Hulse and Porter can be effective partnership for Rams, says Garner
ANDY Garner believes Derby County's strike partnership of Rob Hulse and Chris Porter can be a hit.
Hulse and Porter are set to continue in tonight's Championship clash against Reading at the Madejski Stadium (8pm) after they helped the Rams beat Watford at the weekend.
They have started only six matches together – three this season, three last – and both are tall target men and similar in style.
Rams coach Garner, a striker for most of his career, does not see it as a problem and recalls a similar partnership he had with Dave Bamber at Blackpool in the early 90s.
Both Garner and Bamber stood 6ft plus and scored goals.
Their contributions to Blackpool saw them inducted in the club's Hall of Fame at Bloomfield Road.
"I can remember when I played at Blackpool with Dave. We were two big lads and people didn't think it would work but it did. It was OK," said Garner.
"Rob and Chris are both big lads and have a good touch.
"Obviously, it (the pairing) lacks a little bit of dynamic pace but I think they both work off each other quite well. I don't think there is any problem with that at all."
Hulse is the Rams' leading scorer with 10 goals and his partner up front was Kris Commons until the Scottish international tore a hamstring last month.
Porter has hit three goals, including two in his last two appearances, but he only returned to the squad in December after a nine-month lay-off with a hip problem.
His finish in the victory over Watford on Saturday earned praise from the Rams coaching staff.
"I felt he would score as soon as he got away that yard and a half from the defender," said Garner.
"He does that a lot in training. In one-on-one situations, he is a very, very good finisher.
"On a bobbly pitch, you have a lot to do in such a situation with 20 yards to run but he got the ball under control, kept his eye on it and put it away superbly."
Derby Reserves' game against Sheffield United Reserves has been rearranged for Wednesday, March 24, at Alfreton Town's Impact Arena (2pm).
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by MB, Derby
Wednesday, March 10 2010, 3:55PM
“Now there's no otherway of saying this but I hope that team isn't Forest but equally I'd want it to be a Billy Davies team because, to me, he sums up the problem to me. At Preston, Derby, and Forest he always seems to want more money, if he doesn't get it he has a rant or goes to the paper; transfer windows come - "more money", bad signing -"more money", player injured - "more money", someone has a player he likes -"more money".
I didn't want to get back onto tbe Derby v Forest track but I can't think of anybody else who operates like that instead of actually managing with a good team...and seeing what that type of manager did to Derby first hand it's a miracle we are still here. Now if you can think of another manager who does that then by all means think of him to avoid this being personal”
by GAZ, Derby
Wednesday, March 10 2010, 3:36PM
“In any other line of business the directors would face the severe consequences of illegally trading but as you say the football men just get a pat on the back.
I reallly hope a club goes bust soon because I think as soon as one does it will open a few eyes and team may be made to get themselves in order.
Hopefully this would mean lower prices for fans eventually...but I doubt it!”
by MB, Derby
Wednesday, March 10 2010, 3:32PM
“True...I'm not sure why Man Utd etc can get away with it - I suppose they have infinite promise and potential and therefore value. To me the Premier league should have said 'tough' to Pompey instead of takibg a little bit of money here, a tweak there and putting an arm around them. It's always the most irritating clubs that get away with it too...it'll just be a miracle when a winding up order results on a winding up and can't be brushed aside for months at a time...you can either pay it or you can't and, if you can't, tough.
It also amazes me that clubs choose to continue operating like it despite the warnings and implications.”
by GAZ, Derby
Wednesday, March 10 2010, 3:31PM
“Boring for life, as soon as a decent discussion gets underway you are no where to be seen. Clown.”
by GAZ, Derby
Wednesday, March 10 2010, 3:17PM
“MB, you only habe to look to the top of the club game and see how teams are allowed to operate beyond their means, Man Utd and Real Madrid are classic examples.
When they are continually allowed to get away with it other teams have to follow suit to try and keep up.
I notice Portsmouth will not be allowed to play in Europe next year should they win the FA cup. Man Utd are some £600million more in debt than Portsmouth so I assume they will be banned too?
You also have to question how the people that run these clubs jump from one club to another. Why would anyone want Ridsdale at their club after what he did to Leeds?
The game has gone mad and unfortunately its us that pay for it (even though we all get free tickets of course!)”