Nigel Clough has made comments today that will have the anti –Savage brigade shaking to their foundations. Could the Rams Captain possibly play on beyond 10/11?

With more Derby fans recently voicing their belief that Robbie is perhaps no longer an automatic starter in the Rams squad, the news today that Nigel might consider a contract extension, will be proof to some that the world has truly gone mad.

Clough did his best to explain to the press why and how this could occur:

"I don't know. I would never rule out that he could keep going. It would depend on his work in the media and what he wants to do. He is one of those players who has never been lightning quick but his stamina is tremendous, and I don't think he would lose too much of that over the next 12 months.”

"So it might depend on the level we are playing at and what he would want to do playing-wise."

Savage also spoke to the press about his hopes for the season and beyond:

"Will this be my last season? It all depends on how I perform this season.

"I want Derby to be my last club and I want to finish on a high. I don't really want to go down the leagues and get kicked all over the place by young up-and-coming players".

"If I don't get another contract at Derby this season, that will probably be it but my aim is to earn a new contract here. If I don't it could possibly well be."

In his interview Nigel also spoke about where he thinks the club is at and the possibility of promotion:

"It is possible, but with the major restructuring that has gone on with the squad and the budget and everything it makes it more unlikely at this stage. It is a case of bringing some young lads in on less wages than the previous players and giving them time”.

"Maybe not this season but maybe next season they will really get used to Championship football and form a squad that is good enough to challenge."

I for one can only hope Nigel speculating that Robbie may stay on is only to smooth Savage’s fragile ego to ensure he does not (as he admitted in his recent autobiography) attempt to crash his car or go on a bender anytime soon.

I admire Robbie’s passion and if nothing else has brought some fire to the Rams belly but even he himself should admit this season is a final hurrah. Anything more may see him fade away in exactly the fashion he has always feared his career might.

Also let’s hope the gaffer is simply attempting to keep our expectations low but secretly behind closed doors planning an assault on the top six. If before whistle is blown our Manager is writing off possible success as a fantasy because of re-structuring and budget, then we all might be forgiven for wondering why we bother.

I as much as anyone wants Nigel to succeed but at the moment it is like he is expected to waterproof a dam with newspaper.

Please prove me wrong DCFC as you will never find anyone happier to be wide of the mark.

Hulse staying? Going? Scoring!

A Derby County XI that included regular first team players like Ben Pringle, Dean Moxey and Jake Buxton managed a one all draw against Belper town on Tuesday night.

The Rams goal scorer was Rob Hulse who is also building his fitness ahead of Saturdays match.

Press speculation continues to suggest that Blackpool is hammering out a deal with Derby after an initial bid was rejected.

Truth or myth? Who knows!

Nigel Clough told BBC Radio Derby:

"We haven't had one offer for Rob from anybody, so as far as we're concerned, he's in our squad this season."

In the last couple of seasons Rob Hulse has become the man who is going everywhere while going absolutely nowhere.

Let’s see if that trend continues or this time around Rob will be packing his bags.

Should Robbie Stay another season? Should Rob stay or go?

Should we just give up reporting these constant speculations!?

Register today and tell us in our new RamZone FORUM

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