Day Posted April 22, 2010 Share Posted April 22, 2010 BEN Pringle is to be rewarded for his "brilliant attitude" by being handed another taste of first-team action in Derby County's final two matches of the season. The young midfielder, who was playing for Ilkeston Town 12 months ago, has made four Championship appearances as a substitute for the Rams since signing in the summer. He was brought off the bench in the victory over Peterborough United on the opening day of the season and his one senior start came in the Carling Cup defeat at Rotherham United three days later. But he has not featured since a brief appearance in the 3-1 defeat at West Bromwich Albion – where he was once a trainee – at the end of February. Pringle has been wearing the captain's armband for the Reserves, who need to win their final game of the season to clinch the totesport.com League Central Division following last night's 2-1 defeat to Burton Albion at Alfreton Town's Impact Arena. The 20-year-old was forced off in the second half of the match after suffering a heavy knock on his knee but Derby are hoping he will be fit to make the first-team squad this weekend. Manager Nigel Clough is pleased with the progress Pringle has made after making the step up from non-League and has praised the player's attitude. He is now ready to reward the youngster by giving him time on the pitch in the final fixtures of the Championship campaign. The Rams travel to take on Bristol City at Ashton Gate on Saturday and finish with a home game against Cardiff City a week on Sunday. "Ben's attitude has been brilliant," said Clough. "He got a whack playing for the Reserves before Christmas and was out for a few weeks. Apart from that, he has been immaculate in training and in games for the Reserves." Derby's midfield has had a settled look since November. Skipper Robbie Savage, Stephen Pearson and Paul Green have all been regular starters, and Michael Tonge has not missed a game since he signed on loan from Stoke City at the beginning of February. Clough says the form of the midfielders is the main reason why Pringle has had to be patient. "As much as anything, the other midfielders have kept him out of the side," said Clough. "When we had all the injuries ahead of the game at Ipswich, he was also injured, which was a bit unlucky for him." Derby have also been battling for points to secure their safety in the division, something they did with Saturday's 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace. "It was very tempting to get Ben on against Palace, and we would have done had we got that second goal," said Clough. "He will certainly get on the pitch in the next two games." http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/sport/Pringle-chance-shine-says-Clough/article-2054143-detail/article.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Day Posted April 22, 2010 Author Share Posted April 22, 2010 This is where Nigel is doing things wrong in my none footballing mangerial opinion. Players being rewarded for "brilliant attitude", attitude is fine but it needs to be backed up by skill and ability on the pitch, (I think you all know who I'm also getting at). The fans that will be travelling down to Bristol on Saturday don't want to go down and see a reserve team in action, they would have gone to see them play Burton last night if they did. They want to see Derby win, playing football and trying to achieve the highest possible place in the table. Deeney in goal, Pringle in midfield will hardly inspire the other players and get the fans flocking, I'm sure Bristol City will be trying to chase a higher place and Cardiff are in with a chance of taking 3rd spot away from Forest. I'm actually fearing two heavy defeats to end the season with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hucknall Ram Posted April 22, 2010 Share Posted April 22, 2010 Skipper Robbie Savage, Stephen Pearson and Paul Green have all been regular starters, and Michael Tonge has not missed a game since he signed on loan from Stoke City at the beginning of February. Clough says the form of the midfielders is the main reason why Pringle has had to be patient. "As much as anything, the other midfielders have kept him out of the side," said Clough. What midfield is he on about? Our midfield been shocking this season! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrOrdinary Posted April 22, 2010 Share Posted April 22, 2010 thought the same thing when i read it earlier Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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