What a week... knocked out of the league cup, a draw against the enemy and when the balls fell for the FA Cup fifth round, it made the replay at Forest a must win mission.
In Australia the 26th of January is Australia Day. A celebration of all things Aussie and more importantly a public holiday on the Monday to roll out the BBQ, have a drink and sit back and watch the traditional one day cricket match on the box.
The other great thing about the weekend is that it gave me the opportunity to over indulge in a great weekend of FA Cup football even braving the early hours to watch the Liverpool v Everton game reach its unsatisfying climax.
After Australia’s World Cup hero snatched victory away from Anfields faithful for the second time in a week, the FA cup draw took place and the first words that popped into my head as it begun were ‘Manchester United’.
I don’t know why and had not even considered it before that moment but suddenly all I wanted was another chance for my Rams to avenge their brave defeat at Old Trafford. I crossed my fingers, closed my eyes and just listened as the numbers were linked with their opposition.
When number 15 finally came out (Derby or F#%*st) I scrunched my eyes that little bit tighter and began quietly chanting the mantra ‘united’, ‘united’. Was it me and my latent psychic powers or perhaps Brian laughing ever louder as he gives his boy the chance to deliver something fans will forever remember about his first year in charge.
I am not sure if it was one, either or none but what I am sure of is when number 2 was drawn it means our boys in black and white have to go to the City ground and tear the Nottingham boys to pieces. No one could have ever imagined at the beginning of the season Rams fans would get four clashes against the enemy and also at least two games against the ‘Red Devils’. Ridiculous to wish for but in reality, fantastic!
Nigel may not be finding it quite as brilliant as the flurry of fixtures provide a distraction from the main game. Common sense dictates that with all the glitz and glamour surrounding the cup games, he must remain focussed on the league and making sure the distractions don’t lead to a relegation battle.
The adrenalin charged atmosphere of these marquee games can dangerously lead to a let down for league clashes and make it hard for players to produce the intensity required especially when they are all squeezed together so tightly. The new gaffer will get a chance to show off his much discussed man management skills by ensuring this does not happen and instead get them up week in, week out for each and every battle they face.
A squad that was looking extremely large may come in handy if the team can continue their FA Cup run. At least there are options should more injuries hit and with the extra revenue from the continuing juicy fixtures on offer, the wage bill will be a bit easier to stomach.
Whatever the results it seems Derby should release a commemorative red wine for the season as it seems cups and red go together for them this season. Perhaps it could be called ‘Seeing Red’ with a picture of Clough Jnr on it. It would be good marketing especially if my prediction comes true. It involves defeating Forest and United followed by Middlesbrough then Arsenal before a famous victory against Liverpool in the final. It may seem unlikely but with the happenings of the last two seasons would anything be a shock anymore? I think not!
C'mon Ewe Rams! :0)