enough ‘Warneball’ clearly.

Judging by the first ten minutes, they’re no better than us! Without wishing to make this a different thread, I honestly believe a fit TJJ for the second half of the season will be the differentiator.

Whose 'truth' is that then?

Round of 16 is the last one to be regionalised. If we get through that one we could draw any remaining team in the quarters.

Is that an Eric Cantona quote by any chance?

So you’re after some Devine intervention?

Remarkably, Nigel Clough will pass Brian for number of games managed in early New Year. A bit behind him in trophies won mind you! They will be close to 3,000 games between them. Makes Warnock a mere pup in comparison!

I was just reading about Matt Clarke and the fact he’s not played for Middlesbrough for more than a year because of nerve damage in his back. Apparently he can’t even run without being in pain. He played six games after signing for them from Brighton (£4.5m fee?) then hasn’t played since October 2022. A real shame as I thought he was great at championship level. Hope he gets himself right.