Headley: Time for the demolition of Derby...we hope!

Last updated : 09 August 2005 By Simon Head

Brown: making the difference

We've been defending well in recent games - and the main three factors behind this are Gorman's influence taking effect, the return of Jason Brown between the sticks and the return to form of Chris Hope. Add to that the improved energy and work rate from having a younger midfield and you can see why we're not leaking so many goals. The defence is now less exposed than it was previously - and the defence is more confident from having a better communicator behind them.

It's been good to see a stronger, more confident-looking defence - and Nyron is looking every inch a quality centre half. I'd strongly consider keeping him there, even when injuries clear themselves up. Hills could play left back and Rose could play right back with Hope and Nyron in the centre and that would make a decent back four.

Now we've sorted out our defensive play, we now need to address our goalscoring problems. We now have plenty of forwards available - and I'd keep Henderson in the starting lineup now. He is now settled at Gillingham and is giving 110% every match, literally spilling blood for the cause. We should now look to find the right blend up front.

Johnson: 'in-the-hole' role

With both Roberts and Tommy Johnson now available, they should immediately move ahead of the hard-working but mostly ineffective Sidibe in the pecking order. I'd be tempted to look at a Henderson/Johnson front two on Saturday, with Tommy playing just behind Darius and dropping back to make a five in midfield when we lose possession.

We still need to keep tight defensively, but we also need to create chances, particularly at home - and the balance Tommy would give us as a withdrawn striker should help on both counts.

I'd keep the back four as it was at Bramall Lane - and probably keep the midfield the same too, with the possible change of Smith for Hessenthaler after the hour mark, freeing Spiller to play on the right side of midfield, with Jarvis remaining on the left.

So, my team for the Derby match would be as follows:

Jason Brown

Dean Marney Chris Hope Nyron Nosworthy Richard Rose

Andy Hessenthaler Danny Spiller Andrew Crofts Matt Jarvis

Tommy Johnson

Darius Henderson