That Derby County are anywhere near the play-off places is testimant to the incredible turnaround presided over by Steve McClaren.
For countless sniggering observers, Derby County’s decision to parachute Steve McClaren back into the iPro hotseat appeared uninspired at best, embarrassing at worst. After all, this was a man sacked just 17 months previously for failing to lead The Rams into the Premier League and here he was, appointed once more to lead The Rams into the Premier League.
A man whose reputation rises and falls likes the best Alton Towers has to offer, McClaren has evolved from the man who led Middlesbrough to the verge of European glory to ‘the wally with a brolly’ through serial winner in Holland and serial loser in Nottingham. And, in typical, fashion, he is now portrayed as one of the smartest coaches in the second tier (again) after been paraded as one of the most inept in the Premier League.
However, McClaren’s nomination for November’s Manager of the Month offers definitive proof that, on the white side of the East Midlands, he is at home. The statistics following his return betray nothing short of promotion form; eight Championship games, six wins, one draw, one loss and a win ratio of 75 per cent. There were triumphs over Leeds United, Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich City, featuring wondergoals from Darren Bent and tricks from Tom Ince.
Under McClaren’s predecessor, the sharp-tongued argumentathon Nigel Pearson, there was little of the above, wins or wondergoals in particular. The former Leicester City boss, the man of ostrich-accusations and touchline throttling, is not a universally liked individual. Not by Derby owner Mel Morris anyway. Or, understandably, by the club’s fans. After all, a tally of one win, three draws and five defeats isn’t the best way of endearing yourself to a new audience.
Oh, and did we mention Pearson’s frankly appalling tally of three goals? That’s precisely one ever 270 minutes of action to go with his 11 per cent win ratio. Not only has McClaren fired Derby to the top of the form table, he’s also cleared up the considerable wreckage left by a trademark Pearson implosion.
Fans may have cackled and sniggered at McClaren’s iPro return, but who’s laughing now?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
