Meet The Team - Gazza

Next up in our series introducing the site journalists is Gazza telling us how Peter Shilton helped foster his Rams allegiance and that Gary Hooper could be the man to fire Nigel Clough`s side up the table if a deal can be agreed...

Why did you become a Rams fan?
I was always a goalkeeper when I was young and as Peter Shilton was one of the first real goalkeepers I knew as he played for Derby it just happened that way and it stuck. It was more by chance really, so it's not exactly in the blood like it is for some but I've stuck with us.

What was the first game you attended?
It was a 2-2 draw against United in November 1988, we'd started the season well and only lost a few matches I think, one of them was a heavy League Cup defeat I seem to recall.

Who is your favourite all time Ram?
I'd have to say Peter Shilton for the answer given above, I also liked Mark Wright and Dean Saunders from that era. Robin Van Der Laan, Igor Stimac, Deon Burton and Paolo Wanchope were players I've also liked along with our goalkeepers Russell Hoult and Mart Poom of course.

And from the current squad?
Robbie Savage for me. I was more than happy for him to leave when Paul Jewell was the boss as it was made out that Sav wanted out, however, it doesn't seem as though he did. He's a player you hate unless he's playing for you and we've seen what benefits he brings to the side.

What is your most memorable Rams moment?
I'd have to say the period in the late 1980's when things seemed to be going so well, it was just a shame that our fifth place finish in the old First Division didn't get us into Europe, due to that European ban. To see the England caps record broken by one of our own players (Shilton) was also special, so the late 80's period for me.

Where do you think The Rams will finish next season?
We'll do better than last season, I'd like to say in he play-offs but I'd think something around midtable or top ten would be a successful season really as Cloughie continues to build.

And who do you think will stand out?
I think that it's going to be an incredible tight league so I don't have a clue really. I think I would've said, as much as I don't want to, Forest and Leicester but Forest seem to be letting players go and Leicester have lost Nigel Pearson so they might not be as strong. Leeds could do well.

Of you could add any player to the current squad before the transfer window shuts who would it be?
Being realistic, even if it's not very adventurous, I'd still like to see Gary Hooper sign as we've lacked a real goalscorer haven't we and the Scunthorpe striker really knows how to score, however I can't see this happening.