Pride Park will host its last game on Wednesday evening against Middlesbrough, before the £7 million pound, 10 year ‘iPro’ stadium naming rights deal begins in front of the Sky Sports cameras on Saturday.
The first half performance against Wigan on Sunday was superb. The passing, pressing and movement put Derby on the front foot, forced mistakes and we capitalised brilliantly.
We even scored direct from a free kick and a penalty in the same game. I genuinely do not remember a time we were 3-0 up away from home inside 30 minutes. I even think I actually saw Santa!
An early goal in the second half was the start of many small heart attacks as Wigan hit the bar, missed chances and forced Grant into two fantastic saves. I actually think it could have easily been 3-3, but their attacks fizzled out and we were quite comfortable in the last ten minutes.
Apparently Jamie Ward is back in the squad despite fans being told he was looking at two weeks out with a knee injury. While reading about Ward’s absence, no one ever seemed to say what the injury actually was but I am definitely not complaining as he is a welcome addition at any time.
I just hope he is not risked as there will be many games in quick succession over the Christmas and New Year period. I think the coaching staff are too clever and experienced to take any chances that may jeapordise his long term fitness.
Therefore, selection wise, the decision will be made to see if Ward will come back in for Russell. Personally, I think it is an ideal opportunity to give Russell another 60-70 minutes in his bid to gain match fitness after being out for 6 weeks and then bring on Ward if needed and if fit. However, Ward is in such good form at the moment it is very tempting to start him. Hendrick did well when he came on at Wigan, but I expect the midfield trio to stay the same.
What is so refreshing from the new coaching team is the intelligent thought process and early substitutions. The Wigan players were surrounding the referee after a Eustace challenge and trying to rile him. McClaren saw this and intelligently took Eustace off before he was sent off and replaced him with Hendrick.
Having seen Wigan's goal again, it may be time to give Keane his debut at centre half. Although it would be slightly harsh on Buxton, Powell was given too much space on two or three occasions in the second half on Sunday. Simpson has been quoted as saying Keane has been superb in training, so we will see on that one.
For Boro, Aston Villa loanee and goalkeeper Shay Given will make his second appearance. Red Dog transfer target Grant Leadbetter is suspended, which is good news for Derby. If he starts or comes on as a sub, Emnes can be a threat going forward.
In recent seasons it does not feel like we have had a good record against Middlesbrough. However, they do not have good away record this season so hopefully this will change.
If Boro come to defend and break up play, Derby will have to be patient going forward, focused and disciplined at the back and again, make the right decisions in the final third.
As McClaren says, 'it's about the end product,' and Forsyth, Dawkins and Ward have proved that in recent weeks with some great crosses and finishes.
Hopefully there will be a decent crowd who will fully get behind the team and the feel good factor will continue with a victory in Pride Park's last ever fixture.
There have been highs and lows but there are many great memories from nearly twenty years at the ground.
Oh, how time flies!!
Derby (6th): D, L, W, W, W
Boro (16th): W, L, D, L, W
The Rams are proven quick starters this season with 19 of their goal tally coming in the first 45 minutes.
Derby’s biggest flaw this season has been at the back and a clean sheet would break a hoodoo that stretches 25 matches, during which the Rams have been scored against in every match by Boro for a total of 49 goals.
The Rams have the highest goals ‘for’ in the Championship as well as the best conversion rate per shots on goal at 17.7%.
Craig Bryson is really delivering on his intention of scoring more goals this season having already bagged 7. He has proved just as important when it comes to assists with an impressive 6 so far.
Derby 3 vs 3 Middlesbrough
Played on the 6th of September 2000 at Pride Park in front of 24,290 fans.
Boro were 3-0 up before Super Strupar and Malcolm Christie stepped up!
One of the great Rams comebacks!