The East Midlands rivals face off against each other on Saturday.
Derby’s Marcus Olsson in action with Nottingham Forest’s Patjim Kasami
New Nottingham Forest manager Mark Warburton’s first game for the club will redefine the phrase ‘baptism of fire’ as the Reds take on their fierce rivals Derby County at The City Ground.
The Reds are currently deep in a relegation battle and find themselves two points above the drop zone, but depending on results during the week, could go into the match from the bottom three.
While Derby fans may be saying the same about their new manager Gary Rowett, who will also be making his Rams bow on Saturday, it’s more imperative for Forest that Warburton – irrespective of the result – isn’t judged on the outcome.
The Forest-Derby clash can turn many a player or a manager into a hero or a villain at the click of a finger. Former Forest striker Marcus Tudgay is a prime example, as he was a poor player for the Reds, but two goals against Derby in a 5-2 win in 2010 cemented his status and at times, he was immune to criticism.
Derby’s Johnny Russell in action with Nottingham Forest’s Matt Mills
It also works the other way – Lewis McGugan was sent off once for Forest against the Rams in what turned out to be a 1-1 draw, and his every mistake was made out to be a season defining crime for a fairly long period of time.
Given Warburton’s track record, this can’t be allowed to happen. If Forest go down, he’s the best man to take them up – if they survive, he’s also the best man to take them forward. Quite frankly, he needs time.
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