Bailey aiming to bag more goals after Rams opener
YOUNG midfielder James Bailey believes he is capable of more goals after breaking his senior duck.
Bailey, who joined Derby County from Crewe Alexandra this summer as part of the deal that also brought John Brayford to Pride Park, scored his first goal for the Rams in last weekend's 2-2 draw against Queens Park Rangers.
The 21-year-old did not manage to find the net in 55 first-team appearances for Crewe.
In fact, when Derby signed him, they were told his last goal had come in an under-15 match for Crewe's Academy.
To be fair to the player, he was used in a defensive role by Crewe boss Dario Gradi, playing just in front of the back four.
Although Bailey now plays in the midfield two of Derby's 4-2-3-1 formation, the presence of captain Robbie Savage alongside him has given him more licence to push forward and join the attack.
He was on target in the pre-season friendly against Bournemouth and his precise curling finish against QPR belied his past history.
Rams boss Nigel Clough has challenged him to get more goals and Bailey feels he can do just that.
"I definitely feel like I've got more goals in me," said the youngster, who was named in the Championship team of the week for his most recent display.
"I need to work on my shooting but the role I am in now will give me more chance to do that.
"At Crewe, my role was more defensive, a bit like Robbie Savage does for us.
"Now, the gaffer wants me to get forward more and score goals, so it's up to me to produce that.
"I've always believed in myself but it is a role I'm not used to, so it's all new to me.
"I've got to get used to it soon and, hopefully, get some more goals."
Apart from his new-found eye for goal, Bailey's passing has also been impressive in the early stages of the 2010-11 Championship campaign.
This was a feature of his game that was honed within Crewe's renowned youth set-up.
"I haven't always wanted to pass the ball," said Bailey. "I used to want to be like (Cristiano) Ronaldo and take people on all the time but, somehow, I didn't end up with those sort of skills!
"But this is how Crewe have taught me to be – get the ball, try not to dwell on it too much and pass it about.
"It fits in with Derby's system perfectly but I still need to get on the ball more and start more plays off by getting the ball to Commo (Kris Commons) and Greenie (Paul Green), and then work off them."
8 Comments
by G STAR RAM, DCFC
Sunday, September 05 2010, 5:13PM
“Stevo, have absolutely no problem with the petition you are posting for people to sign, would be interested to know how many people have actually signed it.
Also what is the plan for removing GSE? Who will be taking over?”
by Stevo, ilson
Sunday, September 05 2010, 12:42PM
“http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/dcfcgseout/”
by G STAR RAM, DCFC
Sunday, September 05 2010, 12:21PM
“Yawn yawn yawn Dave Burton (or Derby when you forget where you come from).
Call me a tw@t all you want but I think the reaction to your posts over the last 6 weeks summer holidays will give you an indication of what people think of your posting and who the real tw@t is.
How can you comment on Savage as a player, you only see 50% of the games at most.
Do us all a favour and post your negative boring tripe on a site where people are interested in what you have to say. (Forest forums)”
by Watcher, Derby
Sunday, September 05 2010, 11:19AM
“Dave, Burton...why? Thank God the schools are back next week. Perhaps some remedial literacy work might be in order. Failing that, some group work on positive thinking may not go amiss?”
by dave, burton
Sunday, September 05 2010, 7:50AM
“Savage calling for the welsh manager to step down, because he thinks he isn't doing a good job? Is this the same robbie savage that give's average performances at best and captain's a side that loses more than they win? The same savage, that rolls around trying to get other players sent off? The same savage that admitted playing poor and not trying to lose games at blackburn rovers? just so he could get a move else where? iv'e got some advice for you mr savage, try looking at yourself before you try getting other people the sack. Do us all a favour and just quit now robbie, because i for one am sick of paying to watch a over payed clown like you. But while your best mate clough is manager there's not much chance of that is they?”
by dave, burton
Sunday, September 05 2010, 7:37AM
“and there he is g star tw@t yet again”
by G STAR RAM, DCFC
Saturday, September 04 2010, 7:34PM
“Yeah good point there Dave, we don't want players trying to play football properly and developing their games as well.
BOOOO BAILEY OUT BAILEY OUT.”
by dave, burton
Saturday, September 04 2010, 12:45PM
“YAWN YAWN YAWN”