Like last Saturday - when the transfer window shut — the Rams finished in the negative - ending the day 2 down without scoring. If any positive can be found it was that talented youngster Will Hughes is still a Ram for the time being - which can only benefit the team and in turn his asking price.
Despite talk before the season of more signings it seems like the shipping out continues with little coming the other way — despite an obvious need for reinforcements.
Now it seems from comments made by Clough in recent days - that once again Derby fans will have to settle for loan signings rather than permanent additions to the squad. And unlike fans - he doesn't see defence as an area that needs looking at:
"There are players we are interested in, but they might secure permanent transfers. So, until Monday is done and dusted, and the loan window re-opens a week later there is not much we can do. Jeff's absence coincided with Paul Coutts, Craig Bryson and Will Hughes having probably their worst games of the season."
"I thought Will was off it. He and Craig Bryson gave the ball away more than they did in the previous six games, and we are still looking for more impact on the game from Paul Coutts. So we keep re-evaluating."
"We are OK up front. At the back, the centre halves (Richard Keogh and Jake Buxton) did OK again also Craig Forsyth. We had to change Kieron Freeman at half time. He was not having a good time and so it is ideal to have Adam Smith to come in."
"So midfield is probably the area."
That's the word from Clough but is it the right strategy?
It is a tough question to answer as with players set to return in a few months - perhaps loan signings are the answer to cover the gaps until they return. But on the flip side many feel some loan signings do not give a hundred percent unless there is a genuine chance of a long term deal with the club — and that relies on them actually wanting to end up at the club they are loaned to. From the top flight to Derby... the players are lining up!
Alternatively a permanent signing could solve the problem but if it doesn't work it could leave the club with yet another player on a long contract, high wages and perhaps unwanted when players return from injury. 'Try - before you buy' - seems to be our slogan at Derby.
Whatever solution you subscribe too — Rams fans are pretty united in their belief something needs to happen if the club are to build a genuine challenge for the play-offs this season.
The form of the back two on Saturday and the loss of Hendrick only solidified that thought - as without cover and competition for places — the squad looks much lighter than many of us initially believed.
In terms of the Rams minimal final day transfer activity - James O’Connor joined Bristol City on loan until January next year while Nathan Tyson made a permanent move to Blackpool.
O'Connor had totally fallen out of Nigel Clough’s going forward after joining the Rams as a player who was sold to fans as one who could fill a lot of gaps. Unfortunately the only gap he ended up filling - was one on the bench and even then he didn’t manage that very often.
Conversely Nathan Tyson showed glimpses of what Nigel brought him to Pride Park for but just when it seemed he may have hit some form last season, even scoring goals couldn’t save Tyson. He fell down the pecking order last campaign to the point that he was not even given a squad number for 2012/13 and was transfer listed.
Tyson was released to Blackpool yesterday on a free transfer despite having a year left on his contract, signing a one year deal with the option of a one year extension.
Despite not making the mark both they and we would have hoped they would — RamZone wishes them all the best and more luck at their new homes.
But if you ever play against the Rams — please don’t score!
I don’t know why I bother - as we all know they will.
Bring on the emergency loan window… the life of a Rams fan is so exciting!!