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Morley's Musings: Rams Round Up
Thursday, 7th Aug 2014 14:14 by Nathan Morley

RamZone reporter Nathan Morley presents his summary of some Derby County developments that caught his eye in the lead up to the new season.

Probably the biggest new signing for The Rams (if you don’t count George Thorne or the unknown entity of Mascarell who arrived yesterday), was Blackburn Rovers striker Leon Best who has joined Derby on a season’s loan.

Clearly he is a huge upgrade on Conor Sammon as cover for Chris Martin. The ex-Newcastle man fills the gap of the club needing another striker. Without Chris Martin, the team looks significantly weaker. Martin scored a brace in the Rangers friendly and a hat-trick at Notts County so hopefully this new competition brings out the best in him!

To me, it seems like Best is a good player to get on loan from a club in the same division. Could Derby have got better? I would have thought so if they wished to splash the cash but it is fairly understandable considering Chris Martin is doing so well — on the other hand, this season should be one in which another promotion push is made.

Here’s a reminder of the goal Best scored against the Rams in last season’s opening match:


Where does this leave Sammon?

The arrival of Best is another indication that, in the eyes of those that matter, Conor Sammon’s move to Derby hasn’t really worked. It is time to move on. Considering he is said to be one of the clubs highest earners, it makes little sense for him to be mostly absent on the first team scene.

So, who will take him? The wages no doubt make it difficult to move him on; otherwise I’m sure Derby would be on the phone to Nigel Clough!

I was shocked to read that he scored a hat-trick in a Derby XI win over Oxford. It was behind closed doors at Moor Farm so would it be unreasonable to ask for video proof?!

It could be just a publicity stunt to generate interest.

Joking… sorry Superfish!


Pre-season round-up

Figures from the club’s friendlies. Please note that these only include first team matches, not Under-21 friendlies. Matches played: 9

Goals scored: 14

Goals conceded: 6

Goalscorers: 5 Martin, 3 Hendrick, 1 Bryson, Forsyth, Bennett, Sammon, Eustace & Ward.

Assists: 3 Russell, 2 Hughes, 2 Dawkins, 2 Hendrick, 1 Martin, Bennett, Naylor & Whitbread.


Bennett & Freeman moves called off

Mason Bennett was due to move to move on loan to Sheffield United with Kieron Freeman also making the move permanently but the deal spectacularly broke down and the players were sent back to Derby.

Last season Freeman was given a short run in the side and didn’t impress hugely, Adam Smith impressed even less, prompting Steve McClaren to sign Andre Wisdom on loan.

Personally, I would keep him, even if that meant lending him to a League One club to continue his development with the option of bringing him back immediately because, at present, the defence is a little light and Cyrus Christie may take time to find his feet in this division. I feel that he could do a job at this level and would not doubt improve over time.


Centre-back Stand-in

When The Rams met Glasgow Rangers on Saturday, injuries caused a reshuffle in defence — Craig Forsyth slotted in at centre-back and Lee Naylor came in at left-back.

Forsyth did a good job and, with the injuries to Jake Buxton, Zak Whitbread and Mark O’Brien, showed he could fill in there if required, though it would be preferable for Bucko to return for Saturday.

I think another centre-half would be welcome, especially as Whitbread remains unconvincing to many and O’Brien continues to struggle with injuries.

Jamie Hanson is knocking on the door, but, without wishing to prevent emerging talent, it really is time The Rams make the leap to a top two side which will require proven talent and experience.


Will Hughes impresses

In the friendly at the weekend, Will Hughes played in the central defensive midfield role to good effect; he wasn’t afraid to put in a tackle or two in and generally looked comfortable.

Still, the youngster doesn’t convince me for the role full time. Yes, he played well against Rangers but they are not the European Cup side they once were so it is a match that we maybe shouldn’t read too much into.

A player in the George Thorne role remains a must for me. It was mentioned during this weeks BBC Radio Derby - Sportscene Talk-In, that he isn’t the man for the role in matches such like those against Leicester and Burnley last season — clubs that have hard working bullying midfielders.

Perhaps the newly arrived Omar Mascarell on loan from Real Madrid will prove to be that player. Only time will tell.


And finally… Forest in turmoil again

And finally, although not strictly Rams related, it is hard not to take an interest in the latest drama engulfing our greatest rivals.

It really isn’t a surprise anymore.

The club is crying out for someone who has been involved in the English game for a long time at boardroom level.

But in the meantime we can sit back and enjoy the continuing saga!


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




Photo: Action Images



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