Ambitious

Just now, oodledoodle said:

I think the forwards are pressing high while the back 4 are pretty much sitting in a low block. There's so much space in midfield for them. We could do with picking one or the other.

Exactly how I saw it, albeit I didn't watch until late. Disjointed beyond belief. 

I hope we make adjustments at half-time.

2 hours ago, Bessie1 said:

Birmingham is going to be a “powerhouse” according to the American owner.  He admits the firing of Eustace was a bit hasty.  Sounds confident - I’d say smug - in this interview…

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68771261

Bit mean, I know - but I’m willing him to fail.

They’re going to build a 60,000 seater stadium apparently and spend the most of any championship side in history in the summer - which won’t change even if they’re relegated.

The bloke sounds like an out-of-touch lunatic with a new toy, obviously these types always have a happy ending so I look forward to the conclusion. 

It’s like when Darlington moved into their 25,000 seater stadium and left 20,000 empty seats. Birmingham have never really been well supported despite the size of the city. 20-25 seems like their level so that’s potentially 35-40,000 empty seats and a huge billion pound project for nothing more than vanity. 

There is a very stark and real difference between being able to forge a career in the Championship and being an impactful player in the Championship. A LOT of fairly unremarkable players have made careers in the Championship, so I actually don't have too many worries about a lot of our players' ability to hold their own at the next level. 

In terms of impactful players at the Championship, well that's a very different story. I would be confident in Mendez-Laing and Cashin. If Nelson was an import from overseas, who had never played in the Championship, then I would also say him. I do worry that he's been unremarkable in the Championship, largely, so would consider it unlikely he's going to carry the same impact at the next level. Adams, too, has found it tough by all accounts. He's in a similar boat to Nelson in the sense he's been very good for us at this level but has struggled to make the step up. I guess you could also put Nyambe in this category too, albeit he has previously done very well at Championship level with Blackburn. 

Blackett-Taylor is starting to show his ability and looks to have good speed, range and technical ability that should serve him well at the next level. He does seem to lack the power of a NML but he has potential to be impactful at the next level if he progresses. Wilson, Sibley are probably more along the lines of being able to play in the Championship, perhaps struggle to be as impactful. 

I do worry about Waghorn, Collins, Smith, Bradley and I'd probably add Elder to the list as players who I think would actually struggle to step up. All of them look to be on the down-swing of their career, in-terms of mobility, Collins has done well for us this season but I think a better class of defender really limits his impact. Waghorn started the season well, but looks laboured since his return from injury. Elder and Bradley just haven't looked right since we signed them, honestly, both have had moments but big question marks over them two - as well as Smith. 

If we do get promoted, the recruitment is going to have to be very strong. Central midfield and strikers, in particular, will need to be improved upon enormously. 

6 hours ago, abertawe_ram said:

Every time I see/hear the name Luke Leahy, cannot stand that p****

 

Good player who we should've signed in the summer, along with Lewis Wing. 

Leahy in particular seemed like a no-brainer considering he can cover LB, CB, CM and just about everywhere else on the pitch and always seems to do a good job. He's their top goalscorer this season and spent the majority in defence. 

Even as the club (hopefully) progresses and there is a requirement for better personnel, I'm really not sure that a player who can be utilised in a number of positions and do a credible job should ever be sniffed at - especially in the current economic climate. 

Hourihane started the season well, but had a dramatic drop-off - probably inline with when he decided this was going to be his last season. He's still an influential, well-liked figure and he's been a good player for us but perhaps not the dynamic, all-action midfielder that we anticipated when he signed. 

The best replacement for him is the guy who just picked out our top corner from 30 yards on Tuesday night and someone who I really wanted us to go for in the summer and then again in January. 

We will need a complete revamp of our central midfield options ahead of next season anyway. It's been our biggest disappointment this season, apart from Ebou Adams, who will be back to Cardiff. Bird has been ok, had a purple patch around Jan/Feb, but the whole lot need improving upon. 

34 minutes ago, Comrade 86 said:

BOGOF offer at Bubbles?

I can’t imagine they tell many people to bog off at Bubbles, no?

6 hours ago, Vimto Enjoyer said:

This fella has us sussed, to be fair.

The best thing about Wycombe is that it’s not far from London, otherwise (equally) there is generally nothing else to do - and they still don’t get decent crowds. 

You could make this argument about 98% of the towns and cities in the country. 

I have to assume this is more Radio Derby related than Derby County related. 

A big name in for the final game(s) as a guess, but who knows. 

I'm just very aware that when it comes to big news from the club, it's not left to Radio Derby to announce - contract extensions or otherwise. 

Wildsmith has been a solid performer for us, absolutely. I don't think he really gets too much criticism from supporters either. He's had some blunders this year, but every goalkeeper at this level will do that. It's why they're in League One.

Wildsmith spent 9 seasons in the Sheff Wed team without ever pinning down the starting job and he's made more appearances in two years with us than he ever did with Sheff Wed - and that's with him losing his place in the team to Vickers along the way. 

Ultimately, though, as I said: I can see Warne looking at the goalkeeping position as an area he would want to improve on in the summer. I genuinely think Vickers was brought in to challenge Wildsmith rather than back him up, and I half suspect they anticipated on him winning the job. If not for terrible off-field events and injury then perhaps he may have even done so. 

Even so, whether we've offered him a contract or not, I don't believe Warne see's him as a lock for his position for the foreseeable future. I would think any contract would run roughly in-line, albeit with a small increase, on his current deal and I think he believes there is better out there - Christian Walton who is out of contract at the end of the year from Ipswich as one I'd keep my eye on. 

Rotherham, under Paul Warne, always had an eye for a goalkeeper. When he took over as manager the two keepers on Rotherham's books were two that we know well - Lee Camp & Lewis Price. As well as Richard O'Donnell. 

He then signed Marek Rodak on loan, who we know is a good keeper, in his first full season at Rotherham. He then went on to sign Daniel Iverson, again a very good goalkeeper, before landing on Josh Vickers & Viktor Johansson - with the latter being renowned as one of the best in his position in the League. I think he's even earned a full Sweden international cap recently too. 

I just wonder if he's been around those players, more so his goalkeeping coach who he very much trusts, and thinks we can do better? 

Wildsmith - 5

Wilson - 7
Cashin - 8
Nelson - 6
Sibley - 7.5

Blackett-Taylor - 8
Smith - 6
Adams - 8
Ward - 8

NML - 6
Collins - 6

Subs didn't really do too much, honestly. 

1 minute ago, Caerphilly Ram said:

It’s unreal how dismissive you are of the club and team you claim to support.

Current top 6 are Portsmouth, Bolton, Barnsley, Peterborough, Lincoln and us. 

Against Portsmouth this season we drew home (1-1) and away (2-2).

Against Bolton we lost away (2-1) and won at home (1-0).

Against Barnsley we won at home (3-0) and lost away (2-1)

Against Peterborough we won away (2-4) and lost at home (2-3)

Against Lincoln we won at home (3-1) and drew away (0-0)

As you mentioned Stevenage I’ll include them and Oxford too as they were in and around the play off positions most of the season;

Against Stevenage we lost away (3-1) and won at home (1-0)

Against Oxford we lost at home (1-2) and won away (2-3)

To me my original point stands that this season we’ve done better against the teams around us than we did last season, I can’t be bothered looking for the stats but if I remember correctly one of the big criticisms last year from certain quarters was that we didn’t compete well enough with the teams around us. This year I think we have, the results back that up, the fact we are second in the table with 4 games to go backs that up, the fact we’re one of the best scoring teams in the league and the best defences backs that up….. so I’ll carry on being a happy and optimistic little ram while you…. Do whatever it is you do 🤷🏻‍♂️ 

I hadn't realised that we had beat every team in the top 8, bar Portsmouth (and we didn't lose to them). In a play-off format, the only team we lose to is Stevenage (albeit a couple of extra times). Not bad going, really.

4 minutes ago, jimbobram said:

you think Bolton are picking up points against pompey and pboro? I cant see that. Even bristol rovers away is a hard game away from home. They have the worst away from in the league over the last 6 games. Im more concerned about Pboro

Peterborough is the last game which is why I left it out, equally Bolton host Portsmouth and they have the best home record in the league. They've won the last three on the bounce, scoring 12 in the process. I don't think it's inconceivable they beat Portsmouth. A draw looks most likely. 

Bristol Rovers isn't a tough game at the moment, plus they were never that good at home anyway. Bolton have picked up 33pts on the road this season, Bristol 27 at home. Annoyingly, in their last 5 games at home: they lost to us (understandable), Burton(!!) & Fleetwood (!) and their only win was against Carlisle. They also drew with a poor Shrewsbury team. 

Those two games, along with Vale losing 4 of the last 6 away from home & a poor Shrewsbury team (albeit one that isn't in terrible form on the road of late) makes me think they have a chance of 12pts from their next four games. 10pts most likely. At worst, I think they're getting 8-9pts. 

I've found myself looking at the fixtures going into the last game, as Peterborough will still likely have a chance. 

Bolton have the ability to win-out, for sure, and I wouldn't be surprised to see them get 10pts from their next four games. It would put them on 88pts. The big swing will be their goal difference as they have some favourable home games. 

Bolton | played 45, 88pts | +41 goal difference. 

Peterborough, too, who have some favourable games bar Oxford away. Vale, Fleetwood, Cheltenham & Bristol Rovers are teams they like to beat up on and score goals. I'd say they have opportunity to be within a point of Bolton going into the final day. 

Peterborough | played 45, 87pts | +39 goal difference

We have two away games in our next three, albeit against teams we should do well against. I can see 6-7 points in our next three games, crucially (though), I don't see our goal difference incrementing at the same rate as Bolton and think we will be +39 goal difference. 

Derby | played 45, 88pts | +39 goal difference 

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I think there is a good chance that Bolton go into the final day in second and end the day finishing 4th. There is no doubt in my mind that it is going to the final day, though. Anything can happen along the way. We could do with Bolton throwing a game, like we did against Northampton, but difficult to see where that would happen. I think they're more likely to have 12pts from their next four than 6 or 7, unfortunately. 

29 minutes ago, Gee SCREAMER !! said:

I think Bolton will get a sackful at the weekend.  Bristol Rovers have been horrendous for 2 months, the only highlight being a win over Stevenage.  The teams they are losing against week on week are all at the arse end of the division.  We should have got at least 6 when we played them, 3-0 was a let off. 

That would be my concern, Bolton could Have a better goal difference than us by the end of the weekend. 

Bristol Rovers aren’t getting anything from the game, that’s for sure.

28 minutes ago, Bris Vegas said:

This will be a relegation six-pointer next season in the Championship.

For all the outrage, without proper surgery to either team (and even then) this is most likely to be correct. 

Ipswich have done well, but there is a drastic difference between what we saw from them and ourselves (and Portsmouth). Fortunately, I feel that the management and club are very much aware that is the case and will do what is required to be as competitive as possible. 

Sheffield Wednesday last season were a better team than both of us, and they weren’t great, they’re in a relegation battle. Plymouth, also, in a relegation battle. We have to respect what we are walking into, should we get promoted. 

Disappointed not to take all three points, after such a hard-worked performance following getting the lead. We could’ve used some calmer heads on the ball to retain possession, but understand that our game plan was to be committed on the break - and it nearly worked. A good rest now. Bristol Rovers have been in terrible form recently so not sure I expect them to slow Bolton down, but hopefully we can get the win against Wycombe the following week to keep Portsmouth honest for the Bolton game.

I doubt this will be done by the last game, the Carlisle one promises to be a tense home game. 

I think you can compete in the Championship with a £30m wage bill, but it has to be spent so effectively as now you are seeing a similar wage structure in place for all non-parachute payment clubs (circa £23-28m). It means the smartest team has an opportunity to be successful, but ultimately you’re all up against the parachute payment clubs for a promotion place - which Ipswich are finding out and fighting against now. 

Definition of a must not lose, a win would also drag Portsmouth back a little which would give them more impetus in the games against Bolton, etc.

A loss is more impactful than the three points tomorrow night as it means Portsmouth can afford to coast a little, especially the game coming up against Bolton. 

I expected their wages to be north of £160m, so not at all surprised it’s thereabouts. It’s considerably more than a lot of teams in a similar boat in the Premier League, though (Brighton: £110m for ref) and the liabilities (both player performance and financial) are massive. The fact they’re so heavily indebted to other clubs and financing instalments on player sales at relative high interest have to be huge concerns - that’s not even me taking the piss. 

Relegation, along with the Greek losing interest, doing a Mel, they would die because of the huge payments classed as football debt. Relegation would ultimately lead to heavy point deductions in the Championship regardless of the Greek’s penchant to fund an unsustainable business. It’s a dangerous game. 

It’s a top 10 wage bill, more than the likes of West Ham, etc 

Any one know of any players north of the border, untapped resource I’ve heard…

I noticed Keilen Robinson started for the England U19s yesterday - usually League One sides would be clamouring for England U19 players on loan, yet this kid has barely been mentioned. I didn't even realise we had anyone in the Eng U19 set up. 

Peterborough in second with 89 points. Derby in third with 88 points and Bolton in fourth with 87 points.

Derby knocked out in the playoff semi finals to eventual winners Lincoln City. 

3 hours ago, Ilkestonian said:

Sorry, can't agree, you'll be saying he's worse than Mick Coop next 😂

Davis was playing against Torres, Anelka, Rooney, etc. 

Bradley is playing against Sam Hoskins, Ethan Chislett, Kane Hemings, etc.

It’s fair to say that Bradley hasn’t had as good of a career as ‘Clod’ who was just completely out of his depth, playing in a terrible team against elite strikers most weeks. 

2 hours ago, jimtastic56 said:

Even with selling Knight -We lost £6 + million last season . Home crowds won’t get much bigger ( apart from playing parachute teams) . They could get smaller if we struggle . We could do with this T V money sorting - so we can help the squad compete.

Clowes actually seems to acknowledge this is a loss-making industry, otherwise his best chance to make Derby sustainable would be to scrap the academy all together and continue signing players in free agency for the foreseeable. 

We know our first team staff cost £7.4m in 22/23, but overall wages were £17m. I believe has been increased to between £9-10m for first team costs so will be roughly running, as a club, similar wages to Preston. Albeit, they aren’t footing the cost of a Category One academy. 

The fact Clowes is happy to fund the academy isn’t a vanity project, he seems to acknowledge that it’s a risk/reward investment and is happy to foot the cost. Investment in the first team works in the same way, if you get it right. 

21 hours ago, JuanFloEvraTheCocu'sNesta said:

Our budget will be absolute peanuts compared to the 6-7 clubs on parachute payments and the others that are more stable than us. Clowes is a hero, but he's not got top end Championship cash and that's the harsh reality of our situation. I'm not having a dig, it's just the way it is.

Agreed, but it will still be competitive against the non-parachute clubs I would wager. 

We spend £17m as a club on wages now: Bristol City are at £26m, Cardiff City £22m, Blackburn £24m, Hull City £23m, Preston £20m, Middlesbrough £29m, Swansea £26m, QPR £22m, Stoke £28m.