Post Match Nonesense

Although I have made the odd appearance on Radio Derby in the dim and distant past, I’m not really one for actively contributing to the post match comment or the Monday night phone in.

On that basis it’s hard to criticise those who do. However the utter drivel being spouted by the first few callers after Saturdays thrashing at Southampton (not helped by the Radio D team) demands a comment.

The Slow Train to the Next Level

Despite putting in a very low quality performance, the Rams were not particularly outplayed by Reading last night. Neither side really deserved to win and it was clear if anyone scored it would be tough for the other side to come back.

However the predictable way the second half panned out, the ease in which Reading saw out the game after their goal and our now established mid table league position has prompted a new round of “where are we going?” type comment and conversation.

Ryan Noble – Roker Report

We were asked by Sunderland AFC website “The Roker Report” (www.rokerreport.com) to let them know how Ryan Noble was getting on.  Here’s what we said:

Post Match Thoughts – Barnsley

I went to Barnsley last night, here’s a few quick fire thoughts on the evenings proceedings.

When is the right time to sell?

Selling a player of any value is usually seen as a negative activity by football fans. You can only get away with it if you’re a very big club or very small. Anything other and you’re in for a shit storm from the fans. Even if you sell someone for £50m or £35m, some will still burn their shirts. The commonly shared ideal is to spend money on quality players and sell your rubbish players. However, this poses a couple of fundamental questions – where does the money to buy come from? And who wants rubbish players?

Departure Lounge – Gate 1

With several departures expected this January, we’ll probably need a couple of articles to say goodbye to all the outward bound passengers. We’re only half way through January, yet the exit door is already swinging.

Here’s the first batch including Bywater, Ando, Leacock, Pearo and Dave Martin:

Rams Cloth Cut For Success

With the transfer window now fully open for business, as they did a year ago, the Rams have been quick to dampen any hopes of big signings.

“Getting a few out is priority”, “only if it’s a significant improvement on what we have” and “we’ll react in the loan window if we have to” are phrases most fans of DCFC are now well used to hearing in the month of January.  However this year, there doesn’t seem to be half as much reaction to the statements as usual.

Rams have the runs!

Say what you like about Silly (ok then, he’s an arrogant little…sniiiip…) but he does know the Championship inside out and he’s an expert at getting teams in the play-offs. One of his theories was that teams needed three good runs in a season to challenge for the play-offs. 

Beer and Football

For those not heading to the KC , Borrowash Vics are staging a “mini beer festival” at the home match

Not an unusual sight at this level.

vs. Radford FC on the 2nd of January. Sick of drinking Carling in the clubhouse, “Post Office John” has arranged for a few barrels of Derby brewed Mr Grundy’s beer to be available, with proceeds going to the club. An expensive pint for John but a great gesture none-the-less. Even better news is that the first pint is only a quid with a DCFC season ticket or CAMRA membership.

So if you’re at a loose end on Monday, get yourself down to the Watkinson Bowl (Borrowash rd. Spondon). If it gets cold, you can always stay in the clubhouse watching Sky Sports News!

The Next Level

I didn’t go to Ipswich on Saturday, but the post match comment and general feedback was that the Rams were unfortunate not to take something from the game. Again.

Cant fault the players, punished for half mistake, Frank had little to do, if we’d have scored first/when we were on top (delete as appropriate), plenty of positives, deserved something from the game are all things we’ve heard regularly this season after losing to below average opposition. However you get no points for any of that last time I checked.