Season Preview - Derby County
Gary Rowett is reshaping the Derby County line up to push for a top 6 finish this season.
We spoke to Chris from Ramspace about the upcoming season.
"For Derby this season, literally anything could happen which is actually quite exciting" said Chris. "After three near misses and one abject failure last year, this team needs ripping up and Rowett is in the process of doing that."
"It's time for a change for the club and the majority of our players, so I think you will see a very different and more 'pragmatic' Derby County this season as opposed to what you have seen in recent years, where we can batter anyone on our day but then don’t really show up when it matters."
"We needed change and although there is some pain in losing the likes of Hughes and Ince, most fans are supportive. Hopefully it will work."
When asked which position Derby could finish, Chris said "without knowing what our team will actually look like its difficult to predict. With us effectively 'starting again' I think we would need to do a Huddersfield to be troubling the top two, but that said for a club like us, the minimum requirement has to be top six."
"Of the current crop, I expect Curtis Davies to be made captain which immediately makes him important and it will also be interesting to see how Chris Martin goes after his year in the wilderness at Fulham. Anyone who can get you 20 goals in this league is pivotal as you know, so if he shows up it will make a big difference."
- Is Britt Assombalonga’s time at Middlesbrough coming to an end?
- Lewis Wing’s future at Middlesbrough uncertain
Finally, when asked which key fixture Derby fans are looking forward to, Chris said "as you would expect Forest is always the big one for us, but, in fairness there are plenty of enjoyable Midlands and Yorkshire games in the Championship which generate a great atmosphere."
"Sheffield Wednesday, Villa, Leeds, Wolves etc It will also be good to have Sheffield United back on the calendar after a few years away."
