BramcoteRam84

8 games in, 2 months ago had 5 players, can’t pay transfer fees therefore relying on over 30s and kids some of whom might be future higher level players but have never played senior football because we can’t spend loan fees. Playing against teams at the top who are established, having been through a degree of pain to get there. 
 
Im hoping the negativity is driven by the heat of the moment after two back to back bad performances and people will be more rational in the morning. The level of transition and upheaval has been massive we were never going to be walking the league destroying teams at this stage.
If we’re here in another month after another bunch of bad results and performances I might change my view. I’m prepared to give it more time with Liam that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be held to account but it’s easy to put the blame entirely at his door, some players have been poor these couple of games. Bird in particular, can blame tactics or say to Max if you’re going to be a marked man you have to find a way to cope with it, that’s what you need to do if you’re going to play at a much higher level which most think he can. 
 
This is not the time to rip up everything and get a dinosaur (an experienced head) in. The teams leading the way currently in league one are managed by young progressive coaches who have been given time to mould their teams!! Well guess what we have a young progressive coach who hasn’t been given time (do not say he’s been here 3 years the squad is TOTALLY different) 

8 games in, 2 months ago had 5 players, can’t pay transfer fees therefore relying on over 30s and kids some of whom might be future higher level players but have never played senior football because we can’t spend loan fees. Playing against teams at the top who are established, having been through a degree of pain to get there. 
 
Im hoping the negativity is driven by the heat of the moment after two back to back bad performances and people will be more rational in the morning. The level of transition and upheaval has been massive we were never going to be walking the league destroying teams at this stage.
If we’re here in another month after another bunch of bad results and performances I might change my view. I’m prepared to give it more time with Liam that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be held to account but it’s easy to put the blame entirely at his door, some players have been poor these couple of games. Bird in particular, can blame tactics or say to Max if you’re going to be a marked man you have to find a way to cope with it, that’s what you need to do if you’re going to play at a much higher level which most think he can. 
 
This is not the time to rip up everything and get a dinosaur (an experienced head) in. The teams leading the way currently in league one are managed by young progressive coaches who have been given time to mould their teams!! Well guess what we have a young progressive coach who hasn’t been given time (do not say he’s been here 3 years the squad is TOTALLY different) 

8 games in, 2 months ago had 5 players, can’t pay transfer fees therefore relying on over 30s and kids some of whom might be future higher level players but have never played senior football because we can’t spend loan fees. Playing against teams at the top who are established, having been through a degree of pain to get there. 
 
Im hoping the negativity is driven by the heat of the moment after two back to back bad performances and people will be more rational in the morning. The level of transition and upheaval has been massive we were never going to be walking the league destroying teams at this stage.
If we’re here in another month after another bunch of bad results and performances I might change my view. I’m prepared to give it more time with Liam that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be held to account but it’s easy to put the blame entirely at his door, some players have been poor these couple of games. Bird in particular, can blame tactics or say to Max if you’re going to be a marked man you have to find a way to cope with it, that’s what you need to do if you’re going to play at a much higher level which most think he can. 
 
This is not the time to rip up everything and get a dinosaur (an experienced head) in. The teams leading the way currently in league one are managed by young progressive coaches who have been given time to mould their teams!! Well guess what we have a young progressive coach who hasn’t been given time (do not say he’s been here 3 years the squad is TOTALLY different) 

Don’t like xG but when we were struggling away from home last season people used it as a way to demonstrate we’re not creating chances. This season we’re in the top 4/top 6 xG and not sticking the ball in the net. What’s that now 65 shots in 4 away games?! We were crap tonight but still could’ve had 4.
I don’t think it is tactics and set up. Individual errors and sloppy play cost us, put us under pressure and in the final third we had so many good situations and final ball was poor. Too many individuals off it (again), Curtis looked like he hasn’t played football for a month, Bird and Hourihane is an issue, been poor 2 games running now, need to find a way to deal with the extra attention or it needs changing. 
 
Two bad performances in a row and continuing in that vein we won’t be where we want to be. We need to win Saturday now and perform better to stop this rot. We are capable of much better. 
 
But 8 games in mid table 3 points off playoffs while still finding our feet at this level and playing catch up due to late preseason. As frustrating as it is it’s about what I expected.

I did see the "replay" at H-T and must admit it looked more of an iffy decision. than I first saw in real time.  

This is largely why I have sympathy for Liam Rosenior. You can lead a horse to water but you can't make them drink.
We create chances, we don't score the chances. LR says we practice our finishing constantly. These players have been goalscorers their whole career. Other than start putting himself on the pitch what exactly is he supposed to do to make the ball cross the line?!?!

If only Marseille had hung on to that lead in the second leg against Juventus……

Following our first title in 1971-72, this season marks the 50th anniversary of Derby’s European Cup debut & the start of 4 very eventful European campaigns up to the end of 1976. Like the 1971-72 season scrapbook last season, I’ll be looking to mark each game 50 years on with match reports, TV footage (if available) & as much info and memorabilia as I can glean. Of course, nothing will beat having been at the games themselves so recollections & memories are most welcome.
To set the scene, Derby’s qualification for the European (Champions) Cup was at a time when only the league winners (and the European Cup holders) qualified for the tournament. At that stage, only one English club had even reached the final, let alone won it – that being Manchester Utd in 1968 under Sir Matt Busby. Therefore Derby were bidding to become only the second English club to be crowned Champions of Europe – no small challenge considering our European debut had been delayed following disqualification from the 1970-71 Fairs Cup for ‘financial irregularities’.
50 years ago today then, we began our 1972-73 European Cup campaign against the Yugoslav champions FK Zeljeznicar at the Baseball Ground. Zeljeznicar were based in Sarajevo in what we now know as Bosnia & like Derby they had also won their maiden title the season before, beating the challenge of illustrious names such as Red Star Belgrade, Dynamo Zagreb, Partizan Belgrade & Hadjuk Split.
Here are the beaming first XI of Zeljeznicar with their suitably austere Communist-era title trophy;

 
Onto the game - despite the pretty physical opponent, Derby were able to secure a 2-0 advantage going into the second leg in Yugoslavia - goals coming from Roy McFarland & Archie Gemmill either side of half time. Match report below;

 

 
John O’Hare closely marked by two Zeljeznicar defenders during the match;

 
Programme from the match to mark the occasion;

 
Full round up of results elsewhere in Round 1 – second legs due to be played two weeks later on 27th September;

How many kids are going 
If only 3 or 4 going get there parents to give money for tickets Bob your uncle take them to the game and there you go get to watch it too.

Aren't you a bit old to go to a kids birthday party?

According to some he must be a rubbish manager because he doesn't pick Sibley every week.

An extra week for Cooper to make a step up in his managerial career by moving to Brighton

People are talking about the Papa John’s as if it’s a new thing. It’s been around decades. It used to be called the Auto Windscreens Shield back in the day. I remember Birmingham winning it under Barry Fry in the 90s.  It’s always had a Wembley final. Only recent change is the introduction of premier league u23 sides reckon that’s possibly a legacy of the EPPP deal. 
 
Fact we’ve got restrictions on how many we can leave out serves to keep it competitive which is good. It’s a chance at a Wembley final, it’s a chance for silverware, we shouldn’t feel such a sense of entitlement that means we scoff at this tournament. It’s important to build a winning mentality and get players like Rooney ready for league action. Thoroughly enjoyed the Grimsby game and I’ll be attending more. 

One club pleased about the postponed fixtures is the Red Dogs, damaging defeat to Bournemouth, Leeds have been good at Elland Road, another defeat in coming and the pressure mounts. Now he has an extra week to work on integrating his squad of 176 players.

I voted no but on the basis it’s her funeral next weekend, I don’t think we should cancel two weekends on the trot and to me it would feel wrong having football next weekend when it’s her funeral so I would postpone all fixtures next weekend. 
 
There should be some pause as a matter of respect IMO but then the Queen would also want people to carry on. Makes no sense to pause sporting fixtures and not theatres etc but the funeral day I believe everything is shutting so makes sense to do it that weekend.

People are talking about the Papa John’s as if it’s a new thing. It’s been around decades. It used to be called the Auto Windscreens Shield back in the day. I remember Birmingham winning it under Barry Fry in the 90s.  It’s always had a Wembley final. Only recent change is the introduction of premier league u23 sides reckon that’s possibly a legacy of the EPPP deal. 
 
Fact we’ve got restrictions on how many we can leave out serves to keep it competitive which is good. It’s a chance at a Wembley final, it’s a chance for silverware, we shouldn’t feel such a sense of entitlement that means we scoff at this tournament. It’s important to build a winning mentality and get players like Rooney ready for league action. Thoroughly enjoyed the Grimsby game and I’ll be attending more. 

People are talking about the Papa John’s as if it’s a new thing. It’s been around decades. It used to be called the Auto Windscreens Shield back in the day. I remember Birmingham winning it under Barry Fry in the 90s.  It’s always had a Wembley final. Only recent change is the introduction of premier league u23 sides reckon that’s possibly a legacy of the EPPP deal. 
 
Fact we’ve got restrictions on how many we can leave out serves to keep it competitive which is good. It’s a chance at a Wembley final, it’s a chance for silverware, we shouldn’t feel such a sense of entitlement that means we scoff at this tournament. It’s important to build a winning mentality and get players like Rooney ready for league action. Thoroughly enjoyed the Grimsby game and I’ll be attending more. 

People are talking about the Papa John’s as if it’s a new thing. It’s been around decades. It used to be called the Auto Windscreens Shield back in the day. I remember Birmingham winning it under Barry Fry in the 90s.  It’s always had a Wembley final. Only recent change is the introduction of premier league u23 sides reckon that’s possibly a legacy of the EPPP deal. 
 
Fact we’ve got restrictions on how many we can leave out serves to keep it competitive which is good. It’s a chance at a Wembley final, it’s a chance for silverware, we shouldn’t feel such a sense of entitlement that means we scoff at this tournament. It’s important to build a winning mentality and get players like Rooney ready for league action. Thoroughly enjoyed the Grimsby game and I’ll be attending more. 

We should be trying to win this competition.  We’re probably never going to win the League Cup or win the FA Cup again, which our only other chances of Wembley are Play Offs which let’s face it this season we really don’t want (would love automatic). 
 
Im fully behind this and bought a ticket for Tuesday 

People are talking about the Papa John’s as if it’s a new thing. It’s been around decades. It used to be called the Auto Windscreens Shield back in the day. I remember Birmingham winning it under Barry Fry in the 90s.  It’s always had a Wembley final. Only recent change is the introduction of premier league u23 sides reckon that’s possibly a legacy of the EPPP deal. 
 
Fact we’ve got restrictions on how many we can leave out serves to keep it competitive which is good. It’s a chance at a Wembley final, it’s a chance for silverware, we shouldn’t feel such a sense of entitlement that means we scoff at this tournament. It’s important to build a winning mentality and get players like Rooney ready for league action. Thoroughly enjoyed the Grimsby game and I’ll be attending more. 

People are talking about the Papa John’s as if it’s a new thing. It’s been around decades. It used to be called the Auto Windscreens Shield back in the day. I remember Birmingham winning it under Barry Fry in the 90s.  It’s always had a Wembley final. Only recent change is the introduction of premier league u23 sides reckon that’s possibly a legacy of the EPPP deal. 
 
Fact we’ve got restrictions on how many we can leave out serves to keep it competitive which is good. It’s a chance at a Wembley final, it’s a chance for silverware, we shouldn’t feel such a sense of entitlement that means we scoff at this tournament. It’s important to build a winning mentality and get players like Rooney ready for league action. Thoroughly enjoyed the Grimsby game and I’ll be attending more. 

Wildsmith 
Knight       Stearman     Cashin    Forsyth
                      Smith     Bird
    Sibley       McGoldrick    Mendez-Laing
                         Collins 
Rooney for Smith if latter isn’t fit.
Hourihane and Barkhuizen don’t warrant a starting place based on recent performances but are excellent quality to bring off the bench. We need a smith/Rooney for better balance, or we play Oduroh at RB and move Knight into midfield.

Wildsmith - 6.5 - thought he was good but could’ve done better for the winning goal
Knight - 7
Forsyth - 7
Cashin - 6.5 - marked down for the goal
Stearman 6.5
Dobbin - 5
McGoldrick - 7.5
Sibley - 5.5
Hourihane - 4.5
Mendez-Laing - 7
Bird - 5
Collins - 7
Barkhuizen- 6
Thompson - 4
Osula - 6
 

Very grumpy angry and frustrated today. From the first minute we were second best today, 2-0 up due to individual brilliance and being clinical. Anyone blaming Rosenior saying this was a result of how he managed the game I’m sorry, you’re talking complete and utter nonsense. The subs did not change the game it followed the same pattern. We were second best in the first half, and at the start of the second, he brought Didzy off because he’s not ready for the full 90 and he brought Thompson on as an additional midfielder to try and gain control of the game. If Thompson played how he can and how he has in the league cup and in the Papa John’s, it could’ve worked. It didn’t work because he was equally off it, as was Sibley. 
 
We needed to hang on for longer but they got a bit of luck for the Whittaker goal, squirmed under Cashin and sat perfectly for him. It gave them the hope to further push on, then they had more luck with their equaliser which looked miles offside, before a Cashin error gives them the winner. No management to blame during the game (you can always look at the set up and build up to the game) players not at it and further hindered by poor officiating. Plymouth deserved all their luck though as they were excellent, a good well drilled side with a clear identity and evidence of being together for a while. They will be in and around it this season.

Regarding Rosenior, he didn’t have the defensive options to change midfield today, Smith would’ve made a big difference. He went for Thompson, the only criticism is maybe he should’ve gone for Rooney. Thompson has done ok in the games he’s played this season and he’s been with us since last season, Rooney has been with us 5 mins, what message does that send to Thompson if he brings Rooney on instead? Right call but Thompson didn’t play well when he came on, which means next time we’re in this situation and there isn’t a senior option available then Rooney needs to be the go to ahead of Thompson. 
We need to remember this team has been pulled together in about 6 weeks, had less preseason than everyone else and we’re coming up against competitive sides who have been together much longer. I wasn’t expecting us to be playing teams off the park every game at this point. In all the other games I’ve seen I’ve seen potential of what we’re capable of.
Today we were just bad and we move on still in and around the top 6 which is decent considering where we were just 6-7 weeks ago.

We’re 6 points worse off because of hitting the woodwork and clearances off the line in games we’ve outplayed and tactically done the opposition. On balance we’re about where we deserve to be. 
Morecambe and Lincoln is still way too early to judge. October/November at the earliest. Key is we hit our straps in the middle of the season and continue to improve, the late preseason meant a slow start was inevitable.
We will get there. I see a manager with good clarity of thought knows what he wants and is tactically aware. We are a work in progress. Your other comment that a seasoned manager would have us flying by now is the oldest football myth/cliche whatever you want to call it. Look where Cook had Ipswich last season, look at the top of the league now - all young coaches , not much experience, only difference is the other coaches have had longer to work with  their squads than Liam