| Author: David Walker |
Derby County
Odds: 50/1
Last Five Seasons
2005/06 - 20 (Championship), 2004/05 - 4 (Championship), 2003/04 - 20 (Championship), 2002/03 - 18 (Championship), 2001/02 - 19 (Premiership, Relegated).
2005/06 Cup Progress
FA Cup Fourth Round vs Colchester United (a) - lost 3-1.
Carling Cup First Round vs Grimsby Town (h) - lost 1-0.
Top Goal Scorer 2005/06: Inigo Idiakez (midfield) - 11 goals.
Players In
Steve Howard (Luton Town - '1,000,000)
Players Out
Pablo Mills (Rotherham United - Free), Tomasz Hajto (LKS Lodz - Free), Jeff Kenna (Released), Kevin Poole (Released).
The 2005/06 campaign was disastrous for Derby County and they finished just two places and eight points above the relegation zone. The Rams have struggled in the Championship following their relegation to the second tier in 2002 and bar a remarkable performance two seasons ago, have been languishing just above the bottom three since their arrival.
This miserable run of underachievement could come to an end this term, following the appointment of Billy Davies as manager. Davies was unveiled as the replacement for Terry Westley after the club agreed a generous compensation package with his former club Preston North End, amounting to almost two years of Davies' wages.
Davies had been in charge of Preston since August 2004 and took the Lilywhites to the play offs in successive seasons, just the performance needed for a club of Derby's stature. Davies was also interviewed for the manager's role at Charlton Athletic, but missed out to Iain Dowie.
Davies' first signing was that of Luton Town striker Steve Howard for '1 million. The former Hartlepool United and Northampton Town forward became Derby's most expensive purchase since the costly acquisition of flop Francois Grenet in November 2001. Howard scored 15 goals last season for the Hatters and agreed a three year contract after more than five years at Kenilworth Road.
Bar the somewhat surprising signing of Howard, the Rams have not been able to strengthen their squad further, although Davies has expressed an interest in Stephen Pearson. The Celtic midfielder played under Davies during their time at Motherwell before he moved to Glasgow in January 2004 and his former manager tried to sign him for Preston during the January transfer window.
Verdict
The appointment of Billy Davies could mean the good times will return to Pride Park after the club has languished near the bottom of whatever division they played in over the last five years or so. The signing of Steve Howard will bring a much needed goal threat in attack although this could be a settling in period for the club. A top half of the table finish, but not good enough for the play offs this time around. |
Author Bio:
David Walker runs Kerry McGregor and free bets websites. |
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