Tickle Tackle - In Through The Out Door
And so as 2008 comes to a close, the Paul Jewell era has already ended at Derby County FC.
To be honest, I was quite surprised to hear the news. I suppose I still had faith that Jewell could turn the club around but I don't suppose he got a lot of job satisfaction over the last twelve months and there comes a time when everyone looks at a situation and asks themself if they want it to continue.
And so everything is about to change again. Nacer Barazite's loan comes to an end today but the reports are that Arsenal have agreed to extend the deal to the end of the season - that's good news if it's confirmed. That's not the case with James Tomkins though, he returns to West Ham after eight appearances in a Rams shirt.
Jewell's departure sees the early recall of Liam Dickinson from his loan spell at Blackpool. Whatever this issue was that led to Jewell sending him out on consecutive loans to Huddersfield and the Seasiders, it seems not to be a problem to caretaker-manager Chris Hutchins. Dickinson has scored regularly for both clubs while the Rams have recently found goals hard to come by while also struggling to keep them out at the other end. That situation needs to be put right urgently, irrespective of the Carling Cup semi-final games against Manchester United, we need a good January.
And so who will be the man to lead us into the new year? Well initially of course, Chris Hutchings but his record as a caretaker-manager is hardly inspiring. I don't see him as the long term answer but as with other fans I suspect, if he's getting the results, I don't suppose I really care who's at the helm.
One name that has caught my imagination though is that of Stefano Eranio. According to a live interview on BBC Radio Derby, he'd certainly like to be considered but equally, his appointment would be something of a gamble. I just find the whole idea intriguing though.
Would our American owners see it the same way? If the Rams were still owned in the traditional way by a local fan with money,it could be a temptation that some owners may find hard to resist. The Americans don't have that spiritual connection with the club though and probably wouldn't be so attracted to the idea. Stefano is an intelligent man and knows what it takes to get a successful team. As a player he had ability to burn and he knows how the Beautiful Game should be played.
Personally, I find the prospect tempting. Maybe I'm not thinking straight. Maybe it would all end in tears but there's something in the idea that makes me want to find out.
Perhaps it's because I don't find any of the other available candidates anywhere near as exciting. Roy Keane? Forget it... Aidy Boothroyd? Not convinced... Nigel Clough? Can't see him leaving Burton when he has the best chance of taking them into the Football League that he's ever had... Paul Ince? No thanks...
Dean Saunders has been mentioned. Currently combining being assistant manager of the Welsh national team with trying to get Wrexham back into the Football League but somehow I'm not convinced. When news of Jewell's departure broke, my initial thoughts were that I'd love to see Alan Curbishley get the job. I haven't changed my view but apparently he's indicated he wants to hold out for a Premier League job. That's a pity if it's true.
The other name that springs to mind is that of Graeme Souness. I really have no idea if this would work out if he got the job but yet somehow, I wouldn't be unhappy if he did. Would he expect to have millions of pounds at his disposal though? Well whoever gets the job, they're certainly not going to get that, Adam Pearson has already made it clear that January will be a quiet month for the Rams. That's probably not altogether a bad thing though, the previous two January windows haven't seen the Rams do good business at all. In fact, they were pretty disastrous.
Whoever the next manager is, we need someone who can get the best out of the resources he already has. Maybe we need a good coach first and foremost.
Either way, I wish you and yours (and Derby County) a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
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