Derby County striker Conor Sammon tipped to be future target man for Republic or Ireland by manager Giovanni Trapattoni

“Le Fondre keeps coming up as the one that got away. I would imagine that there's at least 30 clubs in the same position; wishing they'd moved for him now they've seen what he's doing at Reading. Derby certainly alone in that one.

I remember us being linked with Robbie Keen at the time when nobody wanted I take a punt on him either. It happens, and for all the ones that do successfully make the step up, there's another 20 who don't.

As Sam Rush says in his interview published today, DCFC is not in a position to be able to afford mistakes.

I wish we'd gone for him, but either he wasn't rated, or we couldn't afford his wages. Either way, it's history.”

“Good point Debandbarry - which is precisely what we are currently looking into as I have 2 tickets so the total increase is £150. I guess that this is being done to accommodate more youngsters but it still feels like a kick in the teeth for our previous support over the years. In my case alone I have followed Rams fortunes since being a "Little Un" in 1947 and worked for the club in different capacities but I can understand that they want younger people as they are the crowds of the future. If we are unable to relocate then that will be the end of that and I know many that will be in the same boat!! Apparently the DET is doing a special about it on Friday.”

“60 yr old...I understand you might not be able to afford the increase, but instead of not renewing why don't you just buy a season ticket in a cheaper category.”

“Yes Pete, Sammon might not be everyone's cup of tea but he does work very hard for our team even if he doesn't score the goals that many would like. As you rightly say such a target man would cost more than our budgets could manage although I do feel that we could have managed to recruit Adam Le Fondre some 4 years ago when he was at Rotherham but of course is now out of range. It seems inevitable that some of the youngsters will have to be sold - against my personal wishes - to stop the £8M trading losses the club have been living with these past 2 seasons.
Having been considering budgets recently the renewal for next season's season tickets have arrived today and the likes of myself in the East Stand are looking at increases of £75 due to re-categorisation from B - A. Looks as if there could be many who are not going to be able to attend next term especially in light of the abject depression many feel about GSE and a perceived malaise of ambition.”

“Probably, yes.

Sometimes he takes 3 touches compared to what a £8million+++ striker does in one, but equally he's played some neat 1-touch and also win / dribble / pass moves.

I think the majority of fans would agree that he brings fair bit to Derby AND that someone twice as good would be twice the price - and GSE has never sancioned a £2.4 purchase in 6 years, so one is not likely to be emerging any time soon.

Even if a better player emerges on a free out of contract, their wages would also be out of our reach.

For me, Sammon is far away from what my ideal DCFC striker would be, but he's certainly delivering good value for us with his all round contribution.

Clearly, the Ireland manager thinks so too.”

“Has he been watching the right player - 1, 2 and 3 touch football?!”