Andrew3000

2 hours ago, Srg said:

Boro fans rated him. Just couldn’t get a look in with dinosaur Warnock’s football. 

I read some after you posted. I'd say the majority rate him but Warnock kept implying his defensive work not good enough.  Some differences of opinion about whether he'd be better as a 10 or RW and was rated as their brightest player in last match.  Some saying their lump it long footie didn't suit him, no poo!

Yuk. Won't go on their forums again. Felt so wrong.

1 hour ago, HuddersRam said:

Great to hear, @FlyBritishMidland! Yeah my first word count from the publishers was 90k. Quickly realised that was way, way below what was needed. In the end, the book could have been half the size! Glad you enjoyed it mate.

And a huge thank you to everyone who has got a copy of the book or just expressed any interest in it. It's been absolutely mental these past few weeks as the book went up to 2nd in the Amazon football charts, which is about 1000 places higher than I ever hoped for. Don't ask what Roald Dahl is doing in the football charts (no idea either). Up the Rams. ?

How many have you sold? It's a compelling read. My worst fears about Nigel seem confirmed.  Terrible spiteful streak and old fashioned methods. Created great unity but ruthless discarding of players (equal to or greater than the ruthlessness of his sacking)  and caused unnecessary injuries.  Very mixed on the transfer front.  I'm up to the end of Mac 1. It's mostly thrilling to relive but awful to read how he hadn't properly considered to get a back up for Martin.

Well done, great timing on this one, we were ready for this!

2 hours ago, derbyfan55 said:

Hi DCFCFans!

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! 

Our latest podcast is out and its a preview of tomorrow game against Birmingham City. 

Birmingham City Preview!

We Are Birmingham & Fat Lads Go In Goal joins us to Babble about The Blues! We spoke about Aitor Karanka, inconsistent performances, shutting the academy, Louie Sibley, Jason Knight and gave a score prediction.

Give it a listen, share it around and let us know your thoughts!

 

I think you should be renamed rams preview podcast to more accurately capture the emphasis you place on things.  I love these btw, really helps build anticipation for the match and there have been some great people joining you to talk about their clubs. 

30 minutes ago, derbyfan55 said:

Another bonus pod for this week! 

We recently sat down with former Wednesday (and Derby) midfielder John Harkes to talk about his career in the game!

Rams Review Meets John Harkes

We spoke about playing in the FA Cup final, his Derby memories, Representing the USA (and playing at the World Cup) and the development of American soccer, including his current role as Greenville Triumph head coach! 

Give it a listen and let us know your thoughts and comments!

Cheers, loving these.

On 13/10/2020 at 12:13, derbyfan55 said:

Hi everyone! 

We just released a bonus podcast in celebration of our 50th episode (which was with Steve Nicholson from The Derby Telegraph).

In this episode we sit down with former Derby defender Valentin Gjokaj to discuss life in a Rams shirt! We talk about working under Clough, his Derby memories, The time Val got the "hairdryer" treatment at an U21 game and representing his country!

Listen: Rams Review Meets Valentin Gjokaj

Give it a listen and let me know what you think! I truly appreciate all the support!

Surprisingly fascinating. Refreshing honesty about why he didn't make it, takes responsibility and also points to external factors.  Nice insights into Nigel and Mac. Cheers, really enjoyed!

19 hours ago, Black ('n' White) Sheep said:

Cybulski must be about 6'5", he looks massive... and strangely looks like exactly the kind of 'different kind of striker' Cocu keeps on about trying to get in. Give the lad a run out. He's got to be able to offer more than Marriott did against Blackburn (actually had to check the team sheet to remind myself that he played!). If you're good enough, you're old enough.

He's tall but is he powerful? Looks spindly to me. We need power and hold up ability not just height. Interesting player though. 

2 hours ago, reverendo de duivel said:

He was the player singled out on the podcast with the ex scout, wasn't he?

He certainly sounds an exciting prospect.

Correct, Rams Review pod couple of episodes ago.

1 hour ago, angieram said:

@Andrew3000 they call him Lee because that is what he calls himself on twitter. 

Ah, fair enough then!

Just wanted to celebrate this kid who has introduced himself in the  rams around the world section of this forum. Many will know of his super-quick goal clips provided on Twitter, this South Korean lad appeared recently on Rams Review Podcast (where he politely tolerated being called Lee the whole time, which is his surname/family name)

Somewhat bizzarely, he became a passionate Ram since the play-off final against QPR (must be drawn towards injustice and tragedy) and gets up at 3 or 4am to watch matches.

He also writes pieces promoting our club in South Korea.  I'm not on Twitter but I'm sure many have welcomed him already. Hopefully we can reach out and help him visit Pride Park one day. I think he will feature more on ramsreview pod so a relationship is developing there.  Hope the club are aware too and might assist.

I've not finished this yet but this guy really generates excitement about the next few generations coming up.  A great antidote to unfulfilled transfer yearnings.

Interesting guy, got a great attitude to his football development and, well, life.  Love that you managed to get an interview with him. Really wish him well with getting a loan this year and hopefully he comes back challenging next year.

29 minutes ago, derbyfan55 said:

@Andrew3000Not a problem! First, thanks for listening! The first episode covers a bit about the podcast but it has changed slightly over the months. Jason is the creator and host of the podcast, he is a South Stand season ticket holder (10+ years). He loves Derby and talking about football in general (he's also not bad with a pool cue!). Cory (me!) is the co-host/contributor to the podcast. I  am a lifelong Derby support although, I live in the USA (just south of Washington DC). I come to Derby games annually. Jason and myself met up back in September and hit it off. In terms of the pod we try to get insights from opposition clubs, other fans, players (current and former). We like doing the podcast and really hope we are providing our listeners with good and exciting content! If you want to know more, just hit me up in the DM's! 

Thanks Cory, such a helpful and interesting response. Best wishes with this. I'm a big fan of Steve Bloomers Washing, but yours is different enough and of course you are still going over the break so will fill a gap nicely whilst waiting for news of punishments & signings.

3 minutes ago, derbyfan55 said:

Hi guys! We've just released a new episode of the Rams Review Podcast!

We sit down with Matt Lawson a sports scientist and dietitian to speak about preseason and the role it plays in the modern game. 

- How has the field evolved?
- Getting managers "onside"
- Preseason
- Working with Derby County ambassador Michael Johnson at Notts County

RR E41 Rams Review Meets Matt Lawson

Please give it a listen, if you can! And if you have any thoughts or comments, please let me know! And please rate the podcast (if we've earned your rating!)

Great idea and a very interesting soubding guest who has high profile clients like Team GB gold medal winners and Women's England Team. Looking forward to it. Quite a coup.

As a latecomers to the pod I'd appreciate some intro/ background to the presenters. Does your first episode cover this?

51 minutes ago, David said:

Still not seeing it, but happy to agree to disagree

Fair do's

On 16/08/2020 at 18:06, David said:

So shouldn’t we be sat here praising the “Leeds Way” then, Premier League now and rolling in the money, where as Brentford will be playing Wycombe away like us 

We could do, they did well.  The appointment of Bielsa aside though, from what we know it doesn't appear half as radical or interesting for a big club with money to do that, compared with Brentford's methods to become a powerful club in our league.

12 hours ago, Will Hughes Hair said:

I think there are similarities between the Brentford approach and the club we are evolving into.

Brentford can't compete against their local London neighbours, in terms of recruiting youth players into an academy but they've thought about how they can turn that weakness into a strength by signing released academy players who aren't going to make it at a big club.  All other signings, are an investment to realise a return and as such recruitment choices are led by a combination of data and traditional scouting.  There is a big importance assigned to developing a player to increase player values.

Similarly Derby can't compete against clubs with parachute money in terms of fees and wages for established players.  However, although it's taken five or more years, we can have an international class academy with a route to first team football for academy players.  We can and have targeted talent for the academy, with a definitive view that academy players will be developed into first team players.  I'd suggest that our much maligned recruitment department does pretty well on these younger age groups and over the last twelve months the emphasis has also changed on senior recruiting; Holmes, Bielik; Evans; Te Wierik (hopefully); and Marriott would all fit a vision of recruiting players to add to their transfer value.  There is also a definitive focus on improving players and playing into a style under Cocu.

The other interesting part of the article is the view of the future of footballer and the need to develop footballers who take personal responsibility as athletes.  Definitely scope for this at Derby, and not just with reference to Joinersgate.  Cocu cited our collective fitness after the Leeds defeat.  Could double training sessions / 9-5 days be the norm over the coming decade?

Enjoyed your response.  The strategy is much more nuanced than has been portrayed.  I like your application to Derby,  feels positive. The last point about fitness is intriguing. I remember those comments from Cocu and it gives more scope for improvement.

1 hour ago, David said:

There is no tribal bias, I just struggle to see what you find so impressive.

Sure they finished above us last season and played entertaining football but they have achieved nothing.

Still in the Championship with us despite this highly praised strategy. 

Great, they can make a profit, would please an accountant and a businessman/woman, but I’m a football fan, what impresses me is what happens on the pitch, not a balance sheet. 

Again they played great football last season, but achieved no more than we 

So only promotion is achievement? Don't get that reasoning. It's contradictory to praise our youth strategy at this point then, only valid if we get promoted or win a trophy?

Finances don't excite me but as a measure of building a club's resources it's positive. Together with playing good effective football not an achievement? 

We've longed for such signs of development.

So much to be impressed by for me.

Still, appreciate the debate it's interesting how other's see it.

14 minutes ago, David said:

What have they achieved?

We’re both still in the Championship having been to Wembley and underperformed. 

They have achieved no more than we have.

It’s only a matter of days until the vultures swoop and they are back to square one again. 

I really don’t see anything special going on there, more excited with what’s going on here with Lowe, Bogle, Bird, Knight, Sibley....a core of young players that could go far. 

Much as it pains me, if our youngsters maintain or improve and we don't, then we are unlikely to fend off the same vultures.

5 minutes ago, David said:

What have they achieved?

We’re both still in the Championship having been to Wembley and underperformed. 

They have achieved no more than we have.

It’s only a matter of days until the vultures swoop and they are back to square one again. 

I really don’t see anything special going on there, more excited with what’s going on here with Lowe, Bogle, Bird, Knight, Sibley....a core of young players that could go far. 

The achievement is relative to their resources.  Also, relative to us,where did they finish in the league? What is the state of their finances? Arguably, they could sell 2 players and reinvest heavily and make a profit.  Not a given they could do this as successfully as before but theyve a great track record. Not quite back to square 1.

I'm quite surprised at the lack of appreciation here. Take your tribal bias out of it for sec and it's impressive.

Ok maybe too business focussed for some, but they still got to a play-off final with a clever, low risk strategy playing entertaining football.

14 minutes ago, Carnero said:

Exactly this.

If every club in the world followed the Brentford model then where would the players come from in 20 years time?

Sod Brentford.

Sod Brentford! That's class. 

Who is implying that we all follow the model? Any system needs diversity for it to work as a whole.  I'm simply enjoying and appreciating a different and clear vision from a rival tribe.

As a Derby fan I enjoy our academy success immensely  and will be even more delighted if our new model is right for us is consistently and effectively applied and we grow as a club.

12 minutes ago, nottingram said:

I think at some point, you are going to lose the ability to keep on replacing these players over and over again. 

Take Southampton when they first went up, they had an amazing knack of selling Lallana or Shaw or Lambert and dipping into a foreign market and finding someone as good for half the price. Didn’t take long until they started struggling to do that, as other teams caught on. It won’t be long before an agent finds out Brentford are in for his or her player, and knowing their reputation, will be telling other clubs who can pay them a bit more how good he is. So the trouble with them not being promoted yet, is how much longer can they keep being good for when they can’t pay particularly high wages (despite their wages / turnover ratio being one of the highest in the league, I read). Things like Exeter only wanting half the money for Watkins from them as they did us, for example, won’t happen any more.

Last season felt like it should’ve been the one, what with them spending big on players outside their model, such as Pontus and attempting to sign Lyle Taylor in January, so I wonder how they will replace Watkins, or Benrahma, or Dasilva if he goes as well.

They deserve credit for their model and normalising analytics in football, which is an interesting subject in itself, but as with Bournemouth the plucky underdogs tag starts to lose its credibility when they are paying £5m for Mbeumo, or when they spent the most on a keeper as a team in this league has done for years if not ever, or signing Danish internationals from top flight La Liga teams.

 

Agreed, it will get tougher over the long term. Also their increased spends shows that the model is flexible. They accumulated huge profit and can reinvest within FFP. Their bigger signings worked too and retain good value. Good for them I say.

19 minutes ago, David said:

Buy cheap players, come close, sell those for large fees, rinse and repeat. 

They should be in a great financial position, but I would be hugely frustrated that we couldn’t just keep hold of our best players. 

Not sure I like the no academy decision either, watching come through and develop is great to see

I think that's quite dismissive of what they've achieved.

I agree that our academy is a source of pride,satisfaction and excitement. As I implied the model doesn't fit all contexts.

But we are also deluding ourselves if we think that we won't sell our some of our best players as time goes on and the finances get tighter. 

We came close and lost 3 our 3 best players last year, albeit in different circs as they were loans but just as frustrating for me. 

5 minutes ago, RoyMac5 said:

Neither of us have been promoted however.

Obviously.  Is that your only reflection?  For me, how such a small club has overtaken us as one of the best teams in the division is a great story. 

Yes, I'm one of those fans who has become somewhat beguiled by Brentford.  Looking at this article from 3 years ago, you have to admire their radical and clear vision.  At the time I recall scoffing at the reported reliance on stats and the decision to let Mark Warburton go.  It seemed like madness. Well, looking at it now it was and is a great business model. It was way ahead of other clubs and their ability to implement the plan has been remarkable.

At the time, Derby had more resources and a shorter term strategy,so many of the elements of this model would not have suited us at the time. In contrast our academy may actually keep us competitive for a while.  

However, necessity is the mother of invention and so Covid-19 May force many more clubs to copy this model. This may make it tougher for them and others to recruit in their usual markets.

Recent noises from Derby indicated a more coherent plan even before lockdown .  Lets hope so. It is inspiring to read how creative Brentford have been and the reasoning behind their strategy.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/2718752-brentfords-moneyball-way-to-beat-football-teams-with-huge-budgets.amp.html

1 hour ago, TuffLuff said:

Really good one this btw, very much enjoyed hearing Chris’ insights into Cocu, Lampard, Martin contract situation and the potential departures. Get the impression he just really likes talking football

Yeah good episode, Chris is decent