3/1 To Win
Head Coach Paul Warne commended Derby County’s ‘hearty performance’ as his side took maximum points against West Bromwich Albion at Pride Park Stadium on Boxing Day.
The Rams claimed a deserved 2-1 victory against the Baggies with Jerry Yates’ fifth goal of the season and a Mason Holgate own goal enough to take maximum points away from Pride Park Stadium in the Sky Bet Championship.
Warne caught up with RamsTV following the post-Christmas victory on home turf to review back-to-back home wins in the league.
On a pleasing win on Boxing Day…
We are really pleased. The game had a weird feeling; the kick-off time was weird, and there was a mist, like some sort of American film for the whole match. It just felt a bit strange. The atmosphere prior to the game when the lads were warming up just felt different.
Normally, Boxing Day games are quite lively. The fans played a massive part in the noise, which was great. They stayed with the team. We were playing against a very good team and at times they have the ball - and you can't press every time they get it. The lads kept to their shape really well, and created some really good chances in the first half, which pleased me. The second goal was obviously crucial.
There were some really tired bodies out there. I think you could see I was trying to help the lads out with their fatigue. We only had three central midfielders fit today, so we had to shuffle the pack. Tawanda Chirewa came on and did well as well. I’m really proud of the lads. I make no secret of the fact that I gave them Christmas Day off because I trust my players. They're brilliant people and they've repaid everyone here today with a real hearty performance.
On holding firm despite West Brom threatening a late comeback…
It helps when you've got 30,000 fans cheering every block and tackle and head in the last few minutes. It felt a bit déjà vu (with the Luton Town game where Derby lost 2-1 on Friday), that we were just getting a little bit over-excited at the end and gave away some fouls.
There was a free-kick similar to the winning Luton goal the other day and if we had another two points ripped off us, it would be difficult. If it keeps happening, it becomes a habit. I’m pleased that the players defended the way they did and saw the game out. The crowd helped no end, because they were cheering and shouting at everything. We needed everyone in the ground today to help the lads out.
On hitting the halfway mark in the Championship season…
I'm pleased with how well we've performed so far this season but I'm not as ecstatic with the points return. I still think we could be in a more handsome position than that, but as a return to the Championship has been, and how many people follow us home and away and are behind the team, I think everyone can see how hard the lads work. They absolutely gas out.
