Exec Departure Lounge – Tom Ince

It’s all kicking off in Departures today. Earlier we had this skinny French African guy who has been in passport control for two weeks (we found him by the side of the road a while back but, being honest, we banged him up and forgot he was there) finally bundled onto a plane back to France.

Today there’s all manner of argy bargy at the entrance to the Will Hughes Exec Departure Lounge area. Security have been scuffling with an individual known as “The Guvnor” demanding access for his client. Management can’t be arsed with his moaning anymore so, resplendent in his full box fresh salmon Nike jogging suit, we’ve allowed entry to master Thomas Ince.

Ramspace World Soccer Season Preview 2017

With players starting to return from holiday and the transfer market starting to come to life, the next month should be a very busy one for Derby County after a very encouraging start.

Before it all properly kicks off, regular readers will know that each year we write the DCFC contribution for the official World Soccer UK season preview special.  As ever with these pieces, there’s nothing you don’t know here, but herewith an un-edited version of this seasons submission.

Rinse, No Repeat – Part 3

I was really hoping that we would thrash Burton on Tuesday, everyone would be talking play offs again and this mini-series would become redundant. Alas dear readers, the mood remains one of sombre consignment to another season slugging it out in the Championship and the answer to the great conundrum “how the fuck do DCFC get out this league” remains as far away as it ever has.

Anyway, back on topic, let’s have a look at the striking department and point a few in the general direction of the departure lounge whilst we are at it.

Derby County Barometer January 2017

Although this has been by far the lowest profile transfer window from a DCFC viewpoint for some time, as ever, there’s still been plenty going on this month for Derby fans to chew over.

Thus what better way to pull it all together than a well overdue return for the classic Ramspace Barometer. Check it…..

3 (Nil) 6 (Wins) 5(th place) Degree View of Rams Forest Glory

Today was another great day for the resurgent Rams as we despatched a hapless Notts Forest with minimum fuss and, ultimately, without any problem at all.

If you are reading this you were probably at the game or watching it on TV, so you don’t need a match report from me.  However, here’s some observations on the days proceedings and this increasingly impressive Derby team.

Turn The Page

With the appointment of Nigel Pearson meeting with widespread approval, it’s been a generally positive week for Derby County.

However after watching Hull squat away Sheffield Wednesday with relative ease to take their place back in the Premier League, there’s more than a slight feeling that, before we all get excited about a(nother) new era, that the only team who beat Derby this season was themselves.

Post Match Thoughts – Boro

Yesterday’s game at Boro was ultimately a disappointing afternoon with the two late goals and the subsequent delirium from them a tough one to take.

However I said in my preview piece, whatever the result, there was no need for either euphoria or meltdown and I haven’t changed my mind on that one after the event.

Here’s my thoughts on the game.

19th – Thomas Ince

It’s matchday and today we have a cracking and highly topical guest post from old skool Ramspace advocate, regular DCFC Podcast ‘pundit’ and known Watford sympathiser, Jon Rogers.

The man popping out from Jon’s window is Tuesday’s hat trick hero, Tom Ince. Take it away Jon.

Shacks to Riches

This week’s glorious re-signing of Jason Shackell and the subsequent bitter attack on the Rams transfer policy by Shaun Dyche has thrown up an interesting debate among some Derby fans.

Whilst the words of the flame haired, gravel voiced, legoman were heavily laced with bitterness, there is no doubt that the Rams are leading their peers in the transfer market to a level not seen since Lionel Pickering first took over the Rams in the early nineties.

With ticket sales, optimism and general positivity around the state of the club off the charts, what’s not to like? Yet there is definitely a certain genre of Derby fan to whom the current spending spree does not sit comfortably.

Post Match Bullets – Rotherham

Last night I went to Rotherham. With Bournemouth’s slip at the weekend this was a great opportunity, in front of a massive away support, to get ourselves ahead of them for the first time in months.

Unfortunately it didn’t quite go to plan. Here’s my thoughts.