The Rams have gone from being well in the play-off mix to finding themselves 10 points off the pace.
Derby County’s Matej Vydra looks dejected
Following Derby County’s 0-0 Championship draw with Burton Albion, the Rams’ play-off hopes seem all but over, barring a complete change in form.
Steve McClaren’s side are yet to win in February, with two defeats and two draws from their four league fixtures leaving the Rams 11th – 10 points behind 6th placed Sheffield Wednesday – while they also exited the FA Cup to Leicester City.
It’s stark contrast to where Derby were at the end of January, where the Rams were sixth having lost just two league games in three months.
So, what’s gone wrong for the Rams? For years now, Derby seem to have choked at critical times – the 2014 play-off final defeat against 10 man Queens Park Rangers immediately springs to mind, while the club have blown away solid promotion chances in the last two seasons.
Derby County’s Darren Bent looks dejected after the game
Is the issue maybe a mental one perhaps? If so, what can McClaren do to amend that? Alternatively, some fans have been complaining about a total lack of tempo in Derby’s approach play, suggesting that fatigue could be an issue.
If so, this would suggest that Derby didn’t have a great pre-season as they’re not fit enough, heaping more blame on former manager Nigel Pearson’s shoulders, who resigned after 14 matches this season.
Derby have thrown money at this team – and it may take more cash yet to fully resolve matters – but it seems that McClaren will be preparing for another season in the Championship next year, rather than gearing up for the Premier League.
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