Manager: Paul Jewell
Odds to win: 12/1
2007-2008:
Position: 20th (Premier League) W:1 D:8 L:29 F:20 A:89 Points: 11
Top Scorer: Kenny Miller (4)
FA Cup: Fourth Round
League Cup: Second Round
Yellows: 57 Reds: 1
Results against Reds (N/A)
2008-2009:
Name: Ian Hayes (www.derby county-mad.co.uk)
Club: Derby County
Level of Interest: Season ticket holder for many years
How has pre-season gone for you?
A bit indifferent really started badly with a 2-0 loss to Dutch second division side. The 2-0 win against local non league side Burton Albion raised the spirits, only for them to slightly deflated by a 0-0 against Rotherham. We still have two further friendlies before the league kick off.
Are you pleased with the signings your club has made?
Yes but we have not really spent too much money. Most of the 10 new players to arrive at the club have been either free transfers or low cost imports. Hopefully these will see a rapid improvement in the squad after last season's "Season Horrabilis" for the Rams.
What realistically are you aiming for this season?
Just to consolidate a new squad and build for promotion next season. Mid table would probably be hailed a success this season but anything that has the team playing decent football would be great for the fans this season.
Which player has past his sell by date?
Robbie Savage would seem to have been a mistake when brought into the side by Paul Jewell last season. He was given the Captaincy in a bid to bring some organisation and leadership to the squad but it hasn't happened yet.
Have you got the right manager in charge?
Paul Jewell was brought in at a time when it was fairly obvious that the Rams were doomed to relegation from the Premiership, however no noticeable improvement was made in the later half of the Premiership season. A losing streak of some 30 matches needs to be changed, and soon, or the fans will not be long before calling for changes in management. Jewell however has a good record of getting teams promoted from the Championship, so he may well be the man for the job.
What advice would you give him?
Get rid of Robbie Savage and bring in a leader on the pitch. Defence also needs to be a priority to avoid shipping goals as per last season.
Who do you see as your key player?
Striker Nathan Ellington will hopefully reproduce the form he had whilst with Jewell at Wigan and hopefully form a partnership with Argentine forward Emanuel Villa
Who would you most like to beat this season?
That would be bitter local rivals Nottingham Forest, we play for the Brian Clough trophy every time we meet and we hope to retain the trophy over the two games this season.
Where will you finish?
Can't honestly answer that one as we have totally reshaped the squad from our disastrous Premiership season. Hopefully a top six finish.
How do you rate Barnsley's chances next season and where do you think they will finish?
A good run should see Barnsley in the top ten for the coming season. Like everyone else the proof of the quality of your side will become obvious as the season pans out.