Mick Harford

Such a top bloke

Such a top bloke

Oh dear
 
 

Oh dear
 
 

Oh dear
 
 

Oh dear
 
 

Oh dear
 
 

Oh dear
 
 

Oh dear
 
 

Oh dear
 
 

Oh dear
 
 

Wolves been very close to FFP and had to sell players to satisfy it - Neves etc.
West Brom on the other hand, not too big of a stretch to see them in a mess like us.

As part of the launch of Derby County’s recently-launched Identity project, unveiled in line with the one-year takeover of the club by Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd in July myself within @RamsHeritage trust have the task of providing the six kits for the display.
Come on down to Pride Park on Friday and you’ll learn more about Derby County Football Club’s Identity colour palette, based on kits take from key eras of its history, along with seeing the brand new tunnel area at Pride Park Stadium.
#dcfcfans @dcfcofficial

This is his season. Looks stronger, fitter, is playing his football with a smile on his face.
A thread about Max Bird, DCFC midfielder.
 

Just think we need to stick with a decent manager for more than 18 months … the Ferguson case at United is the prime example of sticking with a manager and things coming good later…there are numerous other examples …in all the leagues…
 Besides, with our money situation we would not have the resources to bring in another manager in the short term and he be allowed to start building another team.
Yes, the modern way seems to be to sack rather than stick but if we are progressing (and I don’t equate that completely to being promoted now) then I believe we need to have faith ..
Others want and demand short-term success- and that’s fine and their view- I just don’t see this season as being a make-or-break one …

After a night of severe (and I mean SEVERE) sleep deprivation thanks to a new addition, I did a deep dive on other club's forums to try and gauge the feel of the place and try and get an understanding of where fans expect their clubs to be come the end of the season. Who knows the clubs hopes and aspirations better than their own fans... right(?)! 
You could probably split the division into 5 categories, however due to the sheer confidence of one side then I had to go for six categories. 
Tier 1 - automatic promotion, nothing less: Blackpool. 
No team has more confidence going into the season than Blackpool, although they've lost some (key) players they have absolute faith in their squad and management team. They even have a thread: 'we'll piss league one' where they're united in that thought. Ok, some are obviously more pessimistic about their chances but largely most feel they're at worst a play-off team next season. 
Tier 2 - play-offs, automatic promotion hopefuls: Barnsley, Bolton & I would put us here. 
Barnsley are still very confident of a good season, the general belief is they have comfortably the best midfield in the league (which I thought was ironic since most of their wins came when they barely touched the ball and still feel they have enough to mount a challenge. Bolton, too, who I think were hoping for a better transfer window than they've had but they have faith in the players remaining. They're optimistic about their frontline, more so than their defence. We're the opposite, I would say, but all three sides believe they're 2-3 players short from cementing a tier one space next to the mighty Blackpool. 
Tier 3 - play-off expectation, upper mid-table floor: Portsmouth, Charlton, Oxford, Wycombe. 
I was surprised about the confidence out of Wycombe since they've lost Lewis Wing (their best player IMO) but their recent transfer activity has them a little bit giddy. Portsmouth, who a lot of people are tipping for top 2, aren't being held in the same belief as their fans. They feel they lack creativity and goals in the side and whilst Poole and Scully have earned good reviews - the rest of the players have underwhelmed in pre-season. Charlton are a little more confident, but still feel they're quite a few short. Oxford are absolutely buzzing after their pre-season and definitely have an expectation they will be in the top 6 come the end of the season. Ruben Rodrigues as their top goalscorer. 
Tier 4 - upper midtable, play-off hopeful: Reading, Bristol Rovers and Burton Albion. 
One of these is not like the other, Reading are quite negative in their assessment and but some are still hopeful they can get to the play-offs this season. Bristol Rover and Burton Albion are more in hope than in expectation they can make it. We'll have to see about Reading, obviously they were making an impression in the market before it all got shutdown. 
Tier 5 - midtable sides with very little hope of play-offs: Lincoln, Fleetwood, Peterborough, Wigan, Leyton Orient & Cheltenham. 
Surprised at the apathy regarding Peterbrough but can only assume it's due to the news floating around the club at the minute, not surprising as we have been there. Wigan fans are confident midtable obscurity is where they will land following the -8 point deduction. I tend to agree with them. Cheltenham are fairly chipper for a team that's just lost their top goalscorer but believe Keena can more than replace him. Leyton Orient are obviously buoyant after winning League Two and keeping their better players around, bar the goalkeeper which is understandable. Lincoln are happy with their business, still many predict them to be within the 8th-14th spots. Fleetwood, somewhat surprised me, but they think they will be well clear of relegation too given Marriott and Stockley upfront. 
Tier 6 - lower midtable sides, relegation worries: Cambridge, Exeter, Shrewsbury, Stevenage, Port Vale, Northampton & Carlisle. 
I won't go into it too mcuh, but all these sides are the ones who are anticipating a struggle on the whole. Cambridge, Northampton and Exeter are the three I worry most about after looking at their fans concerns. Shrewsbury very downbeat after losing Steve Cotternil and Luke Leahy. Carlisle, Northampton and Stevenage are just promoted teams looking to survive the year. No surprise none of them have aspirations of play-offs. 
In terms of other teams expectations - definitely felt most expected us to finish top, more often than not the top two predictions were us and Bolton. Portsmouth thrown in at times, as were Barnsley. Despite Blackpool's confidence, very few had them finishing in the top 2 funnily enough. 
If I was going to use all this and make my own prediction: 
Derby, Bolton, Blackpool, Charlton, Oxford and Barnsley would be my best for a top 6. 
Cambridge, Northampton and Carlisle/Exeter for the drop. 

I'm old enough to remember when they wouldn't let us extend Jags contract till the end of the season, nor give the kids pro deals.
It's just double standards.

Hey guys sorry not been on a lot lately but the pain been pretty bad lately so been trying to rest as much as I can before season starts but I am 100 percent I can be. So i will be in full voice come saturday. Getting behind the lads as always i do fancy our chances for coming season.
Also see you all at burton peterboro blackpool and Bolton. Once my op done I might be out for a fair while but will be back asp. But not heard anything yet when that will be.

I'm old enough to remember when they wouldn't let us extend Jags contract till the end of the season, nor give the kids pro deals.
It's just double standards.

Yeah Kav did, he also played for Burton/Mickleover and the likes, got to know him and he's a decent bloke.
You also mention Stallard, used to play an age up for Littleover Dazzlers and he was the striker in the season before he joined Derby on YTS and was a machine, shame it didn't work out for him. He was a decent wicketkeeper as well.
Some very talented kids around that age from Derby, Mark Wood (Mansfield) Ian Mcara / Brian Johnson / Nick Franklin / Corin Holness / Steve Powell Jr. (Derby) Andy Simpson (Sheff United, although also wanted by Derby, Man Utd and Arsenal) / Roger Sallis (Man Utd.) none of whom did anything in the pro game. A few did good numbers in non-league though
We also had a brilliant young keeper called Jon Thompson (not the current one) who played for England Schoolbys and was really really good, only problem was he didn't grow so joined the Navy instead.
I will never tire of saying that to become a pro, as on the whole it is a meritocracy, you have to be very exceptional
 

Readings letter from the EFL 
#
Derbys letter from the EFL

I'm old enough to remember when they wouldn't let us extend Jags contract till the end of the season, nor give the kids pro deals.
It's just double standards.

I'm old enough to remember when they wouldn't let us extend Jags contract till the end of the season, nor give the kids pro deals.
It's just double standards.

I'm old enough to remember when they wouldn't let us extend Jags contract till the end of the season, nor give the kids pro deals.
It's just double standards.