After their revival under Steve McClaren, can Derby County finally achieve their target of promotion back to the Premier League?
In his first spell with Derby County, Steve McClaren engineered a miraculous charge to the play-off final, after taking over the reigns from Nigel Clough. Changing Derby’s style of play to a fluid, attacking 4-3-3, McClaren transformed the Rams fortunes and arguably, in that first season in 2013/14, turned them into the feared, free-flowing Championship side they are today.
But after interest from Newcastle United, Steve McClaren’s head was turned, and following a poor end to the 14/15 Championship campaign, the former England manager lost his job, soon turning up at St James’ Park. Now, after a cycle of managers including Paul Clement (now at Swansea City), Darren Wassall and Nigel Pearson, the Mac has returned to Pride Park, and once again appears to be working his magic in turning the Rams around.
So, will McClaren get it right this time around? Is this the year Derby County finally clinch promotion? HITC Sport travelled to Pride Park to ask Rams fans…
Derby County manager Steve McClaren
Derby fans seemed pretty split on this, with some thinking they could do it, or probably would do it, or might do it. However, Derby fans were in agreement that the target was just to get in the play-offs, and that the turn around since the beginning of the season was sensational.
One Derby fan suggested that he was positive Derby had the squad to get out of the Championship, “especially after bringing in David Nugent, as some Middlesbrough fans said if it wasn’t for Nugent they wouldn’t have gotten promoted.” However, plenty of Derby fans were happy to keep their feet on the ground. If it takes another year, with McClaren bringing in a few more players to fit his system in the summer, Derby fans are likely to be patient enough to wait for that final leap up into the Premier League.
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General view of Derby County fans
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