Rams boss speaks to fans down under

This week Rams boss Billy Davies speaks of the competition for places in the Rams starting line-up after the January transfer window, the loyal supporters at Pride Park and his advice for young Australians heading to the UK to play

Davies brought in a number of new faces in the last transfer window and there would be competition for places in the team and Davies said it`s a good headache to have. He said: “Of course it is, absolutely. Football is a squad game and each and every player has a role to play, whether they are in the starting 11, in the 16 or not playing. Professionalism is the key whatever situation a player finds themselves in and the attitude since I’ve been at Derby from all of the players has been second to none.
‘We have an excellent squad of players here – although it’s still not up to the levels in terms of numbers as some of the Championship clubs who have been in the Premiership in the last couple of years – but it must be remembered that a lot of them are very young and have been brought in with an eye on the future. They need to get games under their belts – they will benefit from that experience.’

Davies was asked about the Rams supporters, who have always been loyal, and that it must be great to have them behind you at home and on the road.

“Too right it is. The fans are one of the big reasons I joined this club. I knew the Rams had a superb support base and that has been further proven by average attendances of over 25,700 this season at Pride Park,” said Davies.
“We have also taken phenomenal numbers away from home too – the game at Barnsley saw over 6,000 fans travel to support us. We’ve equalled a club record for away wins in one season (12) in 2006/07 and the supporters have certainly played their part in that with their backing. We now need to all keep it all going and give it one big push in the play-offs,” he added.

The A-League in Australia is taking shape and there are a great number of talented youngsters plying their trade in the new league. They all dream of moving over to the UK and playing. Davies was asked what advice he would give to them before they make that step.

Davies said: “The only advice I can give them really ties in with something I was seeing earlier. The fact that they want to make a career for themselves in football, and perhaps in England, shows that the young players over there already have the desire and drive to do well so all they can keep doing is to work hard in each and every training session and match and see where they get to. That’s the only way to achieve success. Yes, you need a little bit of luck too along the way but I tend to think you earn that by putting in the hard work ethic.”

Thanks Billy for your time and congratulations on last season and roll on next season in the Premier League.