Fan view: Derby County

Rob Wildey speaks to Ollie Wright from The Derby Blog.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON STEVE MCCLAREN?

When McClaren left for Newcastle last year, the aftermath turned out to be nothing but chaos. Derby were in sore need of stability from somewhere after the dismissal of Nigel Pearson, but while owner Mel Morris made it clear that he was pining for 2013/4 era performances, it was still a real surprise when Morris buried the hatchet with McClaren. Those bridges seemed to have been permanently burned. 

McClaren undeniably let us down in 2014/5, but seems genuinely motivated to make up for it and the results have been spectacular so far.  The really impressive thing about him is his knack for getting the best out of his players.  Bradley Johnson, Tom Ince, Alex Pearce and Chris Baird are among those who couldn’t get a game under Pearson, yet now form the indispensable core of the team and look like impressive players at this level. Confidence is flowing through the side, principally because they have been given jobs to do which match their attributes.

WHAT WOULD REPRESENT A GOOD SEASON FOR DERBY? WOULD FINISHING OUTSIDE THE TOP SIX BE CLASSED FAILURE?

There is a strong play-off chasing pack, but given current performance levels, missing out on the the top six would be a real disappointment.  Unfortunately, I think that automatic promotion is highly unlikely now, as Newcastle and Brighton will go the distance and nobody will catch them. Perhaps the Mac will lay those Wembley ghosts to rest this May?  Who knows, but after the waking nightmare of Pearson, it’s just nice to be able to dream again. 

WHICH DERBY PLAYER SHOULD BIRMINGHAM BE WARY OF?

Tom Ince has become our attacking leader and primary goal threat, cutting inside from the right.  He has scored seven goals in the last seven games.  After the dire start to the season under Pearson, we badly needed somebody to step up and Ince has been exceptional in recent weeks. Birmingham will need to nullify him to have any chance of winning the game.

IF YOU COULD SIGN ONE BIRMINGHAM PLAYER FOR THE DERBY TEAM WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

Tabloids reported that Derby were interested in Lukas Jutkiewicz before he joined Brum permanently and I can see why, as he could have been a natural fit for the Rams.  After Pearson’s dreadful decision to send Chris Martin to Fulham on loan, we have been missing a physical striker who is able to hold the ball up.

WHAT SHOULD BIRMINGHAM EXPECT FROM DERBY?

It’s a little bit different from the last few years, as we are defensively more organised and resilient and not quite as patient in building attacks by passing out from the back.  Offensively, we’re arguably too reliant on Ince at the minute, but I’ve been impressed with our discipline, work ethic and solidity without the ball.  It will take a good team to beat us.

WHAT IS YOUR PREDICTION FOR THE GAME? 

2-0 Derby.  I can’t help thinking that the Rowett sacking was unjustifiable and that we may well have caught Birmingham at a good time.  Derby have been very impressive of late and I think they will be really relishing the prospect of back-to-back festive home games.  It’s just a shame that this one is not being played on Boxing Day!