Below is a possibility of what our squad could look like post Jan. We've been linked with Sinclair but I'd much prefer if we got Ibe on loan unless Cocu knows of decent Dutch winger (they do create them, unfortunately Zoon turned out to be dud). I don't understand why Wisdom is not given an opportunity at CB given our leaky defence and that C Davies isn't cut out for this level now (unfortunately)? I can't recall the player's name, I know we are linked to a defender at Oxford.
GK?
BOGLE WISDOM CLARKE LOWE
BIELIK SHINNIE
VAN GINKEL ROONEY SINCLAIR or IBE
WAGHORN / MARTIN / MARRIOTT
Remembering Merson's impact on Portsmouth in their championship winning season. He too was 34 years old at the time.
Here's a look at that side:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002%E2%80%9303_Portsmouth_F.C._season
Bar Merson, Yakubu and Todorov there wasn't quality throughout that squad. We desperately need quality on the wings, with some bleeding luck too (which we've been very short on) I honestly believe we can push up the league. We don't need to change our front three option of Wags, Martin and Marriott (unless Marriott has downed tools, but given the constant links to Maddison of Posh I don't think that is too likely, looks like a possibility of the two players linking up again, perhaps?)
Players to go:
ROOS
DAVIES
FORSYTH
MALONE
BENNETT
HUDDLESTONE
EVANS
LAWRENCE
ZOON
ANYA
Top stuff Desi this not really my area but interesting times ahead..................
comment by HebridesRam (U2909)
.....................this not really my area but interesting times ahead..................
----------------------------------------------------------------------
How are Tarbert Utd doing this season?
You may well be referring to Stornoway Utd. It pains to to say they would slaughter Derby!
Obviously no-one in their right mind would sack a manager who has a 4 year deal when he hasn't had a decent transfer window.
I wouldn't give him any of my money, even if I had any spare.
Those Cowley Bros seem to be doing well at Udders. I would go for a young up coming chap like them, if Cocu suddenly left us.
Wally v Wassa.....I don't know, but Wally just shades it for me. God knows why I say that though, he let us down.
Someone's gonna end up feeling stupid - those that advocate he stays and then we get relegated and those who want him gone, then pretend otherwise when we surge into the top six.
I'm torn, on the one hand he should be motivating those very talented individuals we have and making the sum of those greater than the whole. But he's not.
On the other hand, he came to us late, he's not had a transfer window and those very talented players are not his 'own'.
Stick.
Well done on the research, Desi, you obviously spend your spare time much more profitably than I do.
As you can see from my unchanged moniker, I am still hoping that Phil can turn results on their head and make a success of his tenure. I have had a few wobbles recently, notably during the course of games, but I have been swayed by the post-game comments of certain respected fans and held my course. I have also been reassured, via a well-trusted source, by the opinion of an experienced, senior player, that Cocu is one of the best coaches that they have worked with.
There are many reasons suggested why things might not be working out at the moment, depending on your opinion of Cocu. But they are mainly grounded on guesswork and there is no obvious reason to believe that our downward course can't be turned around. The fact that he has shown that he can manage at a high level before gives me hope.
Yesterday I watched Sheffield Wednesday, under Gary Monk, move into 3rd place in the Champ. With the exception of a couple of influential players, in positions where we know we need to improve, I was not impressed by the standard of their play. In between our poor performances, we have occasionally produced some more promising football this season, albeit very inconsistently, and I do not think I would swap managers with the Wendies at this stage. I still see PC as a better longterm future for the club than under yet another journeyman manager.
As you have suggested, with some quality additions, coupled with a decent run of luck with injuries etc., and, of course, Rooney, performances will hopefully improve and the future may end up looking a lot brighter in a couple of months time.
Thats my hope, anyway.
Merry Christmas.
Desi. I like what you have been thinking. But IO want PC to stay at Derby for a decent spell of two seasons at least. Any team that loses Mount, Tomori. Wilson and Keogh will be quite a lot the poorer. And PC came in when all our creative energy was spent on the Rooney affair. Give him a decent chance to prove himself.
Great article Desi and some interesting names in there.
The vibe coming from the club seems very much to be in support of Cocu for the long-term and if nothing else it makes a refreshing change for Morris not to lose patience. At least not yet.
The willingness to bring through younger players is a definite plus and he has been brave to continue to do this in recent matches with the likes of Whittaker. As he says it is difficult to see the medium and long-term when everyone, particularly we fans, focus on the results. In the latter respect criticism is inevitable but there really is a lot of mitigation with a short pre-season meaning that he couldn’t recruit any players he wanted other than Bielik. Injuries have plagued the team and while you have to accept they are part and parcel of it we have had far more than our fair share. Currently we are without our two first-choice centre halves and without three central midfielders, all with long-term injuries, and another in Bielik who is only half fit.
He must be allowed to make the changes he wants to the squad. For any manager this takes time. Apart from incomings it will be interesting to see who goes. Most of us have long wishlists in that regard. There might be ones that are surprising to us like Marriott. Fergie got rid of some fans’ favourites early on at Man U for the greater good and maybe we need something similar.
I’m hopeful but sometimes in addition to a sound approach you need a bit of luck. Once the fans turn a manager has generally had it. The club seems to be putting out a lot of positivity about Cocu, perhaps because they know that the next few games are crucial if he is not to go beyond the tipping point. I really think Boxing Day could be a defining moment one way or the other and I hope as many of us who can get there do so and support the team to the hilt.
I do think he should be given this forthcoming transfer window at the very least......
Cocu's crucial period is now. Next 7 league games are Wigan, Charlton, Barnsley, Middlesborough, Hull, Luton and Stoke (with CP in FA cup in between). More than 3 losses and he's a gonna.
I think his best asset is he gives the young players a chance and bringing Martin back into the fold. His worst is his boring demeaner and constantly picking Zooom at first and Lawrence all the time.
That Christian Walton looks good, why didn’t we get him?
As much as I feel he needs this window and to ship some of these clowns out, I’m not sure he will be able to do all the business he’d like. All this maybe irrelevant on the back of a poor performance/loss at Wigan because the pressure will most definitely quadruple.
We seem to have problems in all departments.
Davies is not comfortable on the ball enough to be a Cocu centre half. Fozzie is making mistakes there. So will it be Wisdom and Clarke or Dickie from Oxford.
Midfield is struggling to control games. I didn’t think we’d miss Shinnie as much as we have. But things started to look good with him and Beilik in there but the injury put paid to that blossoming partnership and we haven’t looked comfortable since.
But it’s scoring goals that’s the real killer. We are creating chances but not converting and it’s costing us big time. Confidence takes a kicking and they think the gods are against them. And probably because of the drink driving thing the dressing room is split.
Wins make all this go away.
Bottom club Wigan away next. Throw everything into getting a goal. Marriott Martin and Waghorn. Try and get something going to break this horrendous away run.
Take a risk, What’s the worst that can happen another loss, who cares. But we need a win.
This looked like a December sent from heaven but we’ve been rubbish,
It cannot go on forever.
It would be harsh to get rid of him without allowing him one trip into the transfer market at least. Whether that will be enough to fill the massive voids we have in our squad, I doubt.
Look at the headline stats
- we have conceded 3 goals in away games 4 times already this season and have a leaky defence. Need 2 decent defenders in plus a proper GK
Our midfield has only contributed 8 goals, 5 from Lawrence. There is no creativity. Rooney will help and, I'd wager now, will be our top assist provider and/or goal scorer come the end of the season.
Our recognised strikers have only scored 11 between them - 6 for Waggy, 4 for Martin and 1 for Marriott. PC needs to start with one of them and stick with that player. Strikers thrive on confidence and none of ours have any because he chops and changes too much. OR he needs to find another one and play him every game.
So, the shopping list should be
GK
CB
LB
RW/LW
CF
But we cant afford that many new players and any we sell will go for peanuts
I was confident of a win at Wigan, but after seeing them do well against a good Blackburn team I'm not so sure. Wigan had loads of chances but couldn't beat the excellent Walton. This is my worry, we don't have many shots and Wigan had lots. UTR.
Nollaig Chridheil agus Bliadhna Mhath Ùr to all Rams fans wherever you are..........
That’s easy for you to say Heb. The same from me, probably.
Heb and all Rams fans everywhere.
Nadolig Llaweauen
From the wilds of Wales.
From the heart of Derbyshire I'd like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas. And I hope we see a happier time watching our favourite team.
Excellent turkey cooked by my daughter, washed down with a lovely Santenay.
From la fabrics brewery Malaga I wish you all a merry Christmas.
From VC10.
From the heart of Derbyshire I'd like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas. And I hope we see a happier time watching our favourite team.
I am with you VC - enjoy the rest of your Christmas. I am just going to look at the goose - halfway mark now. I can feel your warm glow from here. It is going to freeze here in Snowdonia.
Happy Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Anyone going to Wigan?
comment by lastapostleofvidal (U1491)
posted 20 minutes ago
I am.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Good lad, I need a lift (no trains).
Sign in if you want to comment
Philip Cocu - Should I stay or should I go?
Page 1 of 2
posted on 23/12/19
Below is a possibility of what our squad could look like post Jan. We've been linked with Sinclair but I'd much prefer if we got Ibe on loan unless Cocu knows of decent Dutch winger (they do create them, unfortunately Zoon turned out to be dud). I don't understand why Wisdom is not given an opportunity at CB given our leaky defence and that C Davies isn't cut out for this level now (unfortunately)? I can't recall the player's name, I know we are linked to a defender at Oxford.
GK?
BOGLE WISDOM CLARKE LOWE
BIELIK SHINNIE
VAN GINKEL ROONEY SINCLAIR or IBE
WAGHORN / MARTIN / MARRIOTT
Remembering Merson's impact on Portsmouth in their championship winning season. He too was 34 years old at the time.
Here's a look at that side:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002%E2%80%9303_Portsmouth_F.C._season
Bar Merson, Yakubu and Todorov there wasn't quality throughout that squad. We desperately need quality on the wings, with some bleeding luck too (which we've been very short on) I honestly believe we can push up the league. We don't need to change our front three option of Wags, Martin and Marriott (unless Marriott has downed tools, but given the constant links to Maddison of Posh I don't think that is too likely, looks like a possibility of the two players linking up again, perhaps?)
Players to go:
ROOS
DAVIES
FORSYTH
MALONE
BENNETT
HUDDLESTONE
EVANS
LAWRENCE
ZOON
ANYA
posted on 23/12/19
Top stuff Desi this not really my area but interesting times ahead..................
posted on 23/12/19
comment by HebridesRam (U2909)
.....................this not really my area but interesting times ahead..................
----------------------------------------------------------------------
How are Tarbert Utd doing this season?
posted on 23/12/19
You may well be referring to Stornoway Utd. It pains to to say they would slaughter Derby!
posted on 23/12/19
Obviously no-one in their right mind would sack a manager who has a 4 year deal when he hasn't had a decent transfer window.
I wouldn't give him any of my money, even if I had any spare.
Those Cowley Bros seem to be doing well at Udders. I would go for a young up coming chap like them, if Cocu suddenly left us.
Wally v Wassa.....I don't know, but Wally just shades it for me. God knows why I say that though, he let us down.
posted on 23/12/19
Someone's gonna end up feeling stupid - those that advocate he stays and then we get relegated and those who want him gone, then pretend otherwise when we surge into the top six.
I'm torn, on the one hand he should be motivating those very talented individuals we have and making the sum of those greater than the whole. But he's not.
On the other hand, he came to us late, he's not had a transfer window and those very talented players are not his 'own'.
Stick.
posted on 23/12/19
Well done on the research, Desi, you obviously spend your spare time much more profitably than I do.
As you can see from my unchanged moniker, I am still hoping that Phil can turn results on their head and make a success of his tenure. I have had a few wobbles recently, notably during the course of games, but I have been swayed by the post-game comments of certain respected fans and held my course. I have also been reassured, via a well-trusted source, by the opinion of an experienced, senior player, that Cocu is one of the best coaches that they have worked with.
There are many reasons suggested why things might not be working out at the moment, depending on your opinion of Cocu. But they are mainly grounded on guesswork and there is no obvious reason to believe that our downward course can't be turned around. The fact that he has shown that he can manage at a high level before gives me hope.
Yesterday I watched Sheffield Wednesday, under Gary Monk, move into 3rd place in the Champ. With the exception of a couple of influential players, in positions where we know we need to improve, I was not impressed by the standard of their play. In between our poor performances, we have occasionally produced some more promising football this season, albeit very inconsistently, and I do not think I would swap managers with the Wendies at this stage. I still see PC as a better longterm future for the club than under yet another journeyman manager.
As you have suggested, with some quality additions, coupled with a decent run of luck with injuries etc., and, of course, Rooney, performances will hopefully improve and the future may end up looking a lot brighter in a couple of months time.
Thats my hope, anyway.
Merry Christmas.
posted on 23/12/19
Desi. I like what you have been thinking. But IO want PC to stay at Derby for a decent spell of two seasons at least. Any team that loses Mount, Tomori. Wilson and Keogh will be quite a lot the poorer. And PC came in when all our creative energy was spent on the Rooney affair. Give him a decent chance to prove himself.
posted on 23/12/19
Great article Desi and some interesting names in there.
The vibe coming from the club seems very much to be in support of Cocu for the long-term and if nothing else it makes a refreshing change for Morris not to lose patience. At least not yet.
The willingness to bring through younger players is a definite plus and he has been brave to continue to do this in recent matches with the likes of Whittaker. As he says it is difficult to see the medium and long-term when everyone, particularly we fans, focus on the results. In the latter respect criticism is inevitable but there really is a lot of mitigation with a short pre-season meaning that he couldn’t recruit any players he wanted other than Bielik. Injuries have plagued the team and while you have to accept they are part and parcel of it we have had far more than our fair share. Currently we are without our two first-choice centre halves and without three central midfielders, all with long-term injuries, and another in Bielik who is only half fit.
He must be allowed to make the changes he wants to the squad. For any manager this takes time. Apart from incomings it will be interesting to see who goes. Most of us have long wishlists in that regard. There might be ones that are surprising to us like Marriott. Fergie got rid of some fans’ favourites early on at Man U for the greater good and maybe we need something similar.
I’m hopeful but sometimes in addition to a sound approach you need a bit of luck. Once the fans turn a manager has generally had it. The club seems to be putting out a lot of positivity about Cocu, perhaps because they know that the next few games are crucial if he is not to go beyond the tipping point. I really think Boxing Day could be a defining moment one way or the other and I hope as many of us who can get there do so and support the team to the hilt.
posted on 23/12/19
I do think he should be given this forthcoming transfer window at the very least......
posted on 23/12/19
Cocu's crucial period is now. Next 7 league games are Wigan, Charlton, Barnsley, Middlesborough, Hull, Luton and Stoke (with CP in FA cup in between). More than 3 losses and he's a gonna.
posted on 23/12/19
I think his best asset is he gives the young players a chance and bringing Martin back into the fold. His worst is his boring demeaner and constantly picking Zooom at first and Lawrence all the time.
That Christian Walton looks good, why didn’t we get him?
posted on 24/12/19
As much as I feel he needs this window and to ship some of these clowns out, I’m not sure he will be able to do all the business he’d like. All this maybe irrelevant on the back of a poor performance/loss at Wigan because the pressure will most definitely quadruple.
posted on 24/12/19
We seem to have problems in all departments.
Davies is not comfortable on the ball enough to be a Cocu centre half. Fozzie is making mistakes there. So will it be Wisdom and Clarke or Dickie from Oxford.
Midfield is struggling to control games. I didn’t think we’d miss Shinnie as much as we have. But things started to look good with him and Beilik in there but the injury put paid to that blossoming partnership and we haven’t looked comfortable since.
But it’s scoring goals that’s the real killer. We are creating chances but not converting and it’s costing us big time. Confidence takes a kicking and they think the gods are against them. And probably because of the drink driving thing the dressing room is split.
Wins make all this go away.
Bottom club Wigan away next. Throw everything into getting a goal. Marriott Martin and Waghorn. Try and get something going to break this horrendous away run.
Take a risk, What’s the worst that can happen another loss, who cares. But we need a win.
This looked like a December sent from heaven but we’ve been rubbish,
It cannot go on forever.
posted on 24/12/19
It would be harsh to get rid of him without allowing him one trip into the transfer market at least. Whether that will be enough to fill the massive voids we have in our squad, I doubt.
Look at the headline stats
- we have conceded 3 goals in away games 4 times already this season and have a leaky defence. Need 2 decent defenders in plus a proper GK
Our midfield has only contributed 8 goals, 5 from Lawrence. There is no creativity. Rooney will help and, I'd wager now, will be our top assist provider and/or goal scorer come the end of the season.
Our recognised strikers have only scored 11 between them - 6 for Waggy, 4 for Martin and 1 for Marriott. PC needs to start with one of them and stick with that player. Strikers thrive on confidence and none of ours have any because he chops and changes too much. OR he needs to find another one and play him every game.
So, the shopping list should be
GK
CB
LB
RW/LW
CF
But we cant afford that many new players and any we sell will go for peanuts
posted on 24/12/19
I was confident of a win at Wigan, but after seeing them do well against a good Blackburn team I'm not so sure. Wigan had loads of chances but couldn't beat the excellent Walton. This is my worry, we don't have many shots and Wigan had lots. UTR.
posted on 25/12/19
Nollaig Chridheil agus Bliadhna Mhath Ùr to all Rams fans wherever you are..........
posted on 25/12/19
That’s easy for you to say Heb. The same from me, probably.
posted on 25/12/19
Heb and all Rams fans everywhere.
Nadolig Llaweauen
From the wilds of Wales.
posted on 25/12/19
From the heart of Derbyshire I'd like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas. And I hope we see a happier time watching our favourite team.
Excellent turkey cooked by my daughter, washed down with a lovely Santenay.
posted on 25/12/19
From la fabrics brewery Malaga I wish you all a merry Christmas.
posted on 25/12/19
From VC10.
From the heart of Derbyshire I'd like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas. And I hope we see a happier time watching our favourite team.
I am with you VC - enjoy the rest of your Christmas. I am just going to look at the goose - halfway mark now. I can feel your warm glow from here. It is going to freeze here in Snowdonia.
Happy Christmas.
posted on 25/12/19
Merry Christmas.
Anyone going to Wigan?
posted on 25/12/19
I am.
posted on 25/12/19
comment by lastapostleofvidal (U1491)
posted 20 minutes ago
I am.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Good lad, I need a lift (no trains).
Page 1 of 2