On the Ram Page

I disagree with you in that unless we stood up to them initially we would have been trampled on. Our front play early on was poor. NML wasn’t on his game, Barkhaizen brushed off the ball too easily, our passing was poor. We wore them down in the end, they tired and we got our goal. Wasn’t a great watch apart from the stupendous effort that was put in. I think our tactics and formation had them in disarray at the start, their coaches were flying around the technical area with bits of paper trying to work out how they should set up. It was quite funny to watch. Their main coach, a Steve Evans lookalike but 12 stones lighter, never stopped shouting and organising all game. Evans appeared every now and again to vent his spleen to the 4th official who did an excellent job to ignore him. It was as good a watch as the match itself. But eventually our tactics paid off and we won the game. I think Warne and his coaches are far more astute than they are given credit for. Yes, it could have gone all wrong, but it didn’t on this occasion.

Todays game was one I thought beforehand would be very difficult and I thought we may get a draw. Stevenage are a typical hard tackling, aggressive side which Derby sides have struggled to play against for many a long year - N Clough, McClaren etc etc etc. we struggled at their place and were well defeated, having been bullied off the park. News that Collins was not fit also made team selection extremely difficult, as he is the one who normally takes the brunt of aggression from the opposition defence. I can totally understand the team selection today, which I think was initially to standup to the bullying, aggressive tactics. Having 4 particularly strong defenders in Nyambe, Bradley, Nelson and Cashin set the tone, with Adams and Elder also being strong too. I think this initial part of the game, although not exciting, was necessary. Although not entertaining, I admired our courage and grit. We did try to attack where possible in the first half, but it didn’t happen. Our passing, fluidity up front just wasn’t there. MNL wasn’t at the races in the first half and I don’t think Barkhaizen is particular effective when the opposition is aggressive. We had a couple of near squeaks 1st half but we played them very well - they were probably surprised by our performance. The 2nd half continued in the same vein but we then became a little more adventurous and the Smith substitution improved matters, freeing Wilson to start attacking more. Not much in the game but I thought we deserved to win in the end due to our courage to stand up to them early on in the game. Not sure Hourahane was totally fit to start but we seemed to be more mobile in midfield as a result. Everyone got stuck in today, so very pleased with the effort. Sure we will have more productive games going forward soon. We just had to get through today - it was so important that our confidence levels did not drop. Some of our opponents in the promotion race would have loved the 3 points we won today. Warne has taken a lot of stick on here for his tactics and team selection - not sure what else he could have done under the circumstances he found himself in. Also a shout out for the referee today, who was not intimidated by the pre-match comments, and Ibthought refereed he game vey sensibly and well on the whole. we now have a week to work on a formation and tactics for another difficult game on Saturday. I for one, was pleased with todays showing.

Yawn,

In the Radio Derby Podcast with Stephen Pearce he talked about an insurance claim for Embleton (I think). Also paid a small loan fee for JJ 2nd loan spell because of his injury record. Worth a listen for this info and the transfer windows.

I can totally accept “I think he is a good League One manager for a club with low to medium expectations”. I believe you are wrong and that he is better than that. But many come on here and say “he is a good League One manager for a club……” You are giving your opinion which I can accept - others state it as fact which I don’t (unless it is eventually proved).

In fairness he has hardly received a pass in the games he has played so far. No doubt at Charlton he was used to seeing plenty of the ball. We need to use him as much as we pass the ball to NML.

Oh dear!

There’s a fine line between putting pressure on referees an naffing them off, so you get nothing. We need to be a bit smarter in getting free kicks ( e.g. Collins & Wilson go down very easily and probably getting a reputation like Chris Martin did) and in wasting time (Wildsmith, throw ins etc). Don’t need events to bite us late in the game.

I was inaccurate when I said he managed Hartlepool "not very well" but nor was he running away with the League. He was actually recommended to Derby's Chairman by Len Shackleton, which was the main reason, I believe, why he came to Derby. But , the main thrust of my post was that he was relatively unknown before he came hear with no history of success (winning anything) as a manager. My case was to give Warne a chance to prove he can cope with the job he is required to do.

That’s why I tend to laugh at your posts, which come over as factually based most of the time but are just your ramblings.

No. People’s personal opinions (foresight) stated as being factual, is unwelcome. Hindsight, wisely interpreted and argued is welcomed. Where do you sit within these 2 rules?

You beat me to it. Reading the last page or so of this thread made me immediately think of The Peter Principle. At present he is doing well and has a history of getting promotions. He has also been relegated a few times but in some cases there were extenuating circumstances and his previous club were happy to keep employing him. No one knows (probably not even himself) what he is capable of or what levels he can attain. He strikes me as an intelligent chap and he will know the challenges which lie ahead, should we get promoted. In my opinion he should be given every chance to succeed and only if it becomes apparent that he is out of his depth should he be replaced. Not comparing him to Brian Clough at all but Brian was managing Hartlepool (not very well) when we appointed him. We didn’t improve the first season he was here but got promotion the following year. No one knew at the time how good he would be, he didn’t show it in the first year here. Let’s give him the opportunity to succeed.

And what about his time at Derby. What were the other factors there.

So what’s your take on McGoldrick this season - 12 goals in a lower league (should be much easier to score. So must be playing alongside a greedy player or ones lacking quality, as the fans adore him and his personal circumstances haven’t changed or are better. what were the other factors in the Derby season which made it so successful- quality of players were obviously not better,

Just listen to Stephen Pearce on Radio Derby last night to hear what David Clowes and he think about him, his skills and man-management. Doesn’t really matter what the fans think, he isn’t going anywhere soon. BUT I’m sure people will want their say!

Surprised there hasn’t been more comment on what he has said about our Business Plans, transfer strategies (pots etc) and transfer windows. Plus it seems absolutely clear that both David Clowes and Pearce both hold Paul Warne in the highest esteem in respect of his management and man management. Clear he is not going anywhere. Thought the anti-Warne brigade would be all over this.

The other factors being that you don’t like Warne?

Perhaps they will invite you for your valuable input and then you could take a bottle.

There were loads of people on here saying we should have kept Rosenior. I can’t be bothered to go back and look, but if you don’t believe me (or Returning Ram , go and have a look for yourself, sure you will find plenty of examples.

Not sure whether to treat you seriously or not. I suppose you can always find a few examples which back up your point but not as many as I could to disprove it.

Much more to do with a team which had sat back and defended suddenly conceded and then became more positive (look at their substitutions) hence we had to defend a bit more. Warne has often been criticised for not responding to opposition changes - he basically can’t win, can he? Unfortunately, we drew the game because the player/players didn’t do as they are told and poorly defended a throw-in (something Warne is always on about). Unfortunately, some fans just make the facts suit their own agendas.

Who on?

And how many years did it take them? And they spent serious money in the last year or so.

You are right, there were criticisms that they appeared to be more concerned with keeping their squad over the transfer window rather than strengthening. Mason-Clarke sold but loaned back. The one player they did get in Olakibe was sent off on Wednesday and fans deem him “rubbish”. They apparently turned down bids for some of their other “stars” (Edwards, Burrows -“have they had their heads turned” - sounds familiar). They play Wycombe tomorrow who are one of their bogey sides, so that could be interesting.

Just got back from a holiday in the Canary Islands and managed to keep abreast of what has been happening despite dodgy Wi-Fi in the hotel. Results went our way on Wednesday and at the airport yesterday (with good Wi-Fi) I had a look at the Peterborough Fans Forum LondonRoad.Net to gauge what the fans reaction was to their mini-slump Generally, very surprised it just like on here, one iffy result and it’s all doom and gloom. “Automatics are over”, “lucky if we make the playoffs” “no team spirit” “only 2 or 3 of the players are trying” “the manager (Ferguson) is at fault)” “ he isn’t proactive enough with his substitutions” etc etc etc. Ring any bells! Title also appears that they have a few financial problems they need to clear up, with loans etc to buy their ground. This a Club, everyone said a few weeks ago was the best they had seen this season. What a difference 2 or 3 games can make at this stage of the season. interesting and worth a read , if you have some spare time. just shows this Forum is like most others, with members having hugely different views, levels of expectation and self doubt and confidence. Some who won’t be shifted from their views and others with more realism and balance (or naivety). Keep the faith.