Beginning late last year, as the January window began to approach, we all wondered whether the Rams would do the business necessary to improve the squad for the second half of the season.

We all had opinions on what was needed; some even had names of the players we should sign. The window closes late this coming Monday evening, so there is no reason to believe the Rams have finished dealing yet; in fact there is good reason not to.

But how is it looking so far?

Has the squad improved this month?

If not, why not?

Beginning, as I always like to, with the defence. There has been considerable activity, and for me we have seen some welcome strengthening. I have consistently complained, not so much about the quality of our defenders, but how few they are. We have been poorly equipped to ride out a spell of injuries and suspensions, but that seems to be behind us now.

As expected, utility defender Ryan Shotton’s loan was made permanent early in the month while Right-Back Isak Ssewankambo came from NAC Breda earlier in the month. More recently, experienced left-back Stephen Warnock arrived from Leeds and Central defender Raul Albentosa came from the highest level Spanish football.

Ssewankambo and Warnock have yet to be seen in the first team, while Albentosa has played just half a game — against Chesterfield — but I feel a lot better about the defence than I did at the start of January.

Up front things have also improved a great deal, but as a result of far fewer dealings. Striker Leon Best was sent back to Blackburn long before his season-long loan was due to expire and Darren Bent was brought in from Aston Villa for the rest of the season.

Things never really looked like working out at Derby for Best, and many fans have likely already forgotten him; but Bent — who has scored goals wherever he has played - has started out on a very different track with a goal against Chesterfield and two match winners against Blackburn.

More good news — not transfer window related - is that Mason Bennett came on as a sub against Blackburn for his first Rams first team appearance of the season and was instrumental in setting up the second goal. I was about ready to write Mason off, so am very pleased about this.

The one remaining problem area for the Rams is midfield, both in the middle and on the wings. The Rams find themselves suddenly short of two wingers: Jordan Ibe was taken back early from his Rams loan by Liverpool, and Johnny Russell has suffered a hamstring injury which looks likely to keep him out for four to six weeks.

While some had misgivings about Ibe, I think he was an important player that will be missed and there can be little argument that Johnny Russell’s loss will be felt. As if that double blow was not enough, John Eustace will still be missing for several weeks as he recovers from minor surgery.

The one bit of good news here is that George Thorne has continued his comeback from long term injury with a 45 minute Under 21’s appearance. I don’t think we should be looking for George in the first team much before the end of the season, but this is still excellent news.

We have heard several names mentioned as temporary replacements for Russell and Ibe: Matt Phillips and Junior Hoilett from QPR and Tom Ince from Hull were three that seemed more than just paper talk, but nothing seems to be firmed up just at the moment. I have no doubt we all will be hoping that something develops in this area before the window closes.

If we had any fears that January would see Rams players moving onwards and upwards to improve the club’s finances, that also has not happened. There have not even been any good rumours that I am aware of.

As suspected, Kieran Freeman did leave for Sheffield United; he has not played at all for Steve McClaren, so all we can do is wish him well. The unfortunate Paul Coutts also moved on to the Blades; while not a surprise, this does reduce the club’s options in midfield even further.

McClaren himself was the one major DCFC name that was talked about as a possible departure - as the seemingly ever-manager less Newcastle United appeared determined to lure Steve away. They made some noise and are rumoured to be ready to make a move for Macca at the end of the season.

Let’s hope that SM recognizes that the best move is quite often to stay put. Who was it that said that… John Brayford?

So actually, between players coming in and rumoured to be coming in; injuries, a couple of departures and talk of the manager’s future it’s been quite a busy month; some of it good and some definitely not.

The window is not yet closed, and we still need to see some special players coming in to replace those we have lost to injury.

Let’s see what the next few days bring as unlike recent years - deadline day may not be all that dull for Derby fans!

Photo: Action Images

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