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Tonights match mascots
RamsDiary
Why Villa veteran lan's
Taylor-made for Derby
the ram
Latest from Moor Farm
JULY 18 Rams boss George Burley
insists he's still looking to
strengthen his squad with at least
two more players - including a
striker. He reveals he's been looking
closely at 18-year-old Peruvian
trialist Gianfranco Tome, who has
impressed during pre-season
training.
JULY 19 The pre-season campaign
kicks-off in disappointing style with
Warren Barton and Ian Taylor
picking up injuries in a 5-0 defeat at
Shrewsbury. The boss reiterates his
desire to bring in two more new
players over the coming days.
"With a couple of new faces and our
injured players coming back into the
frame, it should change the look of
the squad," Burley said.
JULY 21 Paul Boertien, Lee Morris
and Steve Elliott could return to
training this week after injury lay
offs.
Welcome to all the
members of the new
BBG Club who are
enjoying the facility for the first
time this evening.
Limited places are still
available at a cost of £85 per
person (plus vat). Contact our
sales team on 01332 667575 for
further details.
Super-fit veteran Ian Taylor is
relishing his dual Rams role - as
a box-to-box midfielder and a
mentor to a young Rams squad.
After a decade with Aston Villa, Taylor
joined Derby in the summer and knows
his experience will be vital as a youthful
side sets its sights on First Division
success.
"There are a lot of exciting young
players here but they need some
guidance and that's my brief.
"The manager is trying to start
something new here and wanted to bring
in some fresh faces... mine may not be the
freshest, but he knows what I can do and
feels my experience will benefit the
squad."
At 35, Taylor's still in great nick and not
daunted by the rigours of a 46-match
season.
"I feel great, I've been training all
through the summer and I'll keep running
until my legs drop off."
Taylor lives on the Derbyshire-
Stafforshire border and had been urged
by Rams-supporting friends to sign on the
dotted line at Pride Park.
"I meet a lot of Derby supporters and
they were egging me on. I'm here now so
I hope I can repay their faith in me.
"I only had to check out the stadium
and the new training ground to be
convinced it was the right move - no-one
had to twist my arm.
"It's been a transitional period for the
club, the supporters have been patient for
the last few years and maybe they will
need to remain patient while we put
together a new team."
George Burley was delighted with his
acquisition.
"Ian has a great reputation. He's an
honest, hard-working professional."
Tonight's McDonald's Young
Rams mascots are Joe
Conkleton and Samuel
Dreher
Joe (left) is 12, a season ticket
holder from Belper and attends
Derby Grammar School for Boys.
Joe enjoys playing football,
particularly for Belper Sports
Football Club. His favourite Rams
player is Luciano Zavangno.
Samuel is I I and attends
Mickleover Primary School. He is
a keen sports fan and his hobbies
include football, Quick Cricket
and tag rugby. Samuel also has a
black belt in Karate.
We hope both mascots
thoroughly enjoy their special
night.
Derby County Direct - 0870 444 1884 - for tickets, merchandise and all Rams-related enquiries
