Whether it was the tussle between Adam Forshaw and Sam Szmodics, or when Rams captain Lewis Travis “let himself down” with what John Eustace called a “ridiculous” yellow card, their reacquaintance with Blackburn was inevitably fiery.   For Ben Brereton Díaz, Dion Sanderson, Sam Szmodics and chiefly former Rovers skipper Travis, it was akin to welcoming your dysfunctional, now-disowned family to your new abode. Even with some their favourite sons back in their corner, the same

When Lewis Travis unceremoniously headed the ball into his own net after eight minutes, you got the feeling it would be one of those days for Derby.   When The Rams skipper was given his marching orders in a fiery period of second half stoppage time, that feeling proved correct.   After the euphoric high of the 5-0 win at Bristol City, this unfortunate afternoon brought the Pride Park faithful back down to Earth. The play-off chase is on, but home form remains the barrier.  

John Eustace with the nine students, including myself, who put questions to him. Photo: University of Derby. Even during a week that has featured the quagmire of deadline day, deal sheets and the usual pre-match preparations, John Eustace has still found time to visit the University of Derby for his pre-match press conference. While it comes during what must be one of the busier weeks of the season, at least the Derby head coach will no longer have to bat away transfer rumour