Two weeks ago it would have been ludicrous to suggest that Clough, McFarland, Todd and Sterjovski would be making news here in Australia, let alone all in the same reports.

The oft quoted ‘what a difference a week can make in football’, has probably never been more appropriate even for a club like Derby County with such a rich and turbulent history.

The expected yet still surprising appointment of Nigel Clough confirmed my gut feeling from last weeks article and I like most Rams fans couldn’t be happier. I was called a ‘day dreamer’ by a RamZone reader who posted as much in his comments on my column and to be frank I’m glad I am. What is life without dreams and what would Derby be without a Clough…either one of them.

The most poignant part of this week’s euphoria was the statements of Clough Jnr at the clubs official press conference when he told the media:
"It might be 35 years ago but supporters talk about it as though it was yesterday. Many of them are affiliated with the club because of those days. "And I don't think people will ever think of me as something other than dad's son. In some ways I hope they don't because would mean they have forgotten about him."

"We sat down and took the emotion out of the situation, which was not easy, I spoke to mum but she is more concerned with the grandchildren than anything else. Dad did say never go back but I also know he was very tempted because he felt there was unfinished business here. If it had been five or 10 years further on, the chairman would have gone instead of him."

"The question has come up a bit in the last week and the truth is I have not got the foggiest," he said. He would probably have said 'don't be so stupid'. I hope it would have been a positive response but I just wish he was around for a bit of advice."

These quotes suggest Nigel is a man at peace with where he’s at in his career and the expectations that come with the family name. Those concerned he is not ready to take the next step up should read those words and relax. By embracing the legacy left by his father and at the same time being determined to build his own, he is dealing with it in the most sensible manner. Separating himself and not wanting to be associated with his fathers fame would've been a mistake, just ask Julian Lennon.

The Rams finally got their man and it was a nice touch that Nigel should be replaced at Burton by the one and only Roy McFarland. Capped 28 times by England, 434 games for Derby before a stint as manager, he was arguably the best of all the Clough / Taylor signings. Roy’s appointment as caretaker manager of Burton adds a nice footnote to his predecessor’s departure. I think every Derby fan wishes him and the Albion players success in finishing the job that Nigel set up for them over a decade.

Then as if this bizarre reunion seemingly could take no more unexpected twists, the son of Colin returned from exile to lead the Rams to the Promised Land. Who could have expected Andy Todd would return to the team he had not featured in all season and, in my opinion, produce a best on ground performance that not only strengthened the Rams leaky defence but also give it the confidence to build from the back.

Todd’s strength and presence had others around him passing the ball around Manchester United as if they were training cones at practice. It truly makes you wonder what Davies and Jewell did to some of these boys when they still have this type of ability coarsing through their veins, managing to drain it out till they were a mere husk of their former self. Now it is pumping again, can we please have some more?

Then there is my fellow compatriot Mile Sterjovski. Any RamZone reader will know of my disdain, despair and total frustration at the Socceroo being overlooked this season. An international player who couldn’t even make the bench in an under strength Derby team always pointed to other problems inside the camp. That was vindicated when he returned to the starting line up as soon as the Jewell regime ended with Hutchings resignation.

Up against the teams biggest opponents of the season he not produced a cracking shot cleared off the line, he got into United’s face and most importantly set up the winner for Commons with a pass that sliced opened the red devils defence.

Australian media went mad about the stunning return of Mile with TV highlights, articles in newspaper, on the internet and radio news proclaiming his return. Rumours surfaced last week of a move that would have him join a new Australian team about to enter the ‘A-League’ on the Gold Coast. If this performance didn’t prove he deserves a chance to become a regular Ram then nothing will. Grab it by the horns my boy!

The news Down Under didn’t just mention Mile of course, they gushed about Clough and the comprehensive giant killing of the red devils. It was like heaven had opened up and shone a spotlight on me for the day. I was glowing so bright at work after the game that one of my co-workers is currently being treated for retina damage.

Then I took a breath.

This Saturday the new Clough era officially begins at Derby County. We will need to be patient and give him time to take our bruised and battered club out of the rut it has found itself in for the last 18 months (or longer depending on your point of view). That said, it is an exciting time for the club and team because there will probably not have been a more unified fan base in existence for many years. The crowd at Pride Park on Wednesday night proved that with a sense of excitement and hope that has always been there but constantly mistreated and neglected.

Perhaps the RamZone member was right last week when they called me a ‘day dreamer’ but once upon a time reality used to be a friend of the Rams. Maybe it is time, with the help of Clough Jnr, that we once again make its acquaintance.

Maybe someone upstairs (and i don't mean in the boardroom) will be looking over him, he himself insinuated as much at his press conference. When asked about the mouth watering FA cup fixture between the Rams and Forrest he spoke with a wry smile;

"Somebody upstairs was a bit mischievous when they pulled those balls out".

Sounds like Brian to me too.

C’mon Ewe Rams!! :0)

Photo: Action Images

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