No doubting that one game - one loss - doesnt make a season, but I think the Derby fans (33.5 thousand there yesterday, impressive by any standards) who were there with me yesterday wanted to see a little passion and tempo in their football - one of our biggest things last season was an inability to fight - get your foot stuck in, close opponents down, hassle/harras and even if your team quality is second best, you make up for it with spirit and determination. This is what Jewell should be installing - and as much as its needed in the Prem, you need it just as much even more so in the Champ.
This was sadly lacking again yesterday, and no matter which 11 Jewell puts out, they should have that drive and determination. Doncaster had it, and deservedly won the game, no doubting that. I think it is that which disappoints/antagonises more than the result itself, and that which lowers the level of optimism a little that most Derby fans had before the game.
Will be interesting to see how we respond - Lincoln in the Carling Cup on Tuesday - we so need a win, and a nice win, in a competative game under Jewell...Tuesday has gotta be a chance and if we can win and win well, it could set us up nicely for Saturday at Ashton Gate.
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