HITC Sport speaks to Derby County fan Mick Smith, who has been a supporter for 40 years.
General view at Pride Park
Q: What have you made of your team’s start to the season?
A: Poor start under Pearson – think those points dropped at the start of the season will have cost us a chance at the play-offs now.
Q: What are your opinions on your manager?
A: Love Gary Rowett. The kind of character Derby have been crying out for since Nigel Clough left in my opinion. I hope he is given the time to build something here.
Derby County manager Gary Rowett
Q: What are your views on the board?
A: Big fan of Mel Morris. He makes the tough decisions and backs us in the transfer window.
Q: Who is your favourite current player?
A: Johnny Russell – wears his heart on his sleeve.
Q: Who is your favourite ever player?
A: Stefano Eranio.
Stefano Eranio – Derby County
Q: What has been your best memory of the club?
A: Premier League era under Jim Smith.
Q: What has been your most disappointing moment?
A: Our most recent season in the Premier League, and the year under Jewell that followed.
Q: What has been your most shocking moment?
A: Sacking Paul Clement was a big surprise. Hiring Pearson was a bigger one!
Former Derby County manager Nigel Pearson
Q: Describe the best goal you ever saw at your club’s home ground
A: Chris Martin against Wolves during the Clement period. Curled into the top corner after a smart turn.
Q: Which ground is your favourite away day?
A: Deepdale (Preston North End).
Q: Who do you consider to be the club’s biggest rival and why?
A: Nottingham Forest without a shadow of a doubt.
Q: Who do you feel has been the club’s best and worst signing?
A: Best has been Vydra or Nugent – both coming to life under Gary Rowett. Worst has been De Sart.
Derby’s Matej Vydra celebrates scoring with David Nugent (R)
Q: Who is your one player to watch out for this season?
A: Matej Vydra looking lively between now and the end of the season.
Q: Is there a particular youth player that excites you, and why?
A: Max Lowe – excellent young player.
Q: Where do you think the club will look to strengthen in the summer?
A: New central defender, along with a couple more.
Q: Finally, what are your aims for this season, and where do you think your club will finish?
A: Promotion, by any means necessary!
Derby County celebrate
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
