Even after beginning the season on a losing streak, journalist and analyst Don Goodman argues that Warne is the right man to keep the Rams in the Championship. The 43-year-old, who joined Pride Park in October 2022, helped the Rams gain promotion from League One last term.
Derby’s season in the Championship has been up and down since the return of the phoenix club and a recent careless remark by Warne that his team plays like a League One team with some sugar on top seems to have stirred his team. Since then the Rams earned a credible 0-0 draw with promotion-seeking Burnley and a decisive 4-0 mauling of Portsmouth with only 10 men.
According to Goodman, who passionately and knowledgeably follows Derby, Warne is probably correct that even if it is unglamorous, the formula is the only way to keep the club going. “Paul Warne is perfect for the media because he speaks sacrastically and provides proper analysis” Goodman concluded. ‘He said one time that his side simply may not have been prepared for championship football at the beginning of the year and you can hardly begrudge him.’
After 20 matches Goodman is convinced that Derby has enough protective layer to leave the relegation zone behind. ”I don’t think Derby is in a relegation struggle, especially if we consider the team’s home standing and prowess,” he opined. “I think they’ll be okay.”
Some Derby fans might not like the way Warne played but he does not disappoint them because he knows how to get the team back on track and ensure the team remains well-disciplined. Given that survival is the key aim, Warne’s job at Derby ought not to be in danger. Quite rightly, Goodman has observed, “The objective has to be survival and at this moment in the time, I think they’ll do it comfortably.”