Questionee - Ian Hayes
> Tell us a bit about yourself (Name, age, occupation)
Ian Hayes, 46 years old, retired through ill health
The Editorial Inquisition: Derby County - 16th August
> Tell us a bit about yourself (Name, age, occupation)
Ian Hayes, 46 years old, retired through ill health
> How long have you supported Derby?
Over 40 years
Over 40 years
> What is your earliest memory of the club?
The great European matches after the clubs first League division one title (now Premiership). We took on and beat the likes of Real Madrid, Benfica and were said to have been cheated out of the European Cup semi Final by Juventus.
The great European matches after the clubs first League division one title (now Premiership). We took on and beat the likes of Real Madrid, Benfica and were said to have been cheated out of the European Cup semi Final by Juventus.
> What is Derby's proudest moment you have witnessed?
Again it has to be the two league titles. I can remember the trophy being proudly brought through towns and villages all over Derbyshire by the team in a coach. I was also a very memorable day when we first gained promotion up into the new Premiership. The first time we stayed there for six seasons, unlike last seasons disaster.
Again it has to be the two league titles. I can remember the trophy being proudly brought through towns and villages all over Derbyshire by the team in a coach. I was also a very memorable day when we first gained promotion up into the new Premiership. The first time we stayed there for six seasons, unlike last seasons disaster.
> How did the club perform in 2007/08?
Do I really have to answer this one? I think everyone in England and beyond witnessed the very poor performances we had in the Premiership. It was a nightmare for players and fans alike and i for one couldn't wait for the season to end.
Do I really have to answer this one? I think everyone in England and beyond witnessed the very poor performances we had in the Premiership. It was a nightmare for players and fans alike and i for one couldn't wait for the season to end.
> Has the club made many additions or sufferered many departures in the summer?
It has been a revolving door over the summer with 13 players being brought in to try and sort out our dismal form. A notable player going out of the door was Rob Earnshaw, an expensive £3.6m buy in the summer and only playing a handful of games. No reason was given for the fact he never really featured in the Premiership in a very poor side. he was off loaded to arch rivals Notts Forest.
It has been a revolving door over the summer with 13 players being brought in to try and sort out our dismal form. A notable player going out of the door was Rob Earnshaw, an expensive £3.6m buy in the summer and only playing a handful of games. No reason was given for the fact he never really featured in the Premiership in a very poor side. he was off loaded to arch rivals Notts Forest.
> How did the team shape up in pre season?
Hit and miss, which was to be expected with a near complete new side. We lost the first game to a Dutch second division side 2-0 then had wins against Burton and Mansfield and a creditable draw against Dutch first division side FC Utrecht.
Hit and miss, which was to be expected with a near complete new side. We lost the first game to a Dutch second division side 2-0 then had wins against Burton and Mansfield and a creditable draw against Dutch first division side FC Utrecht.
> Who is your best player?
Not quite sure, as many of the new signings are still hard to spot on the field never mind name but Kris Commons looks to have the ability to be a top class midfielder and Nathan Ellington scored a hat-trick in the Carling Cup this week. I suppose we need more time to judge who is our best player.
Not quite sure, as many of the new signings are still hard to spot on the field never mind name but Kris Commons looks to have the ability to be a top class midfielder and Nathan Ellington scored a hat-trick in the Carling Cup this week. I suppose we need more time to judge who is our best player.
> Who might Bristol City be able to expose?
We have changed so many players it is hard to say who may be a weak link. no doubt there is one, as with all teams but I can help you on that one.
We have changed so many players it is hard to say who may be a weak link. no doubt there is one, as with all teams but I can help you on that one.
> How do you assess your chances this campaign?
Hard to say, the bookies seem to think we are good enough for a top six finish but a poor start didn't fill me full of optimism. If we get it right and combine some of the strikers well i am sure we can trouble many sides in this division but it is obvious that we need time to gel and maybe a safe mid table position is a target for this season.
Hard to say, the bookies seem to think we are good enough for a top six finish but a poor start didn't fill me full of optimism. If we get it right and combine some of the strikers well i am sure we can trouble many sides in this division but it is obvious that we need time to gel and maybe a safe mid table position is a target for this season.
> How do you think Bristol City will do this year?
You were so unlucky to miss out in the play-offs last season, so I can see you going close again. maybe we will meet in the play-offs this season but there is a long road ahead for both teams before that.
You were so unlucky to miss out in the play-offs last season, so I can see you going close again. maybe we will meet in the play-offs this season but there is a long road ahead for both teams before that.
> Which player do you think will be the dangerman for Derby?
Any one of the strikers could turn a game, they have the quality and records to prove that. Kris Commons is also libel to score from a set piece or long shot from outside the box.
Any one of the strikers could turn a game, they have the quality and records to prove that. Kris Commons is also libel to score from a set piece or long shot from outside the box.
> If Derby were an animal, which one would you be (except for a Ram obviously!)?
Hibernating Bear, if we wake up teams will not want to meet us.
> Sum the club up in three words...
Brand new team
> Give us your prediction for the game...
1-1
1-1
> As far as the season goes generally...
> Who will win the league?
Possibly Birmingham City
> Who else will get promoted?
Reading, Coventry
Reading, Coventry
> Who will be relegated?
Swansea, Burnley and Southampton
Swansea, Burnley and Southampton