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Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your players!

Last updated : 10 April 2008 By Rams Mad Editor

Paul Jewell is desperate to try and re-shape his Derby County side in a bid to be more competitive next season and to challenge yet again for promotion to the Premiership. Is it right then that he keeps mentioning the loan players he hopes to bring in?

Is there some reason that quality young or experienced older player can't be brought into the Rams squad?

The reports in local newspapers suggest that bright young stars are being sought from Premiership clubs for next season. You really have to ask is this productive and will it take the Rams forward in any way should these players firstly be found and secondly be any good.

Leon Osman
Leon Osman the last succesful loan signing
Everton's Leon Osman is the player being held up as a shining example of what a loan player can achieve whilst on loan with the Rams and it has to be said that he was a breathe of fresh air when he came to the club in 2004. The only problem that we can see is that having shown what he could do he was then not allowed to join the Rams and went back to his Premiership club to force his way into the Everton first team squad, whilst the Rams were left without a very influential midfielder.

Will the same problem occur with any of the proposed loan signings, how do we replace them if a permanent signing can't be agreed upon? Will we be in the same position or worse if the club does again rise to the Premiership.

Maybe we are too short sighted to see the benefit of a loan player or two but it seems a short term fix for a long term problem to us at Derby County Mad.

We are not advocating that we go out and spend like there is no tomorrow on players that could turn out to be not up to the job but we are trying to build for tomorrow and tomorrow never comes with most loan signings, as they invariably go back to their own clubs after having their wages or percentages of paid for by Derby County.

It does raise the question concerning just how much the new American owners are prepared to put into the club and if their ambition is as great as their bank balance, or expectation of the Rams supporters?

Many faithful fans have re-newed their season ticket in blind faith that next season they will enjoy some seriously good football and be there or there abouts in the Championship this time next year. Will it happen? Who knows, but loan signings are surely a step in the wrong direction for this club if they aim to build and keep a strong and competative squad...