HITC Sport speaks to Derby County fan AD Martin, who has been a supporter for 36 years.
General view at Pride Park
Q: What have you made of your team’s start to the season?
A: Started awfully under Pearson and then Steve McClaren turned it around. But, as seems to be the case every single year, we’ve fallen away and managed to mess things up. It’s become a bit laughable now.
Q: What are your opinions on your manager?
A: Loved him when he was he the first time around. I think the Newcastle saga has left a bit of a sour taste personally. Not impressed at all by how we’re playing at the moment but he needs a summer to bring in some better players.
Derby manager Steve McClaren
Q: What are your views on the board?
A: Mel Morris puts his money where his mouth in, but he’s made errors. Sacking Clement was wrong. You can see how well he’s doing at Swansea City now. And he had us in fifth place! Ludicrous decision. Needs to back us again this summer because the squad needs a proper overhaul.
Q: Who is your favourite current player?
A: George Thorne. We miss him massively.
Q: Who is your favourite ever player?
A: Igor Stimac.
Derby County’s Igor Stimac
Q: What has been your best memory of the club?
A: The seasons under Jim Smith in the top flight. Best football I’ve seen Derby play.
Q: What has been your most disappointing moment?
A: Dropping out of the play-offs on the last day of the season in 2015. We got hammered by Reading. It was absolutely humiliating.
Q: What has been your most shocking moment?
A: Sacking Paul Clement.
Paul Clement
Q: Describe the best goal you ever saw at your club’s home ground
A: Johnny Russel’s hit against Nottingham Forest when we beat them 5-0. Absolute belter of a strike and against our biggest rivals.
Q: Which ground is your favourite away day?
A: Best I’ve ever been to was Old Trafford (Manchester United).
Q: Who do you consider to be the club’s biggest rival and why?
A: Nottingham Forest.
Derby County celebrate after Nottingham Forest’s Nicklas Bendtner scores an own goal
Q: Who do you feel has been the club’s best and worst signing this season?
A: Best has been David Nugent. He’s got a great attitude, just the kind we need at our club. I wouldn’t say there has been a worst as Anya has played his part, De Sart has looked good and Vydra is just starting to come into his own.
Q: Who is your one player to watch out for this season?
A: Matej Vydra. I think he will come good if played off a striker.
Derby County’s Matej Vydra in action
Q: Is there a particular youth player that excites you, and why?
A: Max Lowe looks a very good young player. As does Offrande Zanzala. Shame he’s been injured this season.
Q: Where do you think the club will look to strengthen in the summer?
A: I think we need a new central midfielder and someone to play on the left. Chris Martin coming back should sort us out, striker wise.
Q: Finally, what are your aims for this season, and where do you think your club will finish?
A: Finish strong. Rebuild in the summer. Push for promotion.
Leeds’ Lewis Cook in action with Derby’s George Thorne
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