Since my last article following the appointment of Nigel Pearson…. I’ve been surprised that only one player has arrived through the doors in that time and that only happened in the last couple of days with the arrival of James Wilson.

As I get back into the swing of things - here are a few points I would like to cover from the start to this season.

Signings (or lack of):

It’s been quite a contrast to last season, in many ways a good contrast. Pearson clearly wants a proper recruitment team in place first, with his own men, which he has started to do.

The squad has the depth and the quality so it makes sense for Pearson to see what he can do with it instead of once again making the mistake of splashing the cash unwisely. Despite the money spent and the quality brought in all over the pitch, it does feel like the squad as a whole has gone backwards over the last two years.

Fozzy:

What awful luck. He is a good pro and quietly a very important player, both his defensive and attacking games are excellent. Olsson and Lowe are probably enough cover to get us through the season. Baird gets a lot of stick but he did a solid job against Brighton on the opening day, although he does have a limited attacking game in comparison to the other options.

Defence:

Pearson’s priority has clearly been to get the defence to buckle up which is a sensible priority to have. Keogh and Shackell have looked pretty solid so far.

New formations:

It’s been tiring keeping up with all the various formations used this season and it’s still hard to imagine that at some stage the old 4-3-3 won’t come back in! I think Pearson is experienced enough to reach the right conclusion on which one is the best one to pursue going forward.

For me it’s the slow starts to games that have been frustrating. I don’t expect 100mph from the off but a little more intensity is needed.

Pearson:

Some are starting to get restless but patience is needed. I think the experience and job he did at Leicester will help buy him more time in the demanding football world we are in, I hope so anyway.

The game on Saturday against Villa demonstrated that he’s prepared to make changes early on in a game to reignite the side, not like a lot of managers that seem to leave it until the 60 minute mark (or later with Nigel Clough it seemed!). He has also come across pretty well in his early interviews; for example; ostrich mentions so far — nil.

Friday night:

So its three years since his sacking and Nigel Clough will be keen to get one over the club that kicked him to the kerb. I’ve got a feeling he’ll do one over us with a narrow 1-0 but it’s also a good chance for Derby to get a healthy win under their belt before the international break (already?! It’s far too soon after the start of the season!).

Until next time - COYR!!

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

Photo: Action Images

Derby County Polls