This team with Rooney starting from the beginning of the season would be in playoff positions right now, maybe even automatic promotion places. I think they'll make a good run at it anyhow before the season is out
From the Guardian's write-up of the game:\ This season has been a slow-burner for Derby but, after a victory at Swansea in which they fought back from 2-1 down, they are poised for a late play-off push. As Cocu acknowledged, it is no coincidence that their upturn in fortunes corresponds with Wayne Rooney’s arrival last month, having won six of their nine matches since the former England striker pulled on a Derby shirt for the first time. . . . The main beneficiaries at Derby are undoubtedly the teenage academy graduates Jason Knight and Max Bird, with the latter’s driving run kickstarting the move which led to Lawrence powering in the winner 10 minutes from time. Duane Holmes, too, has relished the attacking freedom that Rooney’s arrival has generated and the midfielder hammered home his third goal in six matches to equalise with half an hour to play after Swansea scored two goals in two second-half minutes to cancel out Waghorn’s early opener.
⚫ TEAM ⚫ NEWS ⚫The #DCFC team tonight ahead of #BCFCvDCFC.— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) February 12, 2020 bummed this one isnt on espn+
Bummed it isn't on ESPN+ too. It is quite rare to be able to catch a Derby league game... especially when there is a relatively full schedule. ESPN+ loves QPR the most. They do show the cup matches... but Holmes often gets a rest during those.
Derby lost 3-2. Holmes wasn’t dynamite (like he has been recently) but still solid. He was one of Derby’s best players in the game 2 shots 1 shot on target 3 successful dribbles 2 key passes 89.1% pass completion 69 touches 3 tackles 1 interception 1 clearance 1/5 accurate crosses 2/3 accurate long balls
Finished 3-2 with Derby scoring twice in the last 30 minutes. They made the last 10+ minutes pretty nervy for Bristol by all accounts, but that's a bit of a blow to their promotion hopes
538 had them at less than a 1 percent chance to go up before that match. Their promotion chances have been finished for a while.
Out early (29'), possibly injured. PS: Confirmed: injury. No details yet. HT Derby 0-0 Huddersfield. To borrow @Shinner144’s description of it, a drab first half. Lossl has had a few bits to do in the away goal but the visitors have carried a threat too. Derby also lost Duane Holmes to injury. #dcfcfans🐏— Owen Bradley (@OwenBradley) February 15, 2020
Yikes... WTF? Pretty soon there will be no US players abroad on the field. It boggles the mind. Just when he was coming into his own. Seriously deflated.
Well, that's the silver lining. Now he's good enough. Maybe. Actually, looks like his injury is nothing serious and he was pulled out mainly to be on the safe side.
Had to cry lol on that one..... Then literally the next post says he's injured.... Is al-queda secretly poisoning us? WTF is going on?
Out for a few weeks: Providing an injury update on Duane Holmes… 💭“We have lost Duane Holmes who will be out for several weeks. To lose a player like that at this stage of this season isn’t something that we can enjoy, but it does give someone else an opportunity to impress.” pic.twitter.com/BtiKm7hmii— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) February 19, 2020
the insanity continues. Injuries now for these players will prevent them from getting a call up in March. So frustrating.
Well, to be fair... it does say several weeks and the USMNT Friendlies are at the end of March. I think CP, Adams and even Holmes could all be ready to play by then. It would be a shame if they were not because this time the games are actually being played in Europe so there are no real travel issues. I want to see a Yank Abroad heavy team out there.
Just noticed that Derby County plays Fulham on Friday and ESPN+ is covering it. Typical... just typical. Fugg.
Injury update: 💭 On Duane Holmes, Cocu said: “I think he will be a couple of weeks still. In this period it’s more rest and hopefully when he starts training again then the issue will be gone and he can progress.” pic.twitter.com/YFwfyB3hdc— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) February 27, 2020
Fugg... a couple of weeks more? Literally couldn't have come at a worse time for him. USMNT coming to play friendlies in Europe and Holmes at the top of his game....then the proverbial "bang" or "snap" or whatever sound it makes when a Yank Abroad inevitably goes down with injury.