It is three wins in five games for McClaren at Derby, with the Rams looking up at last following a dismal start to the season.
Steve McClaren has admitted to Derby County’s official website that he has been taken aback by the rate of the team’s progression since he returned to the iPro Stadium last month.
A brace from Tom Ince and a thunderbolt volley from Darren Bent (below) inspired the Rams to successive wins for the first time this season with a thrilling 3-2 triumph over Wolves at Molineux.
Derby were superb in the opening 45 on Saturday, showcasing glimpses of the verve and style that characterised McClaren’s first season at the iPro Stadium while ensuring that the club continues to pull away from the danger zone and within two wins of the play-off positions.
And the former England manager has paid tribute to his resurgent charges, admitting that he is surprised how quickly the team has recovered from the turmoil of Nigel Pearson’s reign.
“I feel we’re making good progress. I didn’t expect us to reach the level we hit in the first half so quickly,” McClaren told the club’s official website.
“We controlled the game so well and made chances, which was the most pleasing thing.
“It’s not just about the football; the attitude, work rate and aggression was excellent. We didn’t allow them to settle, we got on the ball and played our football; we should have scored more goals.
“It shouldn’t have been as close as it was and some of the chances were very good. I couldn’t believe we only had two goals.”
McClaren’s return certainly appears to have rejuvenated both of Saturday’s goal-scorers, with Bent finally netting for the first time this season with a strike he admitted ranks as one of the best of his career, as reported by Derby’s website.
Ince, too, admitted to the Derby Telegraph last month he was hoping working under the former Newcastle manager again would help him rediscover the form that made him one of English football’s brightest talents.
Just a few weeks later and he produced one of his most effective performances in recent memory with Derby beginning to salvage their season.
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