i-Ram

Don’t worry, he’s already been sold on the wheeler dealer thread!

Cocu got a pretty average Derby team to tenth during his first season in charge despite everything that went against him. Sibley, Bird and Knight all performed far better under him.
His transfer targets such as Dursun, Panzo and Moore had brilliant seasons last year.
Cocu was a slow burner. But he improved players and could spot potential transfer targets to move us forward. His time at PSV proved with the right pieces in place, he could succeed.
But he was undermined by Wayne Rooney's arrival while restricted from making any signings due to the circumstances caused by Mel Morris. Bizarre you would give up on him after the Charlton away game, which was about 10 game into his first season, working with an average squad. What were you expecting? Bielsa-ball?
There were signs after that we were on the right track. Like the back-to-back wins over Sheffield Wednesday and Blackburn, the latter a crushing 3-0 win where Wayne Rooney didn't even play.
Post lockdown, we still had momentum and Louie Sibley was being talked about as a potential superstar. But by that point, Rooney's fitness was so dire we were starting games with ten players.
Cocu's job come the second season was impossible. We were obliged to play Rooney who was awful, while we started the season without a recognised striker due to an embargo and the Martin fiasco.
The subsequent improvement in form after Cocu's exit was down to Rooney retiring and Krystian Bielik coming back. Not only were we playing with 11 men again, but we had arguably the best midfielder in the league absolutely running it for us. 

Thanks Christine. 

I’d replace Tom Lawrence with Jennifer Lawrence. Unlikely to be any major change in performance levels, or results, but shirt swapping at full time would cheer me up.

Why reward them ??‍♂️

Not sure buddy, but <cough> Mel is frustrated that the club has not fully capitalised on his ongoing investment in the Academy (“£4m per annum”) which has made the Academy rated 8th best Category 1 Academy in the country.

Might be a while….
 

Lampard didn’t cost us? Can you tell me how much we got for selling Waghorn, Marriott, Malone and Jozefzoon. Can you tell me how much we spent on loan fees and wages for one year developing Mount, Tomori and Wilson for Chelsea and Liverpool blocking pathways for our own youngsters. Not that it was all his fault as someone was signing the cheques (not that Mel accepts any blame for his largesse).

Lampard didn’t cost us? Can you tell me how much we got for selling Waghorn, Marriott, Malone and Jozefzoon. Can you tell me how much we spent on loan fees and wages for one year developing Mount, Tomori and Wilson for Chelsea and Liverpool blocking pathways for our own youngsters. Not that it was all his fault as someone was signing the cheques (not that Mel accepts any blame for his largesse).

but Lampard made all of them 3 look good players.

It feels like this debate has reached absurd levels now - reminds me of the Monty Python sketch "what have the Romans done for us" (yes, I know, I'm showing my age -  link below for the youngsters).
But rather than the Romans, it's "but why should we sack the management"
1 win in 15 last season
Stayed up by the skin of our teeth, and largely because of a Cardiff equaliser through Marlon Pack rather than our own endeavours
Easy start to the season against relegation rivals, but gain 1 point out of 6 and can't beat a league 2 side in normal time in the cup.
Utterly bizarre "tactics" (I actually think any suggestion of there being tactics is being generous)
Stubborn refusal to make any changes when nothing is working
Idiotic substitutions when changes are not needed
Youth players seem to have regressed, having grown under Cocu
Lauds youth players in a ridiculously over the top way -  "will play for England", then drops them unceremoniously
Can't seem to find a place for arguably one of our most talented youngsters, the only one who can change a game, and there are rumours of a Rowett-esque "not in my plans" discussion
I could go on...
But, as certain posters on here will say "yes, yes, but apart from all that, why shouldn't we stick with him"?  Blows my mind.
 
 

David’s meeting notes are now available after Mel review.
 
 

I haven't taught for 18 months, so loads of time off

It must be difficult for you teachers to know with all the time you have off.

It must be difficult for you teachers to know with all the time you have off.

I don’t hate him, he gave me some great memories. But I am disappointed in him. That’s about as strong as I would say my feelings are 

What a ridiculous post, welcome to the Forum by the way. 

Foolish?

Why would he want to go to a club lower in the league than us.... Lol

Buchanan is ok, not a superstar, so wouldn't be that bothered if we were to sell him for a decent price, however if we sell him to the Red Dogs then that'll put me in the "Mel's a Bamford" category.

For Foulkes sake.

Triple Karm, yuk. I’d rather drink pissy seawater.

See above. Had two good wins has Mel as a businessman. Well done him. Royally ducked up his third effort. Tough luck. With investments some you win, some you lose. No need for him with his wealth though to bring the whole club to its knees.

Lock up for 5 years anyone who cannot construct a simple sentence without making a couple of spelling mistakes. Get the illiterate off the streets I say.

See above. Had two good wins has Mel as a businessman. Well done him. Royally ducked up his third effort. Tough luck. With investments some you win, some you lose. No need for him with his wealth though to bring the whole club to its knees.