It’s reunion time tomorrow as Billy Davies’ former side Preston arrive at Pride Park led by ex-Ram Paul Simpson.
The match will certainly have an edge to it thanks to Davies’ acrimonious departure from Deepdale in June, and his subsequent arrival at Derby soon after.
Vital Quotes:
From Derby Evening Telegraph:
Billy Davies: ‘Had this been April and both clubs were battling for a play-off place, then it would be very special to me.
‘At the moment the fixture is all about three points and another game for Derby County and that is what I am focusing on.
‘It will be nice to see some old faces againh but life moves on. I am now firmly focused on developing Derby as a club.
‘I’m sure there is still some animosity. That is what happens, that is football.
‘I have moved on and I’ve tried to be very loyal to the people that worked very hard at Preston. They had an opportunity to go to a bigger club and work in an environment second to none.
‘I’m sure that if one or two at Preston were offered the chairmanship of Manchester United or vice-chairmanship of Juventus they may think twice about it.’
Paul Simpson: ‘I only have good memories of Derby. I had a wonderful time there, even when I wasn’t in the side,’
‘As far as what happened between the clubs during the summer, this isn’t a grudge match. Nothing like that at all. For us it is just the next match.
‘I suppose the fans are looking forward to it because they want to go and vent some anger, to get it off their chests, but I haven’t heard anything from the players.
‘I have not spoken to Billy Davies once since I took over here. In fact, I have only spoken to him twice in my life.
‘As for the backroom staff leaving, that’s life. There is no point worrying about that. They made their decisions.
‘I felt it could have been handled better, the timing could have been better, but all those things have gone now and come Saturday that won’t have any bearing on the game.
‘I will shake Billy’s hand, I don’t have a problem with Billy Davies. I just hope that the players just go and perform and not get screwed up about all the other rubbish.
‘We are going to play football – this is not about Billy Davies or Paul Simpson.’
Derby County Team News:
The Rams may be unchanged for the first time this season after Tuesday’s result against Wolves.
Player to watch: Steve Howard
Now he’s off the mark, let’s hope it’s the start of a flurry of goals for the big man.
Preston North End Team News:
David Nugent is likely to return after a 1 match suspension, although who he replaces is a mystery after PNE’s fine victory over West Brom on Tuesday without their talisman…..
Player to watch: David Nugent
…but Rams fans would rather he didn’t play!!!! There is no better striker in the Championship than Nugent.
Match Facts & Stats
Match Prediction:
We’re overdue a home win……4th time lucky, I predict 2-1 to the Rams.
Next Fixtures:
Doncaster Rovers v DERBY COUNTY
Tuesday, 19th September 2006 – 7:45pm