Morley's Match Musings: Three Words... Not For Sale!!
Monday, 28th Dec 2015 13:39 by Nathan Morley

Another three points and another clean sheet. The 2-0 win over Fulham saw the Rams reach the summit of the table, helped by the postponement of Middlesbrough’s game at Blackburn.

It is now 9 matches unbeaten at the iPro and the defeat at home to Leeds now feels like a very long time ago.

The defensive record of Derby this season has been particularly impressive. Keogh and Shackell are solid and Grant has recently stepped in and done everything asked of him. Derby are proving very hard to beat.

We are now 23 games into the Championship and at the halfway stage.

Here are a few of my half-way awards;

Player of the season (so far): This is a tough call but I think Shackell wins it. He has slotted into the back four perfectly.

Signing of the season (so far): Putting aside Shackell, I think Carson has been an excellent under the radar signing. A shot stopper that clearly has good command of his area.

Surprise of the season (so far): This has to be the resurrection of the all-action Richard Keogh, who is excelling alongside Shackell. His days looked numbered in the summer but Clement gave him a clean slate, credit to both Keogh and the manager.

I can’t forget Christie who has turned his Derby career around massively. He now defends with much more confidence and attacks with greater maturity.

Goal of the season (so far): Martin against Wolves springs to mind but I’ll have to go with Thorne at Huddersfield.

Speaking of Thorne, in the weekends Mirror he was the subject of supposed Premier League interest. Clearly, the club isn’t in the position it was 5 years ago and the club doesn’t need the funds. Thorne appears to be enjoying life at Derby and has a great chance of reaching the Premier League if he stays put.

Three words. Not. For. Sale!

Next up for the Rams is Leeds at Elland Road on Tuesday night in front of the cameras (the 9th Derby match on Sky this season!).

Yesterday Leeds were at Forest, fighting out a 1 v 1 draw, leaving little time for United to recover and prepare for the visit of the top of the table side.

Lets hope we leave them breathless!

COYR!!

For more of Nathan's articles you can read his blog at www.derbycountyfan.com and follow him via @ramscorner on Twitter.