By Andy Buckley-Taylor @bucktaylor64
We look ahead to Saturday’s first East Midlands Derby of the season against Nottingham Forest with a league record of a win, two draws and a loss. A mixed bag so far, but despite not having much depth in the squad, the players thus far have been determined on the field.
Wayne Rooney sounded optimistic that he will be able to add to the squad this week, but at the time of writing we are unsure as to whether Derby have met the EFL deadline for meeting the criteria for getting the embargo lifted.
If we look at our squad we really do need some additions. Not just in the striking department, but I’d suggest another Centre Back. Jagielka and Davies are doing well, but it would be wise to have more options given that they aren’t exactly spring chickens. They are two excellent pro’s, but the only other cover we have for them is Richard Stearman.
In an ideal world we would be able to bring a couple of strikers in. Sam Baldock and Jack Stretton are our only options at the moment and should we lose one of them to injury we would be in trouble.
Midfield has looked good so far. Graeme Shinnie and Max Bird putting in some commanding performances in front of the defence is encouraging. Ravel Morrison has looked excellent in an attacking role too.
In the last few games Kamil Jozwiak appears to be finding some form at last. I have been a big critic of him, but fair play to the lad he is playing well at the moment.
So we face a Forest side currently struggling at the basement of the table without a single point. They appear to have a real problem in finding the net, well actually a problem finding a shot.
Chris Hughton is known for defensive football, but the patience of the Reds fans is running out. Going game after game without recording a shot on target is sure to irritate their fans. I personally thought that he would do well as their manager, but its not working out at the moment.
Now is not the time to get complacent though. We all remember only too well when Stuart Pearce was under pressure and went home with the three points. We might start as slight favourites, but the old cliché that form goes out of the window in these games is one often proven to be correct.
Our rivals have added James Garner to their squad on a season loan from Manchester United. He’s no stranger having played with them last season and scoring the opener against us at Pride Park back in February. Although seen as a holding midfielder his passing will add another dimension to their attack. He reminds me a little of George Thorne when he first arrived at Derby.
The game on Saturday isn’t likely to see a sell out crowd due to complications with ticketing at present. Fans are fast losing their patience and up to eight thousand tickets won’t be available until Thursday morning as season ticket holders can still reserve their seats up to then.
I’ve no doubt the butterflies will kick in over the next few days and they will remain until the final whistle, lets all get behind the lads like we have so far this season and hopefully cheer them on to victory. Forest are unbeaten in eight against us and that equals a run we started with the famous coffee cup game.
Come on You Rams!!
The Rams Writer 