Derby County – New Season Barometer

Over the last few years, each new Derby season has been heralded as a new dawn only for Rams fans to be served with the same old, from exactly the same group of players, against the backdrop of a procession of managers, relieved of their duties.

With the sale of our two star players in Tom Ince and Will Hughes, some canny signings and early signs that we may have a keeper in Rowett, this season genuinely does feel like a fresh start for The Rams.

Thus, what better way to see in the new season and new era with a well overdue return for the classic Ramspace Barometer. Enjoy.

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Rinse, No Repeat – Part 2

It wasn’t too long ago that a Derby midfield three made up of Hendrick Hughes and Bryson, in his pomp, was widely regarded as one of the best in the division. When Steve McClaren added George Thorne to the mix it seemed like the final piece of the jigsaw.

A few years, a few managers, some awful injuries and some even more awful recruitment later, our midfield is simply a mess and the number one area for refresh over the close season.

In part 2 of this short series, we pick the bones out of the Rams Midfield and what needs done this summer.

23rd – George Thorne

Today, the 23rd of December is my son’s birthday, so it seems fitting that today’s piece is focused on his favourite player, mercurial Rams CDM, holding midfielder, quarter back, deep lying midfielder, “number 4” (choose your favourite) – George Thorne.

Happy Days at Huddersfield

Yesterday at Huddersfield was one of those classic away days that everyone who was there will always recall as a top day to be a Rams fan. As I said on twitter, life doesn’t get much better than someone banging a winning 25 yard screamer in the top bin, in front of 4k Derby away fans.

Here’s my thoughts on the game, with some general Rams commentary thrown in for good measure.

What Went Down – Grimsby Away

Today I had a thoroughly enjoyable family day out at the Seaside wrapped around The Rams first public game of season 2015/2016 (and the first of the Paul Clement era) at Grimsby.

You can read a match report on the official site, DET and a few other blogs, but here’s my key observations on the days proceedings.

The CDM Debate

Since the crushing blow of George Thorne’s injury, there’s been lots of debate about who should take his place in the crucial defensive midfield pivot role, or CDM as it’s referred to on FIFA and Football Manager.

Earlier today I put a tweet out with my view that sparked a, relative, flurry of responses and retweets to the extent I thought it was worth expanding my point a little on Ramspace.

The Good Will Out

What an amazing day it was yesterday with the the Red Dogs and their evil leader vanquished with maximum prejudice by the Super Rams.

I’m sure we will all write and talk about this one for a long time, but here’s a few of my thoughts, the morning after the day before.