Clough wants 'two or three' more to take the next step
NIGEL Clough believes two or three new signings this summer will see Derby County push on next season.
Derby brought their Championship campaign to a close on Saturday with a 1-1 home draw against Peterborough United.
A point gave the Rams a total of 64 – their third best tally in 16 seasons – and a finishing position of 12th, their highest in five years.
Clough sums up the season in one word – "progress".
Orders taken over £2000 , will receive £100 off and the option to take 2 years interest free credit
Terms: £100 off only on orders over £2000 with the option to take 2 years interest free credit , this offer ends bank holiday Monday 27th may 4 pm , this voucher must be printed and presented on ordering .
Contact: 01332 419898
Valid until: Monday, May 27 2013
Now the manager is planning for 2012-13 and has identified the players he would like to bring in to help push Derby closer to the top six.
"I feel we are not far away – and we've not been able to say that for a while," said Clough.
"It has been a season of moving forward and we will look to build on it next season.
"The majority of the players we brought in last summer have made a difference.
"We sat here 12 months ago and said we needed five or six players to take us to the next level and we have done that.
"Now we are identifying what we need to take us to the next level.
"I think we just need two or three more players to improve us again."
Clough is keen to boost Derby's quality in the final third and add goals to the team.
Derby are also interested in Northampton Town's wide midfielder Michael Jacobs and are eyeing cover for Gareth Roberts at left-back.
A realistic aim for Derby this season was a top-half finish, although Clough admits he is a touch disappointed and frustrated by their final position.
"We are a bit disappointed and I think that is a good thing," he said.
"We were hoping for ninth or 10th and I think the season we've had deserved that but until we put a finishing touch to some of our play, where we are is where we are going to be."
Clough is pleased with the consistency shown by his team since Christmas.
"We were the only team in the country to win our three games over the Christmas and New Year period," he said.
"From then on, although the results have not always gone for us, I think our performances have been very, very consistent.
"The second half of the season has pleased us.
"I don't think we have played badly for a whole game or had an off-day in any one of the games since then Christmas.
"I think our last off-day was against Cardiff in November.
"Our performances have been of a certain standard and above a certain level since then."
Comments
by WIKLOW
Thursday, May 03 2012, 12:56PM
“Pearson's pedigree? He managed the club shop at Leeds United...nuff said.”
by jjramfan
Wednesday, May 02 2012, 5:57PM
“dcfm - are you getting a little confused? Not sure I can recall Adam Pearson actually playing football.................”
by PeteDerby1
Wednesday, May 02 2012, 3:24PM
“Derbydeano - you should know by now that our Tadleyram won't let facts get in the way of a good moan! :-)”
by Zak589
Wednesday, May 02 2012, 3:07PM
“now was a typo”
by 1977RamRaider
Wednesday, May 02 2012, 2:50PM
“Is that not or now Zak?”
by Zak589
Wednesday, May 02 2012, 11:06AM
“Surely anyone who watched Will Hughes on Saturday can't fail to be thinking now we are going the right way. His performance cheered me up no end. I am no looking forward to next season!”
by newforestram
Tuesday, May 01 2012, 9:58PM
“Where was NC when we were hammered at st mary s..that s one game he forgot about...toothless..least we can miss the trip there now..hope cardiff go up..they must love playing us ..6 pts...thank you”
by SpiritaTenant
Tuesday, May 01 2012, 7:31PM
“Progress? Yes. Now next season I (and others I sit near) expect Derby to be challenging to go up next season. I like Nigel and the Board but it's now time to show us some "ambition" from above.
I think the players have done well this season filling in for injuries, etc.
I know there's a budget but it does get to you when teams that owe more out than they own in the play offs or going up.”
by Derbydeano
Tuesday, May 01 2012, 7:25PM
“Tadley the last players we brought in who were player of the years were Shackell and Bryson”
by mjf75
Tuesday, May 01 2012, 6:25PM
“Derby-Stu good shout on Pearson you must be having a laugh, he's the muppet responsible for saddling us with those tight wad ambition less YANKS !”