Dickov may be handed longer Rams loan
NIGEL Clough says striker Paul Dickov is playing his way to a possible extended stay at Derby County.
Dickov once again received a standing ovation when he was substituted 13 minutes from the end of Saturday's 2-1 victory over Reading at Pride Park Stadium.
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Paul Dickov
The 37-year-old Scot, who is on loan from Leicester City, has helped the Rams to three of their six wins this season.
His loan is up in January but Clough said Dickov had given him food for thought.
"He certainly has," said Clough. "You don't let players like Paul go easily.
"Around the place he is good, whether he is starting matches or on the bench.
"He is a good trainer and his contribution on the pitch has been very good.
"It might just depend on who is here and who is not here in January when it comes to strikers."
Dickov's impressive performances have surprised most of the supporters and they have been quick to applaud his contribution.
He set up both goals for Rob Hulse in the home victory over Coventry earlier this month and had a big hand in Paul Green's equaliser against Reading.
Dickov told the Derby Telegraph recently that he would jump at the chance to stay longer.
He was left out of the defeat at Swansea but earned a recall for the Reading game despite Derby bringing in pacy front man DJ Campbell, also on loan from Leicester.
"Paul deserved to start and he was very good indeed," said Clough.
"He gave a very mature performance, made the first goal for us and was the reason why DJ did not get on.
"But it was nice just to have another striker on the bench in case.
"Having a strong bench was as important as anything.
"Being able to bring Miles Addison on, Dean Moxey on, and Jake Livermore as a makeshift right-back makes a huge difference."
Clough said he had words with Dickov and Hulse at half-time about holding the ball up better.
"We were having a go at them a little bit because we didn't think they held the ball up for us in the first half," added Clough.
"Every time they did, we created a chance or looked as though we would create one.
"They did it better in the second half. Both goals came from doing that. We look a different team once we get hold of the ball up front."
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by John H, Spondon, Derby
Tuesday, December 01 2009, 1:54PM
“I believe Nigel and the club are moving in the right direction, small steps at a time. The Directors of the club have the finances under control, for the first time in many years. It has proved in the past that changing managers once a month and throwing money at expensive transfers just does not work. There are supporters who suggest that more investment is required, thats ok until you ask these supporters who we should buy, then there is a silence. His Father took small steps at a time with many of his first singings unknowns, but he got there. Nigel will.”
by firthy, ilkeston
Monday, November 30 2009, 9:55PM
“Derby need more investment
otherwise we are going to get overexcited about over the top players. We beat a poor side on sat. Some guys played well and the manager was positive playing two strikers and sending both centre halves up
for every dead ball situation.
But there were still big holes in tbe performance not least the passing and ball retention by the centre mids and the strikers
(first half). Biggest question mark for me is Rob Savage,
his best is ave - also pearson needs to move and demand the ball more.”
by ken, Derbyshire
Monday, November 30 2009, 8:08PM
“paul is a gem...he`ll always give 100%.....Please give him a contract.”
by Bournemouth fox, Dorset
Monday, November 30 2009, 5:08PM
“The pest is a great little player- he wont get a chance at Leicester but most Foxes wish him well”
by fylderam, Thornton Cleveleys
Monday, November 30 2009, 4:37PM
“Get Dickov signed for the season”