The media have been focussing on players likely to depart from Derby County at seasons end but who is most likely to get the chop?

Fans will all have differing opinions on which players are worthy of wearing a Rams shirt for another campaign but many if listing more than the top 5 are unlikely to agree.

For the sake of debate (which I welcome) I decided I would list my top 5 players who I would like to see stick around, followed by those who may be worth a second chance and those who will be either binned or just hang in there for another chance.

Top 5:

1. Miles Addison:
A genuine superstar in the making who plays middle, back and forward. One for the future and Derby must hang on to him long term and avoid another Huddlestone like debacle. Expect him to be made Captain next season as Derby look to the future. Building around a talented youngster would be a signal of intention for the future.

2. Rob Hulse :
He does what a big forward needs to do and scores goal. Has managed a bag of goals with ordinary service for most of the season and could have a massive season with an improved midfield.

3. Kris Commons:
Has shown signs of brilliance this season but must aim for more consistency to avoid a Kinkladze like career. Similar to Hulse in that he will benefit from a better team around him to mop up if his attacking thrusts break down.

4. Steve Davies:
If he can stay free of injury and on the park Davies is a young player who could be a massive part of a rebuilding Rams squad. A full season from him is essential to success in 09/10.

5. Paul Green:
Energetic and a revelation in central midfield during the best parts of the season. Will thrive with more support and not having to shoulder the burden he so often had to when Derby were struggling.

The next 5:

1. Robbie Savage:
Proved he has more heart and soul than most football fans ever believed possible on his return to the Rams. At his best he is an inspiring footballer but can drift out of games badly. Could be an important squad player in a new season and Clough seems to rate him. Has a player ever gone from so despised to so loved in 4 months? Here’s to more scarf waving in 09/10.

2. Gary Teale:
Has had a new lease of life under Nigel and at times looked like he had the ability to become one of the leagues best wingers. Form has wavered as the season progressed but like Savage, at worst would be a handy squad player in the new season.

3. Dean Leacock:
Although injury prone this season he is a solid and very talented defender. If he could stay on the park and perhaps rekindle his early season form then he would be could help the Rams go along way to challenging for promotion.

4. Chris Porter:
Looked the goods in his short stint after arriving from Scotland. Works very hard and knows where the goals are. Could have a huge influence alongside Hulse next season if he can replicate his SPL form.

5. Stephen Bywater:
Fought back after a humiliating premier league campaign and being left in the wilderness under Paul Jewell. A fierce competitor who wants to be the best and visibly gives it his all in every game. Has faults in his game but what keepers don’t? The Rams swiss cheese defence has made him look a lot worse and if Nigel can put a solid line in front of him, Bywater could yet lead from the back in another promotion season.

Another Chance?:

Connolly, Nyatanga, Albrechtsen, McEveley and Pearson. Most of these players showed enough during the season to go around again in a full season under Nigel. Fans will hope Albrechtsen could rekindle his partnership with Leacock that was so successful early in the season; McEveley seems to have won over the gaffer after his arrival at Pride Park and played some of his best football for him in return.

Pearson is the line ball member of my selection as he is injury prone and not given much return for the big money that he would be banking each week, perhaps the one player who may still find himself moved on should the opportunity arrive.

Going, Going, Gone!!:

Kazmierczak, Barazite and Ellington will end their season long loans and it seems very unlikely any will play again in a Rams shirt; Barazite would be the only one with any hope of a return. Villa, Carroll, Stewart and Davis all seem likely to be released or moved on at seasons end.

Andy Todd and Sterjovski look more and more likely to both be heading down under to join A-league teams next season. Mile has stated that he wants to stay but rumours are circulating that he will be released after the final game of the season.

Sterjovski has been poor since he returned to the team under Nigel but whatever Paul Jewell did to the boy, he definitely crushed the spirit of a very talented player. He has been a shadow of the gutsy attacking player that Guus Hiddink elevated to international stardom for Australia at the world cup. I for one am dissapointed for him being only too aware of an ability that Rams fans have only witnessed in spurts.

The Unknown:

Dickinson, Zadkovich and Varney may very well end up keeping their lockers at Pride Park next season. All three have had little chance to prove themselves but of the three Dickinson would seem most likely to be moved on as he seems very much out of favour.

Barnes and Mears both seem unlikely to return to the club after their loan stints at Fulham and Marseille. As much as both players are talented and would be very useful in a promotion challenge, statements they have made in the media regarding their future are unlikely to see them welcomed with open arms.

That said, if the right deal doesn’t come along for either we still may see one or both back at Pride Park. Mears would be a welcome addition to defence but only if Nigel could work his magic on Tyrones attitude and mouth. 

As for Giles, I for one would be glad to see the back of his ‘I am too good for Derby’, demeanour. Someone should have a word in his big head to remind him that you need to play more than 5 games a season to become a champion.

Verdict:

Derby County have some exciting players on the books that could form the spine of a very good team next season. If the Rams have a bit more luck with injuries and can add a couple of quality defenders, a midfielder and striker to the mix, Nigel will have the Rams challenging for a play off position, come seasons end.

08/09 rating: 5/10 - Only broke even in my eyes because they beat the drop, beat Man U and beat up Forest. 

Clough 08/09 rating: 10/10 - One team promoted and another saved... plus he made us fall in love with the Rams all over again!!

Predicted 09/10 rating: 9/10 - Promotion via play offs and doubles over Forest, Foxes and Toon (because they couldn't even beat us in 07/08).

C'mon Ewe Rams!! :0)

Photo: Action Images

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