Coventry City Boss Reveals Key Injury Updates on Ellis Simms and Norman Bassette Ahead of Sunderland Clash

07/11/2024 Raymond 0

Coventry City manager Mark Robins has provided an update on the injuries of strikers Ellis Simms and Norman Bassette ahead of Saturday’s trip to Sunderland. Both players missed Wednesday night’s 2-1 defeat to Derby County, with Simms sidelined due to a foot injury and Bassette ruled out after suffering an elbow to the head during the previous match against Middlesbrough, leaving him with a stiff neck and a lump.

Robins admitted that the absence of both players was a “big blow” to his side, particularly after their underwhelming performance against Derby. While there’s still no clear timeline for Simms’ return, Robins explained that his recovery would depend on how the striker manages his pain. As for Bassette, Robins is hopeful that his neck injury will improve in time for the weekend, but stressed that they will have to “wait and see.”

Steven Schumacher Reveals Stoke City Secrets as Narcis Pelach Kicks Off Pivotal Month with Strong Start

04/11/2024 Raymond 0

Steven Schumacher looked on as his successor guided Stoke City to a crucial 2-1 victory over Derby County, kicking off a November that could shape their season. With a tough start behind them and a recent managerial change, Stoke has struggled to find form, winning just three of their first 12 games. However, this latest result leaves them six points from the top six and three points clear of relegation. Schumacher, reflecting on the win, noted, “This month is going to be key for them. It wasn’t a brilliant performance, but Stoke found a way to win.”

Jerry Yates Loses His Cool: The Real Issue Derby County Can’t Ignore

03/11/2024 Raymond 0

Derby County’s pursuit of an elusive away win in the Championship continued in disappointment with a 2-1 loss to Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium. In a scrappy first half, Stoke took the lead after Tom Cannon won a penalty, but Derby equalized after the break thanks to an own goal by Ben Gibson. Hopes of securing a point were dashed when Gibson redeemed himself by heading in a late corner, sealing all three points for Stoke.

Despite Derby’s honest effort, the game highlighted familiar issues: a lack of cohesion in attack, difficulty maintaining possession, and missed opportunities in the final third. Jerry Yates struggled up front with little support, and Derby’s limited transfer budget has left them thin in offensive options. Midfielder Ebou Adams stood out as a reliable performer, showcasing his grit and determination, though he still has room to improve technically. If Derby is to thrive in the Championship, they’ll need to address these gaps, especially in their strikeforce, as they continue their search for stability away from home.

Reviving a Lost Legacy: The Stoke City Tradition That Ended with a Legendary Pub Crawl

02/11/2024 Raymond 0

Two decades ago, Stoke City’s 2-1 win over Derby County was made unforgettable as more than a hundred Elvis Presley impersonators filled the stadium to cheer on their team. Led by fans dressed as “The King,” the celebration included a halftime karaoke contest and a spirited city-wide pub crawl, all in support of the Donna Louise Trust. This unique tradition, known as “Elvis Day,” had been an annual highlight since 1998, bringing fans in quiffs and flared pants to the east stand each season. Though it ended in 2004, the memory of those lively, Elvis-themed matches remains strong—perhaps hinting at the need for a comeback.

From Derby to Stoke: My Bold Move and the Real Reasons Behind It

01/11/2024 Raymond 0

Having managed both Stoke City and Derby County, I’m no stranger to either club. I’ve discussed my move from Derby’s Pride Park to Stoke’s Bet365 Stadium before, but sometimes you need to reevaluate where you stand professionally and make the best decision for your career. At Derby, we narrowly missed out on the playoffs, and I was incredibly eager to build on that success. I understood the need to reduce the squad’s age, improve athleticism, and probably lower the budget. I was ready to take on these challenges, but in some key discussions, it felt like we weren’t fully aligned on a forward-thinking plan.

Ultimately, it was a tough call, and I often discuss it with Derby fans, who I still encounter regularly. Most understand; they know what it’s like to face career decisions in their own lives. If Derby had been committed to a concrete plan to reach the top six again, I’d have stayed. I came to Derby to pursue promotion, and in my first full season, we reached the playoffs but fell short in the semifinals.

Reflecting on my time at Stoke, I remember reaching a point where we were just three points shy of the top six. It was frustrating to work so hard and face so many challenges. In hindsight, I let my frustration show, especially in post-game comments. If I had paused to consider what the club and fans had endured since relegation from the Premier League, I might have fostered more unity and adjusted my approach.

Why This Derby County Star Will Be Crucial for Stoke City – and Why I Don’t Regret Letting Him Go

01/11/2024 Raymond 0

Gary Rowett previews the Stoke City versus Derby County match this weekend, noting both teams’ current form and tactical strengths. Derby has improved their away form recently, gaining confidence, though they need to turn those draws into wins. Stoke, meanwhile, has shown inconsistency, creating an opportunity for Derby, especially as they bring their strong wing play and set-piece advantages. Rowett points out that while Derby’s use of wide wingers allows them to bypass a crowded midfield, Stoke leans heavily on central play. Key players like Eiran Cashin, whose defensive abilities and tactical awareness will be crucial in containing Stoke’s Tom Cannon, could make all the difference in a tightly competitive game.

‘I’ve got big hopes for Stoke City this season after change of strategy and stellar transfer’

06/09/2024 Raymond 0

Former Stoke City manager Gary Rowett recently reflected on the transfer window, expressing optimism for Stoke’s business and the moves made by other Championship clubs. He praised Derby County for their key signings, particularly David Ozoh and Nat Phillips, while also highlighting Stoke’s strategic approach of bringing in young talent like Lewis Koumas. Rowett compared this to the success Derby had with loan players like Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori in previous seasons. He remains hopeful for Stoke’s upcoming season and noted that the Championship, while not as strong as last year, still boasts a wide spread of competitive teams.

“Would pay 7 figures” – Bolton Wanderers urged to splash the cash for Derby, Portsmouth & Sheff Wed target

18/07/2024 Raymond 0

Bolton Wanderers are being encouraged to pursue the ambitious signing of Brest attacking midfielder Karamoko Dembele, who is also attracting interest from Championship clubs Derby County, Portsmouth, and Sheffield Wednesday. Dembele gained worldwide attention at the age of 13 when he appeared for Celtic’s under-20 side and seemed destined for a bright future at Parkhead. However, he made just one senior appearance in Glasgow before moving to Brest two years ago.

Despite struggling for regular playing time at Brest, managing only 164 minutes in Ligue 1 during the 2022/23 season, Dembele thrived during a loan spell with League One side Blackpool last season. There, he scored eight goals and provided 13 assists, significantly contributing to the team, although Blackpool narrowly missed out on a top-six finish by just two points.

According to a recent report by Darren Witcoop via X, Brest is looking to offload Dembele this summer, which has led to interest from Derby County, Portsmouth, and Sheffield Wednesday. Witcoop’s report also mentions Bolton Wanderers, with the Bolton News revealing that the Trotters have initiated contact to sign Dembele on a permanent basis as they prepare for a promotion bid in the upcoming season.