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The performances are getting better despite the humiliation of losing to Forest. It’s a better start than last season and that’s all anyone can ask at this time. Let’s hope we can stuff Forest in the return fixture. Hopefully by then we reach a rich vein of form and stick five past them.
Nigel Clough is doing a good job and we all need to keep cheering on the Rams. There will be set backs and the odd annoying result, like this one, but lets keep positive and I’m sure everything will keep improving.

Will the new season bring good things? Will it bring frustration? Only time will tell.
The set of pre-season injuries don’t bode well. How do you get injured before you start playing hard?
I’m sure that’s what most fans are thinking. Well let’s be positive and I’m sure things will be better than last season.

Not a bad start to the season. We’ve managed to avoid the tougher teams at the start.

08-Aug-09 Derby County vs Peterborough United
15-Aug-09 Scunthorpe United vs Derby County
18-Aug-09 Blackpool vs Derby County
22-Aug-09 Derby County vs Plymouth Argyle
29-Aug-09 Nottingham Forest vs Derby County
See below
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Then it gets a bit more tricky…
12-Sep-09 Derby County vs Sheffield United
15-Sep-09 Derby County vs Barnsley
19-Sep-09 Crystal Palace vs Derby County
26-Sep-09 Derby County vs Bristol City
29-Sep-09 Cardiff City vs Derby County

Yes, something to get excited about and start planning how we think the season is going to start panning out.
The BBC try to explain how the fixtures are arrived at HERE.
Sounds almost impossible but you can’t please everyone.

I hope Nigel knows what he’s doing. So far all I hear is interest in lower league players.
Some higher level experience is vital. He really needs to get someone on board who’s coming to the end of their career i.e. another Savage. Someone like Sol Campbell.

The preseason schedule has now been disclosed.
I think it’s always better to play lower English league clubs rather than going abroad. Playing English style football is always the best option. Playing foreign clubs doesn’t provide any benefit unless you are Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, etc.
In my opinion you really should be beating these lower league clubs by at least two goals. I know they are preseason and have no impact on the Championship but the players need to feel good about how they are playing. Starting how you mean to carry on is important. I think if you look at previous preseason results, they are a very good indicator of how the season is going to pan out. Lame 1-1, 2-2 results are not what you want.
I question a final match against Stoke City because lest face it they’re probably going to give us a pasting. A good win just before the season starts would be ideal.