Earlier this week Rams defender Stephen Warnock joined League One side Wigan on loan until the end of the season.
In many ways this wasn’t too surprising as since Wassall took the reins, he had not even been selected on the bench in recent weeks, making it clear that Marcus Olsson is the first choice at left-back.
Prior to Olsson’s arrival in late January, Warnock was playing every week very consistently and seemed to be the most committed Ram out on the pitch during their bad run of form. Taking this into account, it’s easy to wonder why things have changed but as the caretaker head coach has suggested, he is looking to the future, and if that is the case then Olsson is the right man.
Where does the move leave Derby for cover at full-back? There is a recall clause on the loan deal, which can only be activated after the first 28 days, so prior to that there is very little cover considering Chris Baird was the cover before Olsson arrived and Warnock departed.
Baird’s 28 day no-recall period is close to passing but Darren Wassall has suggested if required, Bradley Johnson and Jamie Hanson can play there. It’s far from ideal having two players that aren’t naturals in the position as cover, so I can see why many fans were angry with the decision to let Warnock go.
Initially I was annoyed, after all Derby are in a fight for the top six and after the loss at QPR a decent defender might be handy, but having said that, looking at it from a different angle it is the right thing to do.
With Craig Forsyth and Max Lowe presumably back for next season, it was clear that Warnock wasn’t going to be at the club beyond this campaign. It is therefore fair that he gets a chance at getting some game time elsewhere and looking to earn himself a good contract.
The club owed it to Warnock to let him go rather than just let him sit in the stands on match day, he has been a real professional this season and a rock in his position.
It can’t have been easy for him personally, particularly after he seemed stable in the side and his stint as skipper, to have been moved aside so quickly for a fresh face.
It would have been great to have him in and around the squad for the tough weeks ahead, however the club were in a difficult position, a choice of stand in his way or keep him somewhere he probably didn’t want to be anymore.
If any Latics fans are reading, your club has made a very good signing. Warnock has been solid for Derby all season. He had a difficult start last season but he has since proved many wrong with his solidity in defence, he has been excellent defensively and won’t let a tricky wonder bully him.
With Wigan heading to Colchester on Saturday and an immediate debut likely for the left back, when Stephen spoke to the Lactic’s Official Site; he was looking forward to getting back on the pitch:
"It is only in the last few weeks that I haven’t really played, Derby have had a change of manager and he is looking more to the future and wanting to change things up and that is fair enough because every manager has their opinions.”
"It is perfect to come into another promotion battle; we will be striving for something at the end of the season and I am joining the club in a good, healthy position and hopefully I can help along the way to get us promoted.”
"I am fit, ready and raring to go.”
Good luck Stephen, thanks for your consistently good work and professionalism this season for the Rams.
For more of Nathan's articles you can read his blog at www.derbycountyfan.com and follow him via @ramscorner on Twitter.