Ahead of tomorrow’s season opener we have sought the views of Ian at Derby County Mad. Here are his answers to our questions.
How was last season for you?
To be honest it was a bit of a struggle after a purple patch before Christmas, which saw us reach 4th Place in the Championship. The slide was slow and painful but at least it was arrested before reaching the relegation drop zone.
We had been on a course of cost cutting, which saw many players either sold, loaned or released. Following the slide I think the American/ Canadian owners realised some cash injection was needed and we have duly signed nine players in the summer.
What do you make of your summer activity?
To be honest I think the jury is still out. Our CEO Tom Glick stated we could have our season ticket money back if we didn’t like who we had signed during the summer break. Not sure at the moment if anyone took up the offer before this afternoons opening game.
There has not really been any big named player sign but we have taken Nathan Tyson from Forest on a free, which pleased them no end. We have also bought England U21 Goalkeeper Frank Fielding from Blackburn.
From what you have read and seen, how do you think blues will do this season?
Like the manager appointment, he should one of the leading managers in the Championship this season and can see the Blues doing very well, a minimum of a sixth place finish. Having said that this is a very competitive league this season and there will be intense competition for those top six places.
Which of our players do you worry about the most the most for Saturday
Don’t know about worried but we had Adam Rooney here for a trial but didn’t take up the option on him. Sods law says he will score against us on Saturday (put a tenner on it). Cameron Jerome is another I am sure will keep our back line busy.
Who should we be worried about?
To be honest we have that many new faces and hopefully new formation and tactics I wouldn’t like to say who you should be worried about. Jamie Ward, has shown flashes of what he can do to defenses whilst on loan last season. He is now a permanent signing and can hopefully carry on the good work.
How do you think the game will go on Saturday?
May be a nervous first half as we have home advantage but a relatively new side. Hopefully Brum will be feeling their way back into this league and both sides can hopefully give us all a good game. Traditionally the Rams do not start a season well, so maybe a draw.
Score prediction
1-1
Where do you think both teams will finish this season?
Birmingham a top six finish, if things go well, may well get in the automatic promotion places, but as I said previously this is a very competitive league and anything can, and most probably will.
The Rams have to firstly gel as a team before they can improve on last season. It will hopefully happen sooner rather than later but can only see Derby County reaching mid table.
Adam Rooney was not on trial. Getting his Rooney’s mixed up.
it must have been Wayne he was talking about. lol
i think if both sides agree to play 90 minutes each way and agree to extra time, there could be a goal otherwise it will be 0-0