Rams boss says defender Barker is showing his value
NIGEL Clough felt big summer signing Shaun Barker showed in the victory over Coventry City what a good centre-half he can be for Derby County.
Derby splashed out £900,000 to capture Barker from Blackpool and he made a slow and at times nervous start to his Rams career.
A thigh injury suffered in pre-season did not help the 27-year-old but he has started the last eight games to take his tally to 10 starts in 12 appearances.
Clough was pleased with Barker's performance against Coventry and sees signs that the player is starting to settle.
"I thought Shaun played very well," said Clough.
"That is the best he has headed the ball for us.
"Not in the first 15 or 20 minutes, when I thought him and Dean Leacock were not quite at it, but as the game went on Shaun headed magnificently.
"He attacked the ball at the back and when he went forward for set-pieces.
"We were disappointed with him at Ipswich for their goal. We don't care how many bodies were in the area, it is his job to get those bodies out of the way and head the ball. That is his job.
"He did that against Coventry but didn't do it at Ipswich.
"Shaun is still settling in. How many games as he played? Ten or so?
"It is still very early days. He and Dean Leacock will be fine."
Barker and Leacock are recognised as Derby's first-choice pairing at centre back but they have started only five games together and are still forming a partnership.
Two of the five matches ended in victories over Bristol City and Coventry and they helped the Rams to a goalless draw against Leicester City at the Walkers Stadium.
The two defeats were at Cardiff and Middlesbrough, although Leacock limped off after half an hour at Cardiff.
Miles Addison, who can play centre-half or in central midfield, is back in contention after missing six games with a foot injury and defender Jake Buxton could be available again after the international break.
Buxton underwent a hernia operation and then picked up a groin strain.
Clough says Buxton and Addison have been missed.
"They will vie for places," added Clough. "We have missed Jake Buxton because he gives his all.
"He played the first five League games of the season and we won two and drew one.
"We have missed Jake and Miles – we have missed all the players who have been out."
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by Brian Clough's Dog, Over here
Wednesday, November 11 2009, 2:40PM
“For the record I don't want Nigel Clough out. BUT he needs to be given proper financial support.”
by Rob B, Rutland
Wednesday, November 11 2009, 12:35PM
“I'm not saying we shouldn't criticise or that we should all bury our heads, but it seems to me that their are those who want clough out and regardless of circumstances results or whatever its a case of out with the yanks out with Clough. Yes we deserve better results, no it's not fair that we have so many sidelined players but for the most part no one can really be blamed, thats a reality people need to come to terms with. I believe, its called optimism by the way, that as players come back that will be reflected in the results and the points we earn. I don't believe we will go down any more than I believe we will make the play offs this season. A mid table would be okay under the circumstances and with a favorable wind and some shrewd dealings maybe a better show next season. I don't think that is anyway detached from reality.”
by alfa male, clay cross
Wednesday, November 11 2009, 10:22AM
“notes for Rob B. Nin. and Hemel, it seems to me if any one including B C Dog says any thing other than the adoration of gods son, then its an treasonalble offence, if I am fanning any flames, its to try and put some spark back into a very poor situation the club is in, I just hope and pray that when the injured get back they give us the points we desperately need, if they dont our seasons over, and we will go down, its called reality, I for one choose not to ignore that possability .”
by Brian Clough's Dog, Over here
Wednesday, November 11 2009, 9:11AM
“An axe to grind? Yep I agree I have. Our club was promoted to the Premiership 3 seasons ago. We didn't invest properly in our squad, ended up with the worst ever Premiership points total. Got relegated. Had an average season in a lower division. and this season we're doing worse. How can anybody be happy with that? I for for one am really p*ssed off with how our club has been run. With our support we should at the very least be in the top 6. If not in the Premiership. I can't understand how you are settling for second best.”
by fylderam, Thornton Cleveleys
Wednesday, November 11 2009, 7:33AM
“Thought Barker was excellent on friday. Hope he forms good partnership with leacock. Good to see green back, might take a game or two to get up to speed. Lets hope 2nd half of season much improved on 1st half , as the injured players comeback.”