David Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 Nigel Clough's first pre-season as Derby County manager will centre around domestic opposition - along with the customary curtain-raiser at Pride Park Stadium. The Rams will be staying in England ahead of 2009/10 with games against local opposition in the shape of Burton Albion, Chesterfield and Notts County. And there is also a tour of the West Country from July 21-25 taking in encounters with Yeovil Town, Torquay United and Exeter City. It all comes to a close on Saturday August 1 with yet-to-be-confirmed visitors to Pride Park, with Clough looking towards a prestigious game to end his preparations ahead of the new campaign. He said: "We will be reporting back for pre-season training on July 1 and playing some local matches so that supporters can get round and see us. "Then we will have the games against Yeovil, Torquay and Exeter so again, if anyone wants a trip down they can get to see us." Clough said the decision to stay on these shores was based around giving Rams fans the chance to see their team in action, along with the opportunity to make use of the facilities at Moor Farm. "It's about giving supporters the opportunity to see us, and the best preparation for the players," the gaffer explained. "We have a beautiful training facility here so we should use it. "We won't be based here all of the time but the majority of the work, the majority of the hard slog, will be done from here." Clough added: "It might be a different pre-season to what the players are used to but we will be doing the hard work and the ball work in combination. "There are seven matches in that time and we will be building the players up game by game." The annual curtain-raiser at Pride Park will be the Derby public's big opportunity to see how the Rams have progressed ahead of the new season. Spanish giants Barcelona have twice visited in the past, along with the likes of Ajax, Real Mallorca and Sampdoria. Clough's first target is to have his side facing a test from the domestic top-flight, but if that doesn't come to fruition the European market is in his mind. "We play Notts, Chesterfield and Burton, and a week before the season we will have the big game at Pride Park," Clough said. "We are trying to get English Premier League opposition to come and play us but if not we will go for a European side." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boycie Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 Thought they'd agreed to play in the usa next pre season? The Yanks won't be happy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Posted March 18, 2009 Author Share Posted March 18, 2009 The fans wouldn't be happy if the Yanks got on the wrong side of Clough and I think they know that. Premiership opposition, you watch it'l be Wolves lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boycie Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 Are you saying Clough's bigger than the club?:eek: If you're not, I'll say it for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattyTheRam Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 Will be down for the west country tour bitta hols at the same time and watch the rams, b ea utiful Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derbydan Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 same here its my 22nd on the 25th july what a way to celebrate watchin the mighty rams play! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
froggg Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 Originally posted by MattyTheRam;5989 Will be down for the west country tour bitta hols at the same time and watch the rams, b ea utiful i'll see you at the games ..... all on my doorstep:cool: thanks nigel:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Posted March 18, 2009 Author Share Posted March 18, 2009 You must have a big doorstep Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
froggg Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 well we don't get many games in this part of the world:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vicky-27 Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 Devon here we come Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boycie Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 I might surgest a little holiday down there, not tell her why though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vicky-27 Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 Great idea - but will you get away with it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boycie Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 No, sadly I never get away with it. My lives just one big sitcom. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattyTheRam Posted March 21, 2009 Share Posted March 21, 2009 Just a shame its not one big o eh boyc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Posted March 21, 2009 Author Share Posted March 21, 2009 Originally posted by MattyTheRam;6516 Just a shame its not one big o eh boyc Funny you should mention , Jonny Red has just text me some , the dirty Red dog, next thing I read this. is it a sign? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.