On the pitch the year ended in the best possible way with two wins over more fancied opposition. As former favourites begin to leave the club what does the year ahead hold for DCFC?

The last official action of the year happened off the pitch for Derby when it confirmed on the official site that Stephen Bywater had agreed to have his contract cancelled to pave the way for his move to Sheffield Wednesday.

Kevin Kilbane is heading home to Hull and one can only think Tamas Priskin won’t be far behind him as his loan winds up and Callum Ball has hit top form.

Stephen Pearson is apparently close to sealing a deal with Bristol while the club is shopping around their unwanted in Dean Leacock and David Martin.

Comments made by Nigel Clough and Tom Glick during the West Ham media coverage suggest Paul Green may not accept a new deal (no doubt a much reduced wage offer) and possibly be available as trade bait in January.

It seems that despite their winning 3 of their last 4 matches and putting themselves back into the race for the play-off’s – the focus will once again be more about shipping out than strengthening the squad for a push towards the top six.

But today we don’t want to put a negative spin on what was a fabulous week for Rams fans which gives us much more hope and positivity than looked possible just over a week ago.

On behalf of myself and the writing team at RamZone I would like to wish all of our readers a very Happy New Year. May it be a great one for both you all personally and our mighty Rams on the football field.

Watch out 2012 – The Rams are coming!!

Photo: Action Images

Derby County Polls