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My task wasn't going to be easy. I had the job of guiding Derby County back to the EPL. With limited transfer funds and the bank balance already in the red cost cutting was going to happen. I was gave the job as a cost cutting measure by the chairman, I was an unknown coach working in the Northern Leagues, my appointment a suprise to say the least. So I give to you all, the beginning of the future...
I pondered over my squad, making a mental note of which players I was looking to offload. As I looked down the list I saw that Derby had a blend of old heads, the likes of Ian Taylor and experienced defender Michael Johnson, also the bright young starlets Tom Huddlestone,Lee Holmes and Izale McLeod.
Derby County Squad 2003/2004
Goalkeepers
Lee Grant - Young lad with bags of ability, no doubt my first choice keeper.
Andy Oakes - Average keeper, will be good back-up for Grant.
Defenders
Pablo Mills - 19 year old who can play at right back or centre back, looks useful
Michael Johnson - Current Jamaican international, has all the credentials of a central defensive rock
Steve Elliot - As pointed out by my coach Gary Bowyer is one of my star players, likely to partner Johnson in the centre.
Luciano Zavagno - Seems to be a taleted Argentinian, with experience playing with some european clubs
Gary Caldwell - Scottish International full back, great talent on a three month loan deal from Newcastle
Midfielders
Tom Huddlestone - Pure class, young lad with tons of enthusiasm, currently being scouted by Deportivo
Ian Taylor - Experienced war horse recently signed from Villa, will lead the Midfield line
Simo Valakari - Current Finland International with 30 caps under his belt, Gary Bowyer again has indicated the lads ability
Adam Murray - Young enthusiastic midfielder, may have to settle for a place on the bench behind Taylor and Valakari
Candido Costa - Right winger currently on loan from Porto, great talent, should supply the attack with some great balls (ooo-errr )
Lee Holmes - 16 year old left winger with a keen eye for goal, he's been ear marked as an exciting prospect
Forwards
Lee Morris - Pacy striker who can play on the left side, should be a regular player
Junior - Excellent aquisition from Walsall at the end of last season, good strength and possible partner for Morris
Izale McLeod - 18 year old striker looking for a contract with the club, will have to settle for a position on the bench
I had a meeting with the chairman about cost cutting, Mr Sleightholme revealed to me the list of the top earners at the club, players like Morris and Zavagno were on £6,000 a week, I believed that this wasn't a bad amount considering the amounts of some other players in this division are collecting, I made a decision that Paul Boertien an experienced left back was going to have to go, with already having to other left back's infront of him he wasn't going to get a sniff, I had enquiries from a host of clubs in the second, although I believe they won't be able to stump up the cash.
So, a rather long beginning, I hope for this story to be a long runner, as I admire the way some users manage to take their stories into the years 2008 and onwards!
My first game was upon me, a friendly away to Kilmarnock, this wasn't going to be the easiest of games.
Kilmarnock v Derby County Rugby Park Attendance 808
A rather poor first half performance with us never looking like scoring, Kilmarnock with a total of 4 shots and 4 on target were much the better team. 60 minutes into the game and I decided on giving some other lads a run out. Izale McLeod,Tom Huddlestone and Adam Murray all replaced Simo Valakari, Ian Taylor and Junior. 81 minutes into the game and our first chance came, Lee Morris was played through only for him to miss his shot with a dismal finish. 83 minutes gone and disaster strikes, from what can only be described as a wondergoal by Andy Quinn who lobbed Lee Grant with an audacious chip.
Full Time Kilmarnock 1 v 0 Derby County
I was upset with the lads, especially the front two who had only 1 shot between the pair. I was bolstered by the Loan Signing of Werder Bremen's Angelos Charisteas, a strong current Greek International will push my front two all the way for their places.
I also managed to tempt a 'local' lad to come and assist me as my number two. Frank Barlow from Bristol City.
Derby County v Celtic Pride Parl Attendance 15903
I anticipated a large crowd for this one, no, not because of my first home game but because of our opposition. We started brightly with our new lad Charisteas looking sharp. Celtic hadn't really had a sniff of our goal, but I was wise, I knew it wouldn't stay like that for the full 90 minutes. 76 minutes gone and Lee Holmes plays a beautiful ball down the left hand side to Lee Morris who sweeps the ball into the path of Christeas who manages to welly the ball over the bar. 85 minutes and what would seem to be a kosher ball for my back four is missed leaving Henrik Larsson to slot the ball home, it stayed that way till the full time whistle.
Full Time Derby County 0 v 1 Celtic
Despite the result I was remaining upbeat, a game we much dominated only to lose out to a defensive error.
Carlos Ruiz came in on a trial period, young Guatemalan striker who was being persued by clubs like Lazio,Villareal and River. If all works out I'm sure that we could iron out a suitable contract for the lad.
Hartlepool v Derby County Victoria Park Attendance 7569
Early on in the game and Candido Cost breaks through the Hartlepool defences only to blaze it against the crossbar. 20 minutes into the game and Angelos Charisteas volleys a fantastic shot into the bottom corner. First Half and my lads were very much on top, Charisteas had a whole host of opportunities to kill the game off but only managed the one goal. I decided to switch my team around, Ruiz the debutant had a rather poor game so was replaced by Lee Morris, Oakes, Elliott and Valakari all came on to get some match fitness. A rather tame second half with not much action, Charisteas seeming to become a visible goal threat.
Full Time Hartlepool 0 v 1 Derby County
Finally, my first win as a professional manager, although my opposition a rather weaker squad compared to my own I didn't care. I had won.
Notts County v Derby County Meadow Lane Attendance 10456
Notts County started fresh, they weren't a bad team had two decent centre forwards Stallard and Heffernan who caused us quite a bit of trouble. 37 minutes into the game and Stallard struck. A simple lapse of concentration from Caldwell letting the striker pounce, only for it to be rubbed off from what can only be described as a dubious offside position. The second half was absolute dross, Candido Costa and Lee Holmes were sparkling the rest of the team had let them down. Something wasn't right with my squad, I just couldn't put my finger on it.
Full Time Notts County 0 v 0 Derby County
Ten first teamers contract's were up at the end of the season, Me and Frank both sat down together to discuss who should be given a contract immediatly and which players needed to play for their contracts. We both decided on giving Tom Huddlestone,Lee Grant,Lee Holmes and Simo Valakari all immediate contracts and let the rest play for their contract.
My next game was Blackpool, I was in dire need for a win to boost my player's confidence. Junior had picked up a knock in the Notts County game and didn't travel with the lads. I handed Izale McLeod his debut partnering Angelos Charisteas.
Blackpool v Derby County Bloomfield Road Attendance 4886
Some comical defending once again from my defence, seems to be part and parcel so far this season, left Richard Walker free on the back post only for him to scuff his shot wide. Lee Holmes the only inspiration from a lifeless first half. I was outraged. I rollocked the players at the Full Time whistle, we had been played off the park by lower league opposition. I unleashed on them like a cheetah onto a wounded animal.
Things had to change. With only one friendly remaining my team was looking weak, Loan signing's were going to be necessary to push my first teamers all the way. Already I could feel the pressures of being a professional football manager.
I actually missed the draw for the League Cup First Round, Frank rang me on my mobile...
Frank:"You missed the draw Paul!"
Me:"God, I forgot all about it! Who'd we get?"
Frank:"An away trip to Boston United"
Me:"A home tie would've been better, I don't want us to under estimate these lads mind Frank, send Simon Hunt (The Scout) out to have a look of them, a first round exit would be embarrasing"
Frank:"I'll get onto it"
Me:"Good man Frank! See you tomorrow at training"
Frank:"See you later"
I was delighted with the capture of Paul Tierny from Man United. A young hard tackling defender, which will add an injection of pace into the heart of my defence. To add to my signing Three of my first teamers had also agreed new contracts. Huddlestone,Valakari and Holmes.
Training commenced as usual, the lads were looking sharp and back to match fitness, all was well until I heard a blood curdling scream. Tom Huddlestone was writhing in agony on the floor after tearing his groin muscle, he was rushed to the A&E for treatment were it was reveal to my dismay that Tom would be out for at least two months. I felt for the lad, 16 years of age, the day prior to his injury he had signed a one year contract signaling his intention to stay at Pride Park.
My final Pre Season game. Away to Bristol City, Frank had briefed me and our players who the threats would come from. He signalled that Aaron Brown and Leroy Lita would cause a great goal threat to us, Tierney was making his debut for us and Carlos Ruiz makes his second appearance of his trial period.
Bristol City v Derby County
We were warned, Steve Elliot was caught square at the back for Leroy Lita to race through and chip Lee Grant with a great lob.I was disgusted. The first half my players played without a single ounce of compassion or dedication. My discriminating of the players at half time must of paid off as on 52 minutes Izale McLeod raced down the left hand side and swung a deep cross for the trialist Carlos Ruiz to head into the back of the net.88 minutes and Bristol City's Grant Monelle was dismissed for a second bookable leaving City with 10 men. Full Time, I couldn't of asked any more from the lads in the second half, they sweat blood and pushed themselves to the limits. Paul Tierney was announced as the MOM on his debut, I was very impressed with the way he particulary performed.
Generally Pre Season didn't go as planned, I expected to see our lads pick up a fair few wins against the lower league opposition and not scrap it out for a draw. But I was happy, deep down I knew that the players playing for this club were playing with all there might, sweating blood for the cause that is. Derby County Football Club.
Today was the day. I got about an hour's sleep prior to today, all my feelings locked away inside me, anxiety, tension, nerves. I mopped my sweated brow as I revealed my first ever team sheet.
Lee Grant
Pablo Mills
Gary Caldwell
Michael Johnson
Candido Costa
Lee Holmes
Simo Valakari
Ian Taylor (C)
Angelo Charisteas
Lee Morris
Subs: Andy Oakes, Steve Elliott, Adam Murray, Junior, Izael McLeod
I walked out onto the pitch prior to kick off, I was hailed by the Pride Park faithful, there's no better feeling than your name being chanted around the stadium. I knew I had to repay them, the only gift that they'd receive from me would be three points.
Derby County v Burnley Pride Park Attendance 26,627
My heart skipped a beat. 16 minutes into the game and Lee Morris was played through by Charisteas to cooly slot the ball away! I leapt up onto the pitch, punching the air like we'd just secured promotion. 41 minutes into the game, Angelo Charisteas latches onto a loose ball inside the box to smash the ball home! I was in heaven, I couldn't of asked for any more. We decided to just shut Burnley out in the second half which worked to perfection. Full Time came. The roar from the crowd at the whistle gave me a warm feeling inside, I walked out onto the pitch and began to appluad the fans for their support.
Full Time Derby County 2 v 0 Burnley
Despite my jubilation I still had to sell players, Paul Boertien was sold to Swindon Town for £40,000 which I thought was a snip for a player with his capabilities.
My scout came back with his findings, he told me that Boston shouldn't be too much of a threat to us, with the only slight possible threat coming fron Stuart Douglas.
League Cup First Round Boston United vs Derby County York Street Attendance 5978
The first half it was all us, we had a total of 10 shots and 7 of them had been on Steve Croudson's goal. Izale McLeod came on in the second half as Lee Morris wasn't looking quite up to full fitness. I was busy gathering my things together when Paul Ellender played a dodgy backpass allowing Angelos Charisteas to nip in and get the winner! I was jubilant, 2 games and 2 wins I couldn't of hoped for a better start to my career. I felt for the Boston fans, their lads had played there hearts out for the full 90 minutes only for it to be snatched away from a last gasp winner. But I was happy.
Full Time Boston United 0 v 1 Derby County
Another week, another transfer. Richard Jackson a young right back was sold to Walsall for £30,000, but a stipulation in his contract meant that Scarborough would receive £8,000 of it.
I had made a decision to steer clear of the League Cup draw. I was very much a supersticious person and following our win at Boston I thought the luck might carry over. Frank had agreed to ring me with the draw.
Me: "Hello Frank! who'd we get?"
Frank: "Nobody yet, we've just been drawn at home"
Me: "That's great news who'd we get then?"
Frank "Bury"
Me: "Brilliant, Look I have to go Frank, adios!"
Back to the league, after our opening day victory over Burnley my renewed optimism was carried over to today's game. We had Norwich Away, Norwich currently positioned in 18th suprisingly were stuffed 4-2 on the opening season to Reading, I was under no illusion, at this point in the season league position's meant nothing.
Norwich v Derby County Carrow Road Attendance 23,774
I had just took my place in the dug out, when we went ahead! Charisteas and Morris linking up well, Charisteas took a defender with him leaving Morris on the left hand side to power the ball into the bottom corner. My optimism must of rubbed off on the lads as we went 2 up after 20 minutes, Charisteas running from the halfway line past the veteran Malky Mackay to stare into the whites of Robert Green's eyes to place the ball under the keeper. A goal mouth scramble resulted in a Norwich goal, Paul McVeigh unmarked in the box unleashed a shot which was blocked by Michael Johnson, which sparked a goal mouth scramble were Clint Easton ripped the net open. Second Half I kept the team the same which seemed to pay off as the Norwich defence were caught square for the second time in the match, Lee Morris took two defenders with him leaving Angelos Charisteas unmarked in the box with all the time in the world 3-1. 58 minutes gone, 2 minutes after our goal had gone in Norwich pounced. Paul McVeigh unmarked in the box took on a defender and placed the ball in the bottom corner. I leapt out my dug out to give my defence some verbal. Me and Frank decided that we would sit back and brought Steve Elliott on for Lee Mills, we had changed our formation to 5-4-1. The last 5 minutes were like The Alamo. Norwich bombarded our back line. But we managed to hang on for the three points.
Full Time Norwich 2 v 3 Derby County
On the long journey back Gary Bowyer rang me on my phone telling me about Carlow Ruiz. Gary reckoned that Ruiz was a decent enough player and suggested I signed him. I had time to think about on the bus back, we already had Morris, Junior and McLeod not forgetting Charisteas.
I milled on the situation until the morning when I rang Mr Guarado Ruiz's Agent.
Me: "Good Morning Mr Guarado"
Guarado: "I am thinking that your interested in Ruiz?"
Me: "He's a lad with talent and I'd like to open negotiations"
Guarado: "Let me warn you Mr Sewell, we have a whole host of Premier League club's intrested"
Me: "Bring Ruiz to Pride Park and we'll iron out a deal"
Guarado: "Okay we'll be there, I'm not promising anything Mr Sewell Goodbye"
Ruiz and Guarado rolled up to Pride Park in Guarado's silver slick MG. Rachel my receptionist sent them through to my office. I managed to portray a deal to Ruiz, but I could see he wasn't signing anything. He had images of Premier League football. Guarado said that we'd hear from him.
I was amazed! Carlos Ruiz had turned down moves to Blackburn Wigan and Derby to go to struggling Sheffield Wednesday! Was Derby such an un-attractive club? I was unsure, but I know Sheff Wed had signed a gem.
Derby County v Reading Pride Park Attendance 25,992
6 minutes in and an early corner was swung in by Candido Costa and was met by the head of Gary Caldwell! 1-0 County. Reading equalised with from were I was standing a dubious penalty, Nicky Shorey dispatched it excellently. I was just making a substitute when Paul Tierney knocked a fairly easy ball into the box for Charisteas to knock in 2-1 County! Simo Valakari made way for Adam Murray late in the second half. The final whiste went and we'd picked up another three points to take us up to 3rd.
Full Time Derby County 2 v 1 Reading
I was really starting to settle down in the area and getting to know the people of Derby. I was still unhappy that Ruiz had let me down, with Charisteas only on a three month loan deal all the goals could soon dry up.
Wigan Athletic v Derby County JJB Stadium Attendance 9273
It was a wet and windy August in Wigan, we looked the strongest stringing several passes together, we also created the first goal, Charisteas that man again popping up to nab the goal. 8 minutes gone and Lee Morris beats his man and knocks a sweet ball in for Charisteas to nod home 2-0 County! I had just sat down from celebrating our second when Charisteas scored with a jinking run and shot to make it 3-0 to us. I was in a state of disbelief. We went in at half time 3-0 up, I had a grin from ear to ear, my lads had went out there and played from what I can only describe as beautiful football. 69 minutes and Candido Costa knocked in a quick corner and with three Derby players unmarked Lee Holmes took a shot with cannoned off the crossbar for Lee Morris to cooly slot home 4-0! This was my finest hour, I made sure my lads went across to the travelling faithful of Derby fans and applaud the constant support during the game.
I had my first proper interview with the club's official website dcfc.co.uk.
dcfc.co.uk: So Paul, your four games into the season with four wins under your belt is this how you expected it to go?
To be honest, I knew that this team had potential even before I came here. We have a good mix here of veterans and young starlets breaking into the Under 21 squads all over the world. I'm couldnt be any more happier with the way our lads have performed
dcfc.co.uk: What are your ambitions for the rest of the season?
It would be a drastic shame if we couldn't manage to stay within touch of the playoffs, before I came I believe the board said to me that a mid table position would be pleasing and I think if I can improve on that expectation it will of been a sucessful season.
dcfc.co.uk: We all know about DCFC's financial status, but do you have your eyes on any particular players?
I can announce that myself and Frank have been watching a few players and some new faces may be coming through the doors at any time so watch this space!
dcfc.co.uk: Finally Paul have you anything to say to the Derby County faithful?
I believe that the key to any sucessful football club starts with the fans. The support myself, Frank and all the players have received is nothing short of amazing and I hope you carry on singing your hearts out on the terraces for the lads.
Thank you very much Paul for your first exclusive interview. You heard Paul Derby fans! Sing Your Hearts Out!
I was saddend by the news of Ian Taylor who announced to all the lads at the end of a training session that he was retiring come the end of the season. All of the lads were disheartened with the news as Taylor was very much a father figure especially all the young lads. I pulled him aside after his announcement
Me: "I think your making a mistake Ian"
Taylor: "I know that it is the right time to bow out gaffer"
Me: "I believe that at 35 you have at least another 2 seasons left in you and I'm asking you Ian to reconsider retirement"
Taylor: "I'll talk it over with the family and get back to you gaffer"
We had a difficult game coming up, we were playing Coventry at Highfield Road. Coventry currently sitting in 14th place had obvious talent amongst their ranks McSheffrey Suffo and Jonathan Blondel the loanee from Tottenham.
Coventry City v Derby County Highfield Road Attendance 20,105
Coventry started the better team, Patrick Suffo often beating my back four but his finishing was awful to sya the least. We took the lead after 10 minutes when Charisteas beat Callum Davenport in the air and hit a quick ball in for Lee Morris to break the net from 18 yards. We were the poorer of the sides, but I wasn't bothered, we were the side going in at half time 1-0 up. A rather optimistic ball was played into the box by Lee Morris which I expected the Coventry defence to clear, but Mo Konjic made a hash of his clearance leaving Charisteas free in the box with the simplest of tap ins. 85 minutes into the game and Coventry pulled one back. A long ball played forward by Wayne Quinn was uncleared by Pablo Mills leaving McSheffrey clear to slot the ball in the back of the net with ease. I was feeling tense, I would be furious if we threw this 2 goal lead away. I decided to slow the game down by bringing on 2 defensive players. Lee Holmes made way for Luciano Zavagno to make his first start of the season and I brought a rather exhausted Lee Morris off for Junior who hadn't featured much as I'd hoped. For F**k's sake! I screamed at the top of my lungs, Graham Barrett danced through my defence to smash a bullet of a shot into the right hand side of my goal. I was distraught. Three points fritted away from one lapse of concentration. I wasn't a happy man.
Five games into my reign as the County manager and I had already suffered the highs and lows of management. The 4-0 away win to Wigan I had been at my highest point, but with good things comes bad things, last minute equaliser's just know how to rip you apart.
I had sucessfully completed my first month in charge and boy was I in for a suprise. I had been given the manager of the month award for September, I was being hailed left right and centre and I was loving it. Later in the day the Player and Young Player of the month were also announced. Angelos Charisteas had been awarded the Player of the month and my loanee left back Paul Tierney had been voted the Young player of the month. I was happy for myself, but I felt even more happier for my lads. Without them I'd of never got the accolade, I made sure they knew my appreciation.
Today we entertained WBA, a tough battling side sitting pretty just behind us in 2nd. I knew that this was going to be a test of our lads capabilities. Steve Elliott replaced the injured Gary Caldwell who sustained a twisted knee in training.
Derby v West Bromwich Albion Pride Park Attendance 32,987
The pitch was awful, like a quagmire. I thought that our free flowing passing game might be interupted by the conditions, how wrong I was. 5 minutes into the game and Angelos Charisteas picked up ther ball on the edge of the WBA box, he twisted and turned to lose Thomas Gaardsoe then swinging a peach of a ball to the edge of the area were Ian Taylor was on hand to curl the ball in 1-0 Rams. 8 minutes into the game and my happiness had turned to jubilation. Candido Costa curled a corner into the near post for Lee Morris to nod home his 6th goal of the season. I ran out from my dug out and star jumped into the air to the delight of the Derby faithful behind me. WBA were a poor side. Ian Taylor knocked a rather timid ball into the area were Candido Costa was waiting to make it 3-0. 69 minutes in and Lee Hughes went down in the area after a push from Steve Elliott, I had no complaints, it was blatent 3-1. 92 minutes and Neil Clement said a ball down the left hand side for Lee Hughes to chase after, Hughes toyed with Steve Elliott and played a ball into the area for Simon Brown to get WBA's 2nd. I was nervous, I had the feeling of deja-vu.
Full Time Derby County 3 v 2 West Bromwich Albion
Lee Holmes came up to me after the match and indicated that he is already starting to feel the strain of playing week in week out, he was sixteen, I went out looking for another left side player which I could rotate with Holmes. I rang Middlesborough to enquire about Stuart Downing, he was a young pacy left sided winger, with my North East connections I was hoping Middlesborough would let us have him. I waited.
Middlesborough agreed the loan terms, I was just waiting on Stuart. A whole host of clubs were intrested in him, but I figured we were the more attractive club. The deal collapsed. I already had 4 loan players at the club, all 4 pivitol to my teams recent sucess.
I decided on giving my team a switch, with Lee Holmes rather unfit I decided on playing Paul Tierney on the left wing, with Luciano Zavagno filling in at left back.
Gillingham v Derby County Priestfield Attendance 9966
A lifeless first half, they never looked like scoring, but saying that neither did we. Izale McLeod came on for Angelos Charisteas who was looking tired on the hour mark. 88 minutes in and we had a golden chance. Izale McLeod was free in the area for his header to be excellently saved by Jason Brown who was having a great game.
Full Time Gillingham 0 v 0 Derby County
Never had I been bored at a football match, both teams had only amassed a total of 4 shots between them 3 coming from the substitue Izale McLeod.
It was early Monday morning when Izale McLeod came kncoking on my door, he came in and took a seat opposite to me.
Izale: "Boss, I think I deserve a better deal than what I've already got"
Me: "Woah! Easy now son, you had a decent game on Saturday, I'll give you that, but you can't go shouting the odds like this"
Izale: "I deserve better boss!"
Me: "Lets strike a deal, I'll give you a month to show me what you've got, if I think you've warrented a better deal you'll get it if not you won't"
Izale: "Sounds good to me boss"
The Rams - Back To The Land Of Giants 
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