As Jewell looks to clean out his player stocks in the off-season, one area I think he will have less work to do with is surprisingly the defense.

You may laugh and throw rotten fruit at me for that statement but although we have conceded goals in floods this season, the names we have at our disposal will form part of a very handy championship defense.

I have mentioned in my article before that I have felt our midfield and wide players have been as much, if not more to blame for the pressure put on the Rams last line. With the amount of balls they have coughed up with scrappy passes or sloppy play, the defense has had to deal with twice to three times as much attacking play as most in the premiership. A highlights reel at seasons end of saves and last ditch tackles made to save further embarrassment would make for impressive watching.

The signing of Carroll and Stubbs has been very good for the base of the team’s spine for next season. There is no doubt Paul Jewell signed them with this task in mind but that said both have managed to show they are still up to life in the Premiership since their arrival. Both add experienced heads to the back and could prove to be just the on field leaders needed to guide the potential that is without doubt available in that part of the field.

If Derby can get the names of Moore (best in the league last time round), Mears (his injury may actually save us from he being whisked away to another club), McEveley (a heart as big as Clough’s head and will only improve) and Leacock (always cool, if not a little too cool at times but will look much better in the lower league) back on the pitch and fit, the Rams back four could easily keep the best the Championship has to offer on their toes.

I would like to include Davis in the list as I believe he is a quality defender when not under the constant pressure he has been under from injuries and fans alike. Sadly I think he will probably find a home at another Premiership club as he seems to believe that is where he belongs. Hopefully Paul Jewell can convince him otherwise as that may be the final piece to building a fortress at the back next time round.

Paul Jewell seems to be thinking similar things as he has tried to strengthen the midfield and wide areas in his time at the club even if those names given the responsibility have not stepped up to the plate. Perhaps with the exception of Ghaly who seems to be trying harder than most to show he belongs in a Premiership shirt.

I have never been one to do hypothetical team selections as I prefer to speculate on individual players but this week I have been thinking long and hard about the team I would like to see take the pitch knowing we would get a genuine effort from them.
With that in mind I broke my own rule and come up with a team with every intention of publishing it in this article. Then to my surprise I find that our very own Mick picked exactly the same team as me player for player in his game preview. I always new he was a switched on guy.

Mick's Team: 
Carroll, Leacock, Stubbs (C), Moore, Edworthy, Jones, Ghaly, Fagan, Sterjovski, Villa, Earnshaw

I would love to see Jones and Earnshaw given a run nearly as much as I am looking forward to the fact Sterjovski looks set to make his first start for the club. I have no doubt that Dave and Mile will give it their all on the pitch and although I feel Jewell is not impressed with Earnshaw off the pitch I, like many Derby fans, think he always looks dangerous and able to pop up to score at any time. I also believe his style of play will suit Villa more than Miller’s and may create more chances for the big man who I think could set the Championship alight next season (fingers crossed).

Kenny Miller only misses out as I think he spends more time complaining than playing the whistle and perhaps believes he is marking time till he can secure a move away from pride Park. I could be wrong and hope I am…. feel free to prove it Kenny.

If the club is to avoid the lowest points tally ever in the Premiership there will be no better time to start than this weekend against the very team that holds the record. Here’s hoping Paul Jewell has channeled the spirit of Cloughy this week and got the team too scared not to give blood, sweat and tears for the shirt. If the players don’t produce a performance this weekend then they never will and deserve to find a train ticket in their lockers at the end of the game.

Prove me wrong guys…. it may not sound like it but I really, really hope you do!

Go Ewe Rams!!

Photo: Action Images

Derby County Polls