Can the Cavalry Save Derby or is Jewell in-Denial?
No Premier League club has been busier than Derby in the January transfer window with no fewer than 5 players joining the club already and many more seemingly on their way. But in the Rams current predicament is it all a little too late or can the new recruits inspire an unlikely Premier League survival bid?
Let’s look at the facts, only one side has ever escaped relegation after being bottom of the Premier League on Boxing Day and that was West Brom back in 2004/05 season. Just like Derby the Baggies had managed only 1 win by mid-January. However, they had drawn 10 games compared to the Ram’s current number of 4, so had a further 6 points so it looks a huge ask for Derby to do the same.
When you are bottom of the table and 13 points away from safety you are not going to attract the highest calibre of player but the draw of Premier League first team football is still strong and the signing of Robbie Savage illustrates this. The Welshman is a proven Premier League player and will instil the battling qualities needed for a relegation battle but can the same be said of short-term signing Laurent Robert. The former Newcastle and Portsmouth winger can be a world beater on his day but that day has become increasingly rare in recent years and his departure from the Spanish equivalent of Derby (Levante are also bottom of La Liga) is proof of this. He is a luxury player that a side struggling against the drop can do without and should make little impact on their season.
Danny Mills is another player in the Robbie Savage mould, a past international with good experience but his career is definitely on the wane after recent spells at both Hull and Charlton in the Championship. The loan signing of Egyptian midfielder Hossam Ghaly should add a bit of flair to the midfield but his attitude must be questioned. In two years at Tottenham, Ghaly made 21 Premier League appearances and scored once. However, his Spurs career ended with a shirt-throwing tantrum after being substituted after just 31 minutes on the field after appearing as a sub himself. A subsequent summer move to Birmingham collapsed because of his criticism of his potential new club. Is he a player you’d want alongside you in the trenches in a relegation battle?
The signing of Argentinian striker Emanuel Villa from Mexico may prove to be a shrewd bit of business but the likelihood of a South American fitting straight into the hurly burly world of the Premier League is unlikely. Even more so in a side bereft of confidence that has scored only 10 goals all season.
With rumours persisting of the future arrival of goalkeeper Roy Carroll, Australian midfielder Mile Sterjovski and defender Chris Riggott is it all a case of too little, too late for Paul Jewell’s men? Or can these misfit signings pull off a mission impossible for the rock bottom Rams?
Tags: Derby, January transfer window, Paul Jewell, Rams, relegation
January 16th, 2008 at 12:30
I can understand Paul Jewell wanting to bring in new players but in Derby’s current predicament they are only able to bring in players unwanted at most other clubs. Out of all the signings only Robbie Savage comes to the club for what could be the long term. Jewell would be better off blooding or signing youngsters who may be at the club next season to help them return to the Premier League rather than spending money for the sake of it!
January 16th, 2008 at 12:55
Even though I support Rangers, I’ve watched Derby a lot this season as they are my local team these days and I have to say they have got no chance of staying up. The gap is too big and Savage/Mills/Robert/Ghaly are all either past it or just not good enough
January 16th, 2008 at 13:38
Desperate signings of a desperate manager. Should be building for next season not panic buying whoever is avalilable. Don’t think we will see Derby in the top flight again anytime soon - for Derby County read Swindon Town - 9-nil anyone?!!!!
January 16th, 2008 at 14:43
Derby wouldn’t stay up if they signed Kaka and Messi let alone the rejects that are Savage, Mills, Ghaly and Robert.
The gap is far too big, Paul Jewell has bought Championship standard players in preperation for his teams promotion charge next year. Let’s just hope they can keep hold of the likes of Barnes and Miller or they might not actually get another point this season.
January 16th, 2008 at 15:46
I think everyone knows we are going down but at least these signings will give us fans a bit of excitement for the 2nd half of the season. I for one can’t wait to see Savage and Mills at least giving us some physical presence against the big boys, let’s see if they like it up em when they come to Pride Park. Next season will be the true measure of Paul Jewell’s chances of success at the mighty Derby!
January 24th, 2008 at 19:46
Too little too late - Summer was the time to buy Premiership quality players and they failed to do so. They needed a whole new team and a fit Giles Barnes!