The September edition of The Rampage is set for release this Thursday and is jam-packed full of exclusive Derby County content.
Inside this edition of the Rams’ monthly magazine, there are interviews with Sam Baldock who opened his account for Derby last month in the 1-0 victory over Hull City at the MKM Stadium, whilst we also spoke to Head Goalkeeper Coach Jason Pearcey on his unique journey to coaching in Derby County’s first team.
The Rampage also spoke exclusively to former Derby County defender and assistant manager Chris Powell this month. The Rams’ favourite spent the summer on the coaching staff at the England national team as they created history this summer, reaching the final of the European Championships.
Here is an extract from that piece that you can read exclusively in The Rampage from Thursday...
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What the England players did, though, was more than just win football matches. Yes, winning breeds positivity, but they engaged and connected with their fan base. They showed their human side, as well as their emotion. You could see bonds in the dressing room, bonds which have never been seen before. And after the past 18 months where everyone has had to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects, it brought happiness and enjoyment from watching football.
“I don’t think Gareth has had the credit he deserves in the respect of how he made the players really open up to the media,” Powell said. “He has embraced and made the players and staff embrace what we are about as a team and as a nation. He has spoken up on issues and has encouraged players and staff to speak about issues which over the years haven’t been a part of the football psyche, but we did it.
“It made people feel connected to the squad. You felt as though you knew the players. Regardless of the issues which occurred after the tournament - we all know what they were where - but actually that’s connected everyone even more.
“Bukayo Saka plays for Arsenal, and Spurs never clap an Arsenal player. He came to Spurs in a pre-season fixture and they clapped him. I don’t think you can underestimate how big that it. But that’s because of the openness of the players and how they were. They are young men, young people and everyone this summer felt connected to them.
“Whether you are young or old, male or female, whatever your background is, it was just brilliant and I think it will carry on. People feel connected to England and that hasn’t happened in the past. Maybe the weight of the shirt has hung heavy on everyone in the past but now players look forward to getting to camp.”
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For the full article and other exclusive content, CLICK HERE to purchase your copy of The Rampage.