It’s almost three weeks since Nigel Clough’s reign as Derby County manager came to an end. I was shocked when I heard he’d been sacked because, overall, I think he did a good job.
It wasn’t an easy job, given the playing squad he inherited from his predecessors, not to mention the limited financial support he received from the owners.
When other teams in the Championship were splashing money on transfer fees and wages, Clough had to cut the wage bill season after season and make do with limited transfer funds plus whatever he could cobble together by selling his best players.
On the other hand I’m not surprised Clough was sacked either. In the summer, Sam Rush announced our "Top Six” aim and our poor home form and mediocre 14th position didn’t inspire confidence that the Rams could mount a genuine push for the playoffs.
Quite possibly it was the poor home form that did for Clough in the end. Maybe — and I stress maybe — if our results had been reversed with the majority of points being picked up at Pride Park Stadium, instead of on our travels, then maybe Nigel Clough would still be Rams manager.
Maybe. But I also think it probably was time for a change. Four years nine months is a long time in football and Clough was the longest serving Championship manager at the time of his dismissal.
Although I’ve mentioned the mediocre, overpaid squad he inherited, the squad in the previous two seasons were very much Clough’s squad and Clough’s players, and finishes of 12th and 10th whilst respectable, didn’t inspire confidence that a serious promotion push would happen any time soon.
Now the reigns have been handed over to Steve McClaren and his coaching staff of Eric Steele and Paul Simpson. And let’s be honest, whatever people might say of McClaren, the CVs of this management team are far more impressive than the CVs of Clough and his coaching staff. Two of the new regime was good enough for Sir Alex Ferguson and that speaks volumes.
Time will tell whether Derby County go on to do better or worse under McClaren than they did under Clough but the early signs — the very early signs — are looking favourable.
There’s a buzz and an excitement around Pride Park Stadium that hadn’t been there for some time. During that amazing second half comeback against Ipswich Town the place was rocking, and against Leeds United there was an upbeat atmosphere and a lot more noise.
The players, too, look to have found a new lease of life. They are playing with more freedom and creativity than they did under Clough as if they’ve been encouraged to express themselves, attack the opposition, and enjoy playing football.
Early days, I know — very early days — but I’m excited about watching Derby County again.