Ahead of tonight’s match versus Derby County at Pride Park in League One, which will be refereed by Peter Wright, we have done a Q&A with one of their supporters. Thank you to Cory from the Rams Review Podcast for answering the questions!
NEW QUIZ: How much can you remember from the two matches at Pride Park versus Derby County last season? Have a go at the quiz at the bottom of the page or simply CLICK HERE (opens in a new window)!
Match Thread: Derby County v Lincoln City
How long have you supported Derby County?
I have been a Derby County supporter for more than 25 years. I’m American and I live outside of Washington D.C., but my dad is from Derbyshire, so it’s always been a part of who I am. I travel annually to Derby and catch several games. I’m always glued to the radio or TV to watch every match as well!
What were and now are your hopes and expectations for the 2023/24 season?
Promotion was the aim at the start of the season and still is. Whether that is automatic promotion or via the playoffs, it makes no difference to me.
What are your views on your manager?
Paul Warne is dividing the fan base at the moment. Is he the right man for Derby? Not sure. He’s an extremely likable character and because of that, you are rooting for him to succeed. That being said, he has to get a promotion this year, if he doesn’t, he won’t be in the dugout come next season.
Style of play and tactics – direct/passing/hybrid?
Derby are pretty direct. We like to get the ball down the wings and into the box. We are consistent at the back and that helps to provide the platform for all that we do. The full-backs overlap and are big supply lines for us. It allows our wing players to get into the box as well and pick up other positions on the final third which helps give us options when attacking.
One(s) to watch now and in the future?
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing has been our best player this season. The Guatemalan international has been electric and his pace abs skill is enough to scare any fullback.
Defender Eiran Cashin is a steady young defender who had Brighton sniffing around him in the summer. He’s a real throwback of a defender and is extremely brave. He can get caught out of position sometimes but he works extremely hard. The same can be said for midfield Max Bird, who has interested Hull City. Bird keeps this side ticking over and when he’s in form, he’s class at this level.
Random fact about your Club?
Our previous stadium was called The Baseball Ground as it was originally used for Derby Baseball Club. It opened in 1890 and the football club moved into the ground in 1895. We stayed there until 1997.
Which were your favourite and least favourite matches involving Derby County?
The playoff semi-final second leg against Leeds was an amazing night! That’ll live long in the memory. But for me, it has to a preseason match against Stoke City as that was the first time I saw The Rams in person.
The playoff final against QPR is the worst I’ve experienced. That was absolutely heartbreaking and looking back at it now was really a catalyst for all the problems that the club has gone through over the past few years.
Which sides do you think will finish in the top six and bottom four?
Top six (in no particular order): Portsmouth, Oxford, Blackpool, Derby, Peterborough, Bolton.
Bottom four (no particular order): Cheltenham, Fleetwood, Reading, Exeter.
What are your thoughts on Lincoln City?
The Imps seem to be having a great season! They’ve quietly snuck up the table and have a real shot at the Playoffs.
If you could steal one Lincoln player for your team, who would it be and why?
Tyler Walker. I’ve always been impressed with him. He seems to have lost his way in recent seasons but I’m convinced there is a player in there waiting to be unleashed.
What is your prediction for this match?
Derby are normally strong at home. We need a win to keep the momentum going. 2-0 to The Rams.
"He's an extremely likeable character and because of that, you are rooting for him to succeed." (Q&A):https://t.co/jtzbdWgN0M
Thank you to Cory from @ramsreview1 for answering the questions!#DCFC #DCFCfans #WeAreImps
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) December 21, 2023
