The Rams may be one of the favourites to be promoted from the Championship this season, although it’s possible that many of the Derby players will still be suffering from a hangover. That’s not because they’re heavy drinkers but more down the fact that County accrued just 11 points in the Premier League last season. Nevertheless, one man who’s backing them is their manager Paul Jewell, funny that!
The Derby Evening Telegraph is by far the greatest local paper the world has ever seen, and they carry the words of the scouser on the eve of the big kick-off. He seems all-too-aware of the club’s current reputation after such a dismal showing last campaign, and is keen as mustard to right those wrongs.
It would be understandable if Jewell were nervous ahead of the big kick off but when asked how he was feeling, he replied: “Nervous? No. Excited? Yes.
“I am not frightened by the challenge. I have been through a lot in my career, some good some bad, but I desperately want to do well for the support I have had here from the chairman and the fans.
“This is the best club I have been at as far as facilities and support is concerned.
“I would love to emulate the success I have had at other clubs here because the club is ready for it and the supporters deserve it.”
It’s been a strange old ride for Derby fans in the past two seasons. They weren’t expected to land promotion the season before last, with Billy Davies steering them to the promised land at the first time of asking. While it was clearly at least a season too early for the Rams, they are richer (financially especially) for the experience, can they go close this term?