With continuing links to midfielders and strikers we have more pressing concerns as it's all hands to the pumps with defenders dropping like flies.

Though the fighting spirit and the squad overall seems to be improving it also seems that Derby could be facing a mammoth task to continue their improvement. With defenders succumbing to injury and suspension at an alarming rate any game without
re-enforcements is a potential blood bath waiting to happen like many games earlier this season.

No disrespect for those players who will no doubt fill the void but many are either past their Premiership prime or been found out at this level so far this season. One thing you can be sure of though is the likes of Edworthy and Johnson when given the chance will give it everything they have to prove they can still do the business. For every fans sake, let’s hope they can for the time being.

Perhaps half the problem can be rectified by the added presence in the midfield of Ghaly and Savage who may add the strength and bite the team has been sorely missing. The season is littered with the ball being given away far too easily putting the defense under constant and unrelenting pressure. This can give a false indication of the ability of a squad’s defensive line. Even the best teams in the world may struggle to clear their lines if they found the ball coming at them as frequently as it does for Derby County.

Maybe the unluckiest young talent in the team can finally get his opportunity to shine. Lewin Nyatanga represents his country in the centre of defense so surely should be good enough for an injury ravaged team languishing at the foot of the table.

Nyatanga should probably be spoke about in the same breath as Giles Barnes for talent and promise but after Billy ignored him as an option and Jewell recalled him to the squad from loan only to be overlooked for older players he still awaits his chance.
The time has come for him to be tried and see what he is capable of at this level. In a team not expected to achieve much he may rise to the occasion and at worst secure a place in what seems like it will be a promotion campaign next season.

With the hope of more players arriving to continue the rebuilding process there is only one more thing I would like to mention. Can someone else please take corners besides Giles Barnes? As talented as the young man is and perhaps at training hits the spot time and time again, surely I cannot be the only one tiring of each and every game witnessing his corners floating over waiting players heads and often bouncing harmlessly out of play.

I am no genius (I have my old school reports to prove that!) but when you are struggling to apply regular pressure to your opposition surely this is not only a let off for the opposition but deflating for every player gathered waiting for the delivery. That said it can’t do much for Barnes confidence either. I just thought I’d throw it out there…. is it just me?

We are well overdue a win and Pompey are a few players down so now may be the perfect time to get it!!

Go Ewe Rams!! :0)

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