It seems Billy D is looking to cause Derby much angst as rumors surfaced today the former Derby manager is set to offer Michael Tonge a place in his Forest side this season.

This would not be news that the Derby hierarchy would enjoy as it seems Nigel, the fans and the player himself wants him to slip on a Derby shirt this season.

If the club were not willing to shell out a decent transfer fee for a player who did very well for the club in his long term loan last season, they should re-assess their position now.

I am not suggesting a “we must sign him so they can’t” mentality, instead if we allow Forest, a club who were verging on extinction only a couple of seasons ago, to swoop in and sign a player who is obviously wanted by those who count at the club then it will cause more bad blood to run between fans and their club.

I think most of us are happy for the slow but steady rebuild at DCFC but does that mean a total lack of ambition verging on apathy?

If Michael Tonge goes to Nottingham then the club might as well baton down the hatches because the tirades that will follow from the vocal supporters (and probably those not normally so vocal) will not be pretty.

To have a player who would walk straight into our starting line up head down the highway instead, would be a slap in the face for loyal Rams who pay for their season tickets hoping for an exciting signing or two.

Securing Michael Tonge would be just that boost leading into the season proper but seeing him instead in a red shirt this season would be yet another kick in the guts that Derby supporters definitely do not deserve.

Injuries Far Too Commons!

In other Rams news Kris Commons has been active in the press stating that he wants to stay injury free and prove his worth to the Rams.

Commons hopes that by late in the year his performances, along with his injury record will be good enough to earn him a new contract.

I for one that coming into the New Year that Kris has played most of the team’s fixtures and been instrumental in a run at the top half of the table, maybe even the top six. But at the same time history is littered with clubs securing players long term when they should have been considered a bit of a gamble.

Even if he can turn around his run of bad luck with knocks and niggles it would be advantageous of the Rams to offer him too much, too far into the future.

At his best he can tear any team in the division to pieces but at his worst he can be missing in action for long periods and tear up the Derby wage budget while making more appearances for the treatment table.

That said…. if we don’t sign him up then Billy may come after him too. Now that would definitely be worth a knee to the shins any day!

Anyone have a pen?

Photo: Action Images

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