jono

I feel more or less the same but Derby helped me through lockdown because, like Everest, it was still there, even at a distance. .. a symbol and semblance of normality, something to look forward to, something to hang on to. That said, TV is so very sterile, I’d get distracted very easily while the game went on. At times it just went on in the background. At a live game practically every kick it has my whole attention.
I really welled up went I went to the first friendly, lump in my throat, eyes stung as they announced the teams were in the tunnel. Vastly more emotional than I realised was ever possible. 

Or, thanks Mel, His legacy might just be his serious academy investment … worth pondering and the same time as the lost gambles and over paying for other players that got us in this mess 

Or, thanks Mel, His legacy might just be his serious academy investment … worth pondering and the same time as the lost gambles and over paying for other players that got us in this mess 

I continue to be encouraged. So so good to have players that are “ours” not sourced through an agent or someone else’s youth throw out along with the daft prices that go with all this.
Knight .. Going to be, or already is, an excellent championship midfielder .. has a great engine and can score goals
Bird .. coming along in fits and starts .. some great vision with his passing but I am just not sure he is a deep lying player at this stage in his development. He may become one but at the moment I see him as CM or in any case, further up the park. Is cutting it well at this level. Can he be better ? 
Festy .. so exciting because he is direct and has strength to go with his pace. Every champ team is going to be watching him when they play us .. he’s a threat ! 
Sibley.. He’s got “it” without a doubt .. not sure the team is set up to play to his strengths .. but he runs, shoots, tackles with considerable prowess. He is a narky, needs to filter out some over reactions 
Buchanan .. had dips in form -  he is at least as good all round as either Bogle or Lowe
Watson .. No doubts at all - Of all of them I feel he is the one that the Prem will want
I haven’t seen enough of the others to comment seriously but Cashin looks to be a good un. 
Hutchinson isn’t technically our “product” but I’ve seen a desire to shoot and the composure and skill for that goal against Salford was pretty special 
Dyllan Williams .. he’s only 17 and needs time. Despite the outstanding effort in the second half against Salford he needs time to grow physically and more coaching. He’s got something, but I can’t predict what level he will finish at. I was hoping to see jinking and changing pace that a good wide man needs, I didn’t see any of that, despite good technique and huge willingness to run 
 
 

Or, thanks Mel, His legacy might just be his serious academy investment … worth pondering and the same time as the lost gambles and over paying for other players that got us in this mess 

Not sure that is aimed at me but if it is ....
I do care - that is part of the problem.
I have supported Derby since 1972
I cannot give it up
I have almost given Football up
But I still care about Derby
It is like an addiction
As someone else alluded to - Derby county is a constant in my life - perhaps the only one
I will not ever give it up completely - I do not want to
Travel and Time are the reason I do not attend many games
I think that makes me a valid forum user ?

Or, thanks Mel, His legacy might just be his serious academy investment … worth pondering and the same time as the lost gambles and over paying for other players that got us in this mess 

There are those that criticise the club on occasion and with very good reason.
There are those that criticise the club at every possible turn, seizing any opportunity to have another dig.
Thank whatever higher deity you like that there are people like @Ghost of Clough and @angieram around who are the voices of reason, who are able to judge each issue on its relative merits and comment rationally, calmly and logically.

Never an opportunity goes by................

Byrne ? Youngster ? ?

Fill in the ****s. How many of our U23s have looked like they'll be the next Hughes or Bogle? It's the way of young players developing physically and mentally.
Think of the youngsters we've had on loan over the recent seasons and ask how many you'd have thought would be good, or you'd have signed? Look at other good players now like Kane and others and ask what they were like in the lower leagues (on loan) when they were younger.
We'll know more in a few years. The problem with where we find ourselves atm is we can't wait, and some will make and some won't. Would it be the same ones if we could loan a few out or just give them games with experienced players around them?

I continue to be encouraged. So so good to have players that are “ours” not sourced through an agent or someone else’s youth throw out along with the daft prices that go with all this.
Knight .. Going to be, or already is, an excellent championship midfielder .. has a great engine and can score goals
Bird .. coming along in fits and starts .. some great vision with his passing but I am just not sure he is a deep lying player at this stage in his development. He may become one but at the moment I see him as CM or in any case, further up the park. Is cutting it well at this level. Can he be better ? 
Festy .. so exciting because he is direct and has strength to go with his pace. Every champ team is going to be watching him when they play us .. he’s a threat ! 
Sibley.. He’s got “it” without a doubt .. not sure the team is set up to play to his strengths .. but he runs, shoots, tackles with considerable prowess. He is a narky, needs to filter out some over reactions 
Buchanan .. had dips in form -  he is at least as good all round as either Bogle or Lowe
Watson .. No doubts at all - Of all of them I feel he is the one that the Prem will want
I haven’t seen enough of the others to comment seriously but Cashin looks to be a good un. 
Hutchinson isn’t technically our “product” but I’ve seen a desire to shoot and the composure and skill for that goal against Salford was pretty special 
Dyllan Williams .. he’s only 17 and needs time. Despite the outstanding effort in the second half against Salford he needs time to grow physically and more coaching. He’s got something, but I can’t predict what level he will finish at. I was hoping to see jinking and changing pace that a good wide man needs, I didn’t see any of that, despite good technique and huge willingness to run 
 
 

Cannot help feeling there is something more to the Sibley story - I know he can be a bit hotheaded and gets booked, but he does have that bit of a spark about him.
Bird looked great alongside Rooney, but a bit Flat since - and I so want him to do well.
Knight has surprised me in a good way - but I get the feeling he could surprise me in the prem too - very much a workhorse (Emlyn Hughes anyone?)
Festy like you say promising but I am most excited now about Watson - looked the canines nads to me the other night

29 is young, I say that purely as it makes me feel better about myself though.

Scholars don't count towards the limit.
So any of the 'uncapped' U23s (excluding Chorley) cannot play if we want to make more signings during our embargo. However, any ofthe U18s (scholars) can play without impacting things.

Yes agreed and second half he got more involved by getting more forward,one thing he does need to improve on is his final pass once he as got in that great position mind you the same can be said for all our full backs at the club

I feel more or less the same but Derby helped me through lockdown because, like Everest, it was still there, even at a distance. .. a symbol and semblance of normality, something to look forward to, something to hang on to. That said, TV is so very sterile, I’d get distracted very easily while the game went on. At times it just went on in the background. At a live game practically every kick it has my whole attention.
I really welled up went I went to the first friendly, lump in my throat, eyes stung as they announced the teams were in the tunnel. Vastly more emotional than I realised was ever possible. 

Not worried about Watson one little bit .. He’s there already. 2 preseason games I saw plus Saturday and last night. 
Full package .. 4 strong performances. If there good enough, they’re old enough. Watson is !
Hutch .. no sure yet, but he’s brave, got a shot on him, plays it simple. .. maybe not a stater but can earn a place on the bench and hopefully will learn as he plays 

I feel more or less the same but Derby helped me through lockdown because, like Everest, it was still there, even at a distance. .. a symbol and semblance of normality, something to look forward to, something to hang on to. That said, TV is so very sterile, I’d get distracted very easily while the game went on. At times it just went on in the background. At a live game practically every kick it has my whole attention.
I really welled up went I went to the first friendly, lump in my throat, eyes stung as they announced the teams were in the tunnel. Vastly more emotional than I realised was ever possible. 

I feel more or less the same but Derby helped me through lockdown because, like Everest, it was still there, even at a distance. .. a symbol and semblance of normality, something to look forward to, something to hang on to. That said, TV is so very sterile, I’d get distracted very easily while the game went on. At times it just went on in the background. At a live game practically every kick it has my whole attention.
I really welled up went I went to the first friendly, lump in my throat, eyes stung as they announced the teams were in the tunnel. Vastly more emotional than I realised was ever possible. 

Is that Cockney rhyming slang and we have been drawn to play at the Sh!tty Ground?

Nothing to lose. Sheff Utd will expect to have all eyes on promotion and will potentially change most of their team. Play without fear and see what happens. 

Have we got our own number or do we have to share one with Wycombe 

33 Years away from Derby, so Rams TV again for me as well.
Always been a happy clapper, so I'm looking forward to seeing how Rooney
manages with everything stacked against him! I still haven't written him off, 
and genuinely believe that we will end up middle of the table, siege mentality 
sounds good to me. 

Yeah, I can't wait until it's feasible to get into the ground and cheer on the team. 
It costs me a fortune in travel but that somehow makes it more special. 
I, like many, have to get used to being surrounded by other people but I want the thrill of the game back. 
TV doesn't quite cut it.