The Vital Watford season preview rolls on with Nigel Clough`s Derby County next
The Vital Watford season preview rolls on with Nigel Clough`s Derby County next under the microscope…
14th, 19th, 12th and 10th. Arguably Derby County are improving slowly under Clough, but this observer is far from impressed.
At some point Derby are going to catch alight and finally do something noteworthy to end their run of mediocrity, but will it be this year? Rams` fans are an optimistic bunch, but after another summer of shaking up the side, does mid-table beckon once more?
Each summer, Clough diligently goes about binning a number of his more recent recruits and signing the players he loaned in to save their season on permanent deals before inconsistency once again robs them of the chance to achieve anything and the whole process starts over.
This summer there`s been the departure of goalkeeper Frank Fielding, replaced by former Ram Lee Grant on a free transfer, whilst veteran Gareth Roberts has moved on, replaced by former ‘Orn, Craig Forsyth.
Dundee United hotshot Johnny Russell and former loanee Chris Martin (not the Coldplay one) will hopefully be an improvement on another ex-Golden Boy, Theo Robinson and Nathan Tyson, both ditched two seasons after being signed by Clough.
One signing that the Rams have finally been able to complete is that of modern-day Hornets` hero, John Eustace. The 33 year-old has signed a one-year deal at Pride Park, five years after joining the Midlands outfit on loan from what was then Brendan Rodgers` side.
Mid-table again then…
In: Lee Grant (Burnley, free), Chris Martin (Norwich City, free), Johnny Russell (Dundee United, £750,000), Craig Forsyth (Watford, £150,000) and John Eustace (Watford, free).
Out: Ross Atkins (Alfreton Town, loan), Conor Doyle (DC United, loan), Gareth Roberts (Released), Frank Fielding (Bristol City, £200,000) and Luke Adams (Wellington Phoenix, free).
Key Player – Shaun Barker: The 30 year-old centre-half is working his way back to fitness after a long-term injury which wiped out his entire 2012/13 campaign.
Formerly of Blackpool and Rotherham United, the Rams` club captain is one of the finest central defenders in the division on his day and will be a big bonus for Clough when available for selection once more.
The imposing 6`3′ defender has made just over 100 league appearances for the Rams since signing from the Tangerines, after seeing his 2011/12 season also curtailed by serious injury.
Such is Clough`s faith in the Trowell-born Barker, he extended the defender`s contract by a year until 2015 whilst he was injured last September.
Predictions:
Tom: 10th
Chris: 10th
‘Under Nigel Clough Derby seem to be stuck in a mid-table malaise. He’s been there around five years and whilst they’ve been pretty solid every season they have never seriously threatened to finish in the top six.
‘That could be because every summer they lose some of their best players and have to reshape a fair chunk of their squad. This year they are starting from a position of relative strength. They’ve added wisely to their squad with Chris Martin, Lee Grant, Johnny Russell and Craig Forsyth and may well have captain Shaun Barker back after serious injury.
‘They already have the basis of a good squad and players like Michael Jacobs and Will Hughes will be a year older and wiser. If they keep players fit they may well have a good crack at the Play-Offs this season.’
