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Bloomer and Clough can't stop QPR

Last updated : 18 January 2009 By Rams Mad Editor

Steve Bloomer bust unveiling
Steve Bloomer is finally watching as the new bronze bust to the Rams legend is unveiled by Andy Appleby and Two of Bloomers Grandson's, Alan Quantrill and Steve Richards, with Ian Hodgkinson (Builder) Andrew Edwards (Sculptor) and Ian Hayes (Project Leader) watching on
Everything seemed in place yesterday for the visit of Queens Park Rangers. Firstly the Rams were, or should have been full of confidence following their 1-0 win over World Club Champions Manchester United. They played a team with currently one of the worst away records in the league. Add to that the unveiling after six years of the Steve Bloomer bronze bust, then stir in a little magic of the first game in charge for, Son of God, Nigel Clough.

Nothing could go wrong could it? ……..But wrong was the only thing that the Rams could muster yesterday. The hunger, precise passing and determination seemed to have been drained from a team under the steely eyes of both Bloomer and Clough.

Steve Bloomer's watch the Rams faithful sing but there may well have a been a tear in the Rams legends eye at the end of this game.

It all started so well, the Rams new icon, The Steve Bloomer bust was unveiled by Andy Appleby the clubs owner, ably assisted by two of Bloomers Grandson's, Steve Richards and Alan Quantrill, with sculptor, Andrew Edwards, Plinth builder Ian Hodgkinson and project leader Ian Hayes helping with the unveil.

Nigel Clough
Nigel Clough, new Rams manager, warmly welcomed by the Derby County faithful but is under no illusions as to the task in front of him to get the Rams playing football again
The crowd waited and greeted with great applause new manager, Nigel Clough into the dug-out and the team were holding their own for the first 19 minutes. However the failings of the midfield and attackers for the Rams to hold the ball up or make an accurate or telling pass was their downfall.

A carelessly lost ball in the centre of the field saw QPR race down the field and show the Rams how to finish.

The Rams not totally out of the game by this part of the game tried to rally and Kris Commons tried to show some of his obvious class on the ball, only for a miss placed pass or team mate unaware of his intentions to lose the ball again.

It wasn't long before QPR made the Rams pay again for laxness in and around the opponents half and their in ability to hold the ball and yet again a team steam rollers its way past a very ineffective Rams defence. Derby held out until the interval but a two goal deficit was too big a mountain for the Rams and despite glimpses of skill and a few chances it was never going to be their day.

Nigel Clough
Don't look so worried Nigel, it's only Man Utd next
Nigel Clough must now regroup and focus on the Carling Cup semi final second leg at Old Trafford with the Rams holding a slender 1-0 lead, it really would be a miracle for them to reach Wembley if they play like this.

Friday is the match that everyone wants to watch as the Brian Clough Trophy is on the line again as Derby take on Forest, with Nigel Clough managing the Rams, ex Rams boss Billy Davies brings Forest to Town and players on both sides with a point to prove against their former teams. It has all the ingredients for a classic game and of course the bragging rights for at least four weeks until the teams meet again at the City Ground.

It's going to be one hell of a week one way or another and lets hope and pray Nigel can get the team motivated and playing football to be proud of....