Barnes To Fulham On Loan

Fulham have secured the services of promising youngster Giles Barnes on loan until the end the season. Fulham will look to make the deal permanent in the summer.

Giles Barnes has showed tremendous promise for Derby, and will be happy to have the opportunity to show off his talents in the Premier League. Barnes recently got two goals at Old Trafford, after coming off the bench in the League Cup Semi Final, Second Leg.

Derby fans posted the below tribute on to you tube. If Fulham fans don't know much about Barnes, this should whet their appetites.

Fulham have also been today linked with a move for Inter Milans Olivier Dacourt. Dacourt has only played 15 minutes under Jose Mourinho and is expected to be allowed to move on loan.

Derby County vs Nottingham Forrest

This is an interesting Blog Post from Mike Norrish of the DT prior to the game.

Man Utd Misfiring?

I have just seen this analysis of Man Utd's Strike force this season on the BBC. Includes a contribution from Andrew Cole.

This will be a key weekend in Man Utd's challenge, a defeat will hurt their challenge but not irrevocably; however, a win will give some needed momentum. After the defeat to Derby, Sir Alex will probably not surprise anyone with his selection this weekend, but a bad performance this weekend may prompt changes to the established order as Man Utd head into their traditionally strongest section of the season.

Chelsea and Big Phil need to travel to Old Trafford, Anfield and Villa Park within the seven games they play before the Champions League resumes in February. Will Chelsea be celebrating on Monday that they again have some advantage in the Premier League over Man Utd?

Update 12-Jan-09: Momentum Achieved, 3-0 Victory to Manchester United.

Excellent Start For Nigel Clough

Derby have beaten Man Utd 1-0 to register a shock first leg win in the League Cup Semi Final.

I made mentioned yesterday that Cloughs appointment had added to the Romance of Football, and it looks like his presence in the stands had a BIG influence on his new players.

I still think United will make it through to the final, but the second leg will be very interesting now.

Clough Takes Over At Derby

The great thing about football is that despite the sensational shocks that sometimes come along that make the game constantly thrilling, every now and then something happens that was just meant to be.

The appointment of Nigel Clough as manager as Derby is one of those things that feels very natural. Clough is very aware of the clubs history and tradition. He does not need anyone to remind him, (but you might) that his father took over Derby in 1967, took them up from the second tier, to the top tier, won the league and guided them to a Semi-Final in the European Cup.

Personally, I think this is a good appointment for Clough and for Derby and adds to the romance of that never ending story that is football.