Half-term report

The Guardian approached us for a half-term report for their website. It probably won’t be on until next week but here’s the unabridged version of what we wrote…

Season in one word

Turnaround

How’s it going?

Brilliantly. For the past two years we’ve been looking a good side but not winning enough matches, conceding soft goals and not scoring enough. We were optimistic in the summer but it soon became clear the problems hadn’t gone away. Sacking Clough felt harsh but Steve McClaren has come along and turned the small margins in our favour (so far).Now we’re playing good football and winning matches. Our squad is looking strong and there’s no reason why we can’t remain in the top 6 now that we’re in there.

Who’s been the star?

Steve McClaren. He has stayed loyal to Clough’s core squad, added a couple of loans and hey presto! we’ve shot up the league. Credit to Clough where its due, as we already had the quality but McClaren’s extra know-how has made a massive difference.

Biggest disappointment?

The first two months of the season. A lot of fans felt this would be the year but a few home defeats in front of lower and lower crowds left everyone’s mood on the floor. That’s all changed now though.

All we want for Christmas is …

More wins, more points, more goals. Full houses at Pride Park (aka iPro Stadium) and loads of noise. And perhaps a ticket to Brazil in June for Will Hughes and Andre Wisdom.

S Spaceram