Derby County Head Coach Paul Warne is delighted with his team’s improvement as they prepare for their first home game of the 2024/25 Sky Bet Championship season on Saturday (12:30pm kickoff).
Middlesbrough will be the Rams’ first home game of the new league season. Both teams enter the game on the back of midweek Carabao Cup victories, with Boro defeating Leeds United and Derby beating Chesterfield 2-1 at Pride Park Stadium.
Warne spoke with RamsTV before of the match against Boro on Tuesday’s Carabao Cup victory, Dajaune Brown’s impact to the squad, and his return to Pride Park for Championship play.
On the performance against Chesterfield on Tuesday night.
There are always things to improve on, but we didn’t have any injuries, we won the game, and you can only beat the teams in front of you, so I was satisfied. There were some outstanding performances; I felt Craig Forsyth was excellent, Liam Thompson was excellent, and Dajaune Brown only needed a goal. I think his overall play was excellent.
And, except from their first injection into our box, I felt we looked great. We merely wobbled somewhat after we conceded, as is to be expected. You won’t ever be flawless. I think the performance was good. I’m reasonably pleased.
On Dajaune Brown’s performance and role going forward.
He had a great season last year. I informed him that he came back better than I expected throughout the preseason. So I think he’s done exceptionally well in that regard. He’s held his own more than I expected. And I wanted to give him an opportunity. I thought he did well at Barnsley, and that was a positive indication.
So I decided to offer him the opportunity the other night. I told James Collins that I thought Collo did well when he came on against Blackburn; he brought something fresh. But I told Collo that I needed to let Dej play. Because if I’m going to retain him, it has to be because I intend to play him. And if I don’t believe he’s right yet, I should let him go. I need to offer him the opportunity to make a decision. With more than two weeks left in the window, I believe I have yet to make an affirmative decision.
It’s a difficult one since I believe he can have an impact on us. But, when Jerry Yates needs to return and I still want to add another, how much game time can I give him? From a club development standpoint, perhaps I’d be better off loaning him out. But, from a selfish standpoint, I like the idea that he’s here and that I can put him on, and he could start a game now and then. I want him to be a part of it and become used to the way we play.
On Saturday’s opponents Middlesbrough.
They have always been a good team. I believe they lost out on the playoffs by roughly four or five points. They excel at transition counter-attacks because to their style of play. They play with pace and purpose.
They’ve played a certain way in their last two games. It doesn’t mean they’ll play like that against us. However, they are primarily a 4-4-2 out of possession.
They drop off, and you get it. But once they have it, they start running all over the place. And that’s what led to their victory last night. The majority of their goals came from winning the ball in their own half and attacking you quickly. So it’s a refined version of ourselves, I believe.
On returning to Pride Park in the league.
Every club requires its home fanbase. And our home fans have a significant advantage over almost everyone. The home fans, their positivity around the stadium, the flags, and their loyalty to the team are vitally essential. Everyone contributes to the total number of points we can gain at home.
I believe the lads will relish playing at home. It will be great for the new guys to see Pride Park crowded. And ideally it’ll be a warm day so he can show up in a Derby shirt. It’s a fantastic recollection and a great start to life as a Derby player. I expect us to perform well at home.