Earlier in the week we reported on media speculation that Iain Moody would be appointed as Derby's ‘Director of Football’. But in the last 24 hours a new candidate, ironically from Sheffield United, could be amongst the front runners.

John Stephenson currently works for Sheffield United in a similar role and reports suggest that he is now favourite for the role. If appointed, he would leave behind newly appointed manager Nigel Clough, to work alongside Rams head coach Steve McClaren.

Stephenson has also held positions similar positions at Newcastle United and Reading with great success in the past. Stories suggest that he has been involved in a series of interviews at Pride Park this week and is one of the the candidates in the mix for the job nod.

Iain Moody who recently left Cardiff, Chris Evans who worked with Gary Megson at Bolton and now Stephenson, are reportedly the three candidates short listed for the role.

Today's media speculation suggests that Stephenson will be first past the post as he is the most experienced of the three - but the DET ran a story this morning suggesting that the report may be wide of the mark.

Steve McLaren’s role as ‘Head Coach’ has been widely discussed by fans, as despite him overseeing coaching and match day duties with his team, he has stated his desire to have control of many things you would expect he may eventually not be if such a position is created.

As a coach he has been acting in a very ‘managerial style’ and frankly I think it could be a tough balancing act if the personalities are not perfectly in tune with each other.

Whether things will shift when a; 'Director Of Football', 'Technical Director' or whatever the flip they will be called, is appointed remains to be seen but whatever the case, the wheels seem to be turning in regards to an appointment being made soon.

McClaren has stated already that he needs a hand to take DCFC where it wants to be:

"My remit was to come in and be in charge of football matters and build a football club and I am in the process of that. I cannot do it on my own and we need help. Myself and Sam Rush have sat down and talked about getting together a good recruitment department’’

Cisse May Stay?

Steve McClaren is still running the rule over trialist Kalifa Cisse who played for the Rams Under 21’s recently and in a trial match against Boro, lasting the full 90 minutes as the Rams triumphed 5-4.

The 29 year old former Reading and Bristol City midfielder, is currently a free agent and McClaren seems happy with what he brings to the table and hinted to the media that a short term deal may be done soon:

"We will have a chat. Kalifa has come in , the boys have been great with him and he has done very well."

Martin Back Despite Back:

The Rams are counting on Chris Martin to recover from a back complaint in time to be part of the squad that will travel to QPR this afternoon. Having scored 7 goals so far this campaign — Martin is considered an integral cog in Derby’s forward set up.

The back issue caused Martin to came off as in the second half after playing just over an hour and since then has missed a couple of days training.

Speaking to the DET during the week — Rams goal keeping coach Eric Steele spoke highly of Martin’s battling qualities:

“Chris was very brave in terms of saying he wanted to play. Typical of the great spirit among the boys here, which has always been here, he wanted to get out and play against Birmingham.”

If he does not pass a fitness test then Conor Sammon is likely to get the nod with recently returned striker Callum Ball breathing down his neck.

Sammon would be desperate to atone for some late misses against Birmingham and scored a brace against Boro in a mid-week trial match.

Callum Ball could also have put himself back in the frame with a hat-trick in the same midweek match and some sharp performances for the U21 team. With a new manager at the helm, Ball has a chance to press for a place in the team, which seemed unlikely under Clough this season.

Hughes On The Move… still!

The daily reports of Will Hughes leaving Derby continue as each and every news outlet, deals with a slow news week by re-rolling out the same story.

So why should we be any different?

The latest version of events had Liverpool well ahead of both Manchester clubs, Newcastle and maybe even Barcelona lining up to sign Hughes. A lot of these reports have suggested that Liverpool were greasing the wheels by allowing Andre Wisdom to join Derby on loan.

This suggestion was refuted by the both Liverpool and Derby in the press later in the week with Sam Rush suggesting that Derby would prefer to keep hold of the Rams starlet.

Phew... I feel better now. As we all know football clubs never lie.

The only thing that is certain is that the Rams reigning ‘Young Player of the Year’, will eventually move but the deal itself and to whom will attract speculation until it is done and dusted.

The figure continually rolled out is between £12 - 15million with some suggesting an immediate loan back for the season, some even going as far suggesting the loan will run for not just this season but the next as well, to allow Hughes develops his craft before taking the step up.

Whatever happens, I only pray the fee is not cut rate in any way and includes a loan back. Anything less will be seen as Derby’s board once again selling its prized assets for a quick cash in, rather than holding their nerve for a bigger, deserved pay day.

But today we put all of that aside as we travel to QPR and look to spin some Hoops!

Until we next take some RamBites... COYR!!

Photo: Action Images

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