Derby County supporter Will Buckley gives is thoughts on The Rams, ahead of the new season.
So, finally… after what seems to have been an eternity of nail biting uncertainty over our very existence. Derby County are set to embark on their first third tier campaign for over a quarter of a century. Who would have thought we’d be relishing that prospect!
On Saturday we not only welcome Oxford United but also a new chapter to the Derby County history books.
The events of this summer and prior two years, were tough and will live long in the memory. Every day there seemed to be another set of fresh body blows to digest and endure, another wave of uncertainty and more poking at from rival fans.
Saturday sees a new era, a new owner, a new (interim) manager and a largely new squad. Signing after signing has heightened expectations within some parts of the adoring fanbase - and rightly so. The likes of James Collins, David McGoldrick, Conor Hourihane, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and James Chester would have been deemed good signings for the Championship never mind in League One.
The other perspective is that these are all seasoned players that have been released by their former clubs. A combination of not being in the managers plans or injury restrictions perhaps paved the way for them being surplus to requirements and ending up at a club that has a wage cap and are unable to pay agents fees.
It will imperative for interim manager Liam Rosenior to get some energy alongside those experienced legs. On that subject, maybe I'm speaking too soon, but it appears we may actually be holding onto both Jason Knight and Max Bird. This would be massive for both the squad and the fanbase as it shows a real statement of intent.
One die hard Oxford United fan I spoke with hold me that they expect to struggle. Minimal input to the playing staff and the loss of a key defender to Burnley has left the side a bit thin on the ground (sounds familiar).
But who knows what will happen Saturday, they’ll be backed by a very impressive 3,500 travelling fans and the pressure will be on Derby in what looks to be close to a sell out.
Personally I'm expecting teething problems…..its Derby County after all, when did things ever go according to the script!
You can hear our Season Preview episode here:
Comments