26,000 and a few saw yet another game of two halves. About 75 Cardiff fans were there too. It was the 75 who went home the happier. To make sense of the game I think we have to view the Bristol and the Cardiff games together.
The first temptation is to seek out individuals to blame. But it is of no use whatsoever to blame individuals for these weird results, which merely distracts attention from what is truly going wrong.
These two bad results, have turned our season from one of play-off hopes to that of re-building for next season.
The problem, IMHO lies in the collective will of the team rather than in the performances of particular players. And this was observable in The Rams as well as Bristol and Cardiff. In the Bristol game Derbyโs will in the first half was totally absent. There was none whatsoever. All the team guilty, not just the defence. In the second half, the will to win came back just as mysteriously as it went. One is tempted to give SMc the CREDIT for that but Iโm not sure it was down to him anymore than the first half of going walkabout was his FAULT in the first half. But it is undoubtedly true to say we were lucky to get the single point v Bristol
In the Cardiff came, Derby and the will to win flared briefly until we were 2-0 up with some refreshing quick passing and movement to carve them open at will (that word again!) only to then fade such that Cardiff pulled one back just before the break. After the break and perhaps some hairdryer treatment from Colin, we saw Cardiff equalise and then go ahead. It seems a mystery as to why Derby could not see what had given them the edge at the start - and that they should revert to complacency and a total lack of desire to score more goals. The will of the team again? But by some means Derby did manage to score an equaliser to give some hope to a largely miserable crowd. Or, dare I risk 666's excitability by pointing to a lack of leadership.
Derbyโs first goal was due to some quick and accurate passing and deft footwork by Bent , Their second came from a right wing corner that Pearce met with a great header which the goalie could only parry for De Sart to drive into the net. Our third came from a free kick from the left, brilliantly headed in by a rising Bent to deflect the ball just inside the post. The relief this brought was not long lived. Cardiff were awarded a penalty for a reason I did not see other than a Cardiff attacker went down. There was no way back from this and Derby lost 3-4 to see their season collapse totally with only 15 games to go. Of course, technically we can still reach the play-offs but I will not be keeping the date clear in any travel plans I may be making.
As for individuals. Bent and Ince were great. Ince especially put in a heavy shift in both attack and defence. Bent scored two very good goals. Anya simply could not get past or around his huge defender whom Colin must have briefed to stick to him like glue. Will Hughes showed flashes and some deft passes but he was muted along with the rest of the team. Keogh was pretty good but Baird and Pearce (apart from his header on goal) not so good. Olsson was not so hot. De Sart was instrumental in more forward penetration than normal for the first half hour.
But, as I said, it was the fluctuating team will which McC will have to understand and sort out and that will not be a simple task. I simply hope the Mac OUT brigade donโt suddenly start their campaign to get rid of him. We do not need a change of manager. Let him sort it. I think our scouting and recruitment system seems incapable of bringing in one or two gems who can turn a game, AND - we need to bring in some of our academy players - who knows what gems we already have.
For Those Who Did Not Attend
posted on 17/2/17
comment by ๐Wassa๐ (U2584)
posted 7 hours, 28 minutes ago
I hanker for a coach or a manager who's got a plan b and c. Because this clown Steve McClaren hasn't got a clue about management. I even question is old-time coaching skills hope that helps
Bradley Johnson a makeshift centre half
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Can you name such a manager then, Wassa, cos as I've said before, I can't.
SM has tried different formations over the last few games, but to little effect.
His biggest problem has been not knowing who his best 11 is. Injuries and suspensions have not helped though
posted on 17/2/17
Ang we need to get rid of these overpaid wannabes also Judas and bring in Gary Rowett. Just look what Benitez's done for Newcastle spent some serious money this season and where in the league are they? These players have been together now for a couple years are they seriously improving as a team and as an individual????
posted on 17/2/17
Can't knock Benitez as a choice, Wassa, but we're not likely to get a manager of that pedigree. Besides he may be at Arsenal at the start of next season.
As you just said on the other thread, McClaren helped bankroll Benitez's purchases, by buying big when he was at Newcastle.
posted on 17/2/17
My contention is that formation and tweaks of selection, have effects that are very small in comparison with the huge effects of fluctuating performance due to "what" and this "what" is the mystery which needs to be solved. Not, repeat NOT, formation etc , even though such things need to be correct and logical - tactics wise.
How can the change of performance in the two halves
of the Bristol game be rationalised, controlled and utilised by any manager?
And, just to confirm it is some sort of teamwork related phenomena in play, look at the Cardiff game. For 30 minutes, absolute mastery. For the rest Cardiff in full command. And then when we are 2-3 down, another bout of strenuous effort to equalise. It was only the accident/random event of the penalty, always liable to crop up in football, that soured our experience and ruined our season.
Who can best understand and use such effects on team performance.
posted on 17/2/17
comment by thriceRamdini (U20410)
posted 1 hour, 43 minutes ago
My contention is that formation and tweaks of selection, have effects that are very small in comparison with the huge effects of fluctuating performance due to "what" and this "what" is the mystery which needs to be solved. Not, repeat NOT, formation etc , even though such things need to be correct and logical - tactics wise.
How can the change of performance in the two halves
of the Bristol game be rationalised, controlled and utilised by any manager?
And, just to confirm it is some sort of teamwork related phenomena in play, look at the Cardiff game. For 30 minutes, absolute mastery. For the rest Cardiff in full command. And then when we are 2-3 down, another bout of strenuous effort to equalise. It was only the accident/random event of the penalty, always liable to crop up in football, that soured our experience and ruined our season.
Who can best understand and use such effects on team performance.
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I'd say we are both fragile and leaderless.
We don't have a player that can inspire or take the game by the scruff of the neck.
posted on 17/2/17
Difference in is and Newcastle having a manager like the Spanish waiter is the fact they are a big club with massive fan base, big crowds and £m's of income from the prem league. Can't expect a club like Derby to compete with them financially
posted on 17/2/17
Any particular reason we have two identical threads, arguing the same subject, running simultaneously?
Ang should have stepped in and got this properly organised........
posted on 17/2/17
I was multi-tasking
Besides, they are driven by their creators, both highly qualified & experienced posters, and they have somewhat different nuances
posted on 17/2/17
Who you calling a nonce?
posted on 17/2/17
Guess