Morley's Musings: Wassall Must Aim For Fourth & Fitness
Thursday, 21st Apr 2016 15:00 by Nathan Morley

After Tuesday night’s victory - the Rams’ play-off place has now confirmed. Exciting times!

To be honest, a top six finish would have been the bare minimum expectation as we headed into the season.

On the whole it has been a pretty topsy-turvy season and after the chaotic events post Rotherham, it is a relief to get the play-offs locked in after it looked in doubt for quite a while.

Now the challenge for Derby is to give a good shot at finishing fourth, which is reliant on Hull slipping up.

Maybe the importance of having the home leg as the second leg is overstated but it is something for Derby to aim for and it certainly feels like an advantage, especially when you consider the past two Championship play-offs have had a 3rd vs 4th final.

Again, maybe the importance of momentum going into the play-offs is overstated but it certainly makes things look and feel better. The remaining league games are still significant, all three are good tests against very good sides with Sheffield Wednesday, Brighton and then Ipswich the final three fixtures.

Will Hughes must be getting close to a start, if not more minutes on the pitch must surely be an aim — now is the chance for Wassall to get him match fit with a top six place secured.

At the same time Darren must ensure he keeps his most important players fit and free from injury, especially players like Thorne and Bryson who have struggled with injury in recent years and are crucial to the teams chances.

With the arrival of consistency that delivered four wins in a row, perhaps this recent form proves Harry Redknapp has made his mark? Whether that is the case or not, credit must be given to Darren Wassall. I’ve had my doubts about Darren, in fact I think everyone has had their doubts but no one can deny that he has delivered on this front.

Anything about who will be appointed permanent manager is a side issue at the moment as the Rams are hitting form at the right time and, after a few bizarre challenging months, it’s a good time to be a Ram.

No matter who our opponent is, hopefully the result of our Semi Finals end up looking a little like it did last time around, when we battled Brighton on the road to Wembley.

COYR!!