Authors Gareth Davis and Phil Matthews talked about the Rams and their recent Derby vs. Forest book, ‘Derby’s Days’ in an exclusive interview with RamZone.

‘Derby’s Days’ (Derby Books Publishing) is their 192-page collection of stories, anecdotes, facts and figures from the 120-year history of Derby County vs. Nottingham Forest clashes.

Like their ‘Derby County: A Miscellany’ publication last year, ‘Derby’s Days’ is an excellent volume to dip into both for reference and entertainment - and this new book is sure to add spice to this season’s Rams vs. Trees clashes!

Both writers are ardent Rams fans who have already made considerable contributions to Derby County and the club’s heritage.

Gareth’s career has included media appointments with the club as website editor and Ram programme editor, in addition to his journalistic contributions, including work with the Matlock Mercury, DET, the Manchester Evening News and the Football League and broadcasting with BBC Radio Derby and Peak FM.

Phil provided the DCFC matchday commentary on RAM FM for many years and has worked with the BBC, ITV and Setanta; and has an earlier book, ‘Derby County - On This Day’ to his credit (Pitch Publishing, 2010). He also has a keen musical interest with his rock band, called LAF.

They have complementary personalities which are reflected both in the books they have collaborated upon and the interview we held; Gareth is the more studious fellow whilst Phil is a more quick-fire character, soon off the mark with ready anecdotes and observations to draw upon from over a dozen years’ involvement in broadcasting and writing about DCFC.

RamZone chatted with Gareth & Phil for an hour in Pride Park earlier this month.

RZ: Hello guys, thanks for talking to RamZone. We know you are both keen Derby fans as well as writers - can you each pick out a most vivid memory from your time watching the team?

Gareth: My first game always stands out, a 2-1 home defeat by West Ham on January 14 1989 despite us taking the lead inside a minute, but of everything I'd have to say the 2007 play-off final win. Regardless of what happened afterwards, to be there to witness that moment - and be working in a professional capacity too - was a great experience, and something I will possibly never go through again.

Right from the moment I got up that morning, to just getting back to my local Chinese ahead of closing time that night, the whole day will stay with me forever.

Phil: For me, being asked by RAM FM to commentate from Wembley Stadium on the Championship play-off final against West Bromwich Albion.

RZ: Will you each pick out your all-time favourite Derby County player?

Gareth: Igor Stimac, without a doubt. I was still at school when we signed him and I was adamant we actually needed a striker, even more so after his debut, but the impact the man had not just on the club but on the city as a whole was remarkable. He was a top-class player - and he knew it! I would go so far as to say he is my generation's Dave Mackay in terms of the overall effect his signing had.

Phil: Charlie George.

RZ: What is the all-time favourite Derby County game that you’ve seen?

Gareth: A tough one. The play-off final against West Brom has to be up there, as does the second leg of the semi-final against Southampton.

Then you've got wins over Forest (unfortunately I didn't see the game there last season), and the League Cup semi-final first leg against Manchester United, plus some great days in the Premier League under Jim Smith and of course promotion against Crystal Palace in 1996. If pushed for one though, I'd have to say the play-off final, just for what it meant at the time.

Phil: Going to Wembley Stadium as a fan to see the Charity Shield win against West Ham (1976) – because it was Wembley.

RZ: You’ve both been closely associated with the Rams and produced several works about the club; how did this book come about and what are you each respectively working on at the moment?

Gareth: The idea was something I had while researching a couple of other ideas we had been discussing so Phil and I threw it about a bit, came up with a plan, took it to the publisher, tweaked things, and started work from there. The initial idea was for it to be a 'neutral' book, coming at it from both angles, but the publisher felt it better to do it from just one side so as Derby fans we were happy with that!

At the moment we have a couple of other ideas in the pipeline that we are hoping to get finalised soon so we can start work.

Phil: The inspiration came from a similar book that Gareth saw about Newcastle United vs. Sunderland. I’m currently working on the launch of the brand new single by my band, LAF.

RZ: Will you each please pick a favourite fact or story from the “Derby’s Days” book?

Gareth: One of the more bizarre ones is about the goalscorers, as Steve Bloomer netted 27 times in 26 games against Forest. But after him, no other Derby player has scored more than four against them!

There were some interesting little tales when researching the players who had played for both clubs, it was good to hear from people who had played against Forest, and the story about Forest being pictured with the FA Cup after beating us in the final - but wearing Derby's kit - is a classic.

Phil: The fact that Steve Bloomer scored 27 goals for Derby in 26 games against Forest.

RZ: There are many past players (and staff!) who have been associated with both clubs - but if you could pick one former Forest player to have in your Derby team, who would it be?

Gareth: Stuart Pearce. He was about the only Forest player I ever really respected while I was growing up as a fan, largely because of his efforts for England it has to be said, but as a player and a person I think he would have been fantastic to have at your club. Playing for and captaining the Derby side in Ted McMinn's benefit game, then scoring and kissing the badge, was a great touch!

Phil: Ian Storey-Moore!

RZ: It’s early days, but which player do you think has stood out for the Rams so far this season this season and why?

Gareth: Purely because of his age you have to look at Will Hughes. He was superb against Peterborough on the last day of last season, then again in the League Cup against Scunthorpe, and he's carried his form on to deservedly be playing every week in the Championship.

I like Richard Keogh too, and against Watford I was very impressed with how James O'Connor got on with his business with the minimum of fuss but maximum of effectiveness.

Phil: Will Hughes - so much potential.

RZ: Forest has made the better start to the season - but how do you think the September 2012 clash at the City Ground will turn out?

Gareth: That is impossible to say at this stage. The Championship is such a tough division to call at any point, let alone when you're looking at a game like Forest v Derby. Nobody could have predicted what happened last season, in either game.

Phil: I’m afraid to say that with the changes at Forest, they will win this one.

RZ: What is the state of Derby County’s progress under the present ownership and management? Do you think they will improve on last season’s 12th place in the Championship table?

Gareth: Off the field I think things are very steady and stable now, and I'm looking forward to seeing how the new CEO impacts the club. I think a lot of fans under-estimate the work Tom Glick did because they see him as "one of the penny-pinching Yanks", which is as unfair a comment as it is incorrect.

Ultimately a football club is about what happens on the field but if you get it wrong off the field, it's a disaster waiting to happen. There are signs of progress on the field too and I think Conor Sammon can be a big player this season so anything less than finishing 12th would certainly be a massive disappointment. There are countless clubs in the same position, which makes the Championship so competitive.

Phil: I believe that financially, the club is heading in the right direction. I expect further progress in the right direction but the play-offs might be a step too far.

RZ: Who will come out tops in this season’s East Midlands’ bragging rights - can Derby finish above Forest in the League?

Gareth: Absolutely. Will they? If I knew at this stage the answer to that one I'd be straight down the bookies to get a bet on!

Phil: I hope the Rams will finish on top - but I think it’s probably too close to call.

There you have it - a brief snapshot of Gareth and Phil’s lives and times with Derby County. We look forward to their future collaborations and thank them both for giving RamZone this interview.

Get a discounted, signed copy of ‘Derby’s Days’ through RamsActive. Please email enquiries to:

ramsactive@btinternet.com

Hurry! There’s just a few signed copies left, after a successful Derbyshire Day promotion last week.

Check out Phil’s rock band LAF at:

http://www.myspace.com/lafpopmusic

Photo: Action Images

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