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Do you get the feeling there is no money to spend this summer?
I’m sure Nigel is not one to waste money but the signs so far seem to suggest that Nigel is going to see how many players he can get who are out of contract.
I know he is going to shed around 17 players from the books but I hope we see some quality purchases to fix the defense. You’re never going to get good defenders on a shoestring.
Do we need to improve midfield? I think so. Experience is also important to guide the younger players.
Whatever plan Nigel has I’m convinced things will improve – they have to. Patience is going to be needed.

Well thats it. A lame last game performance kind of prepared us for the boring summer while we all wait for August.
How much better will we do next season? It depends on how effective Nigel’s new signings will be.
Who will go? Personally I don’t see things improving to any great extent. The indication is that he wants some of his Burton boys – is that a sensible choice?
I don’t think we should expect anything more than a mid table finish next season.
I believe Nigel can fix things but it will take time. I think we have to be more patient than we have been in the past. Role on August and lets hope any new boys gel quickly and we don’t have a spluttering start to the season. A good start is always a massive help.

What’s the betting we get Newcastle, Boro and West Brom in the first handful of games?
Ideally we want numpties at the start of the season and at the end but you know that never happens.

Last five home/away results

RAMS (WDLWL) vs QPR (LDLDD)

This suggests to me a draw is on the cards. What do you think?
How much will the “Clough Factor” impact on our performance?

Lots of games were postponed due to the sub-zero weather, in particular the visit to Cardiff. In this day and age I am amazed at how many clubs do not have under soil heating, especially in the premiership.

One club that continues to amaze me at the lack of things is Birmingham City. No undersoil heating and not many fans for such a huge city.

Any club aiming for top flight football should have heating. The FA need to make it a prerequisite.

I have to admit, I didn’t expect the positive effect Nigel Clough’s appointment has had at Pride Park. It’s like the long lost son has returned to the fold. I have a good feeling about things now and, only hope that it is warranted. The performance against MU and Nigel being at the match kind of created a magic atmosphere. Motivation is what we need and I think that was evident in our performance against the european and world club champions. NOW it could get exciting.

Obvious links to the RAMS vacancy but, I would be extremely surprised if he went for the job. He’s doing a fantastic job with Burton and is about to take them into the football league.
However, money talks and lets face it, he would be offered way more than he’ll be earning at the moment.
I just can’t see him going for it though. If I were him, I’d want to see if I can hack it in the football league first.