Derby County are preparing for a busy month of important fixtures in March, giving Corey Blackett-Taylor the chance to rediscover the form that saw him set the league alight at Charlton Athletic.
Derby are potentially set for a season-defining month of fixtures in March, as Paul Warne’s side aim to cement their position in the automatic promotion places.
Despite scoring first in their last two matches, the Rams have come out on the receiving end of two defeats but still hold onto second place on goal difference after Bolton Wanderers lost against Blackpool and Wigan Athletic.
Warne is fortunate that Bolton have slipped up otherwise they could have been chasing automatic promotion, it is instead in their own hands, but only just.
The challenges that Derby County face in March
Derby are facing up to the music in League One as the promotion run-in heats up with six matches to play in March.
It could turn out to be a season-defining month, especially after recent results going against them.
The biggest fixture they play is at home against Bolton Wanderers which could determine who takes the initiative in the race for second.
Warne’s side also play host to Port Vale, Reading and Blackpool while setting off on their travels for away trips to Northampton and Bristol Rovers.
This upcoming period of six matches could make or break their season and Warne will need to call upon his whole squad to achieve maximum success.
Considering they will have little time to rest and recover, the Derby boss will be likely to rotate his squad at times, giving Corey Blackett-Taylor the opportunity to show his worth.
Why March could be critical for Corey Blackett-Taylor
Derby made the astute signing of Blackett-Taylor from League One rivals Charlton in the January window.
The 26-year-old scored eight goals and supplied seven assists before his move and was described by many as one of the best wingers in the division.
Since arriving at Pride Park, though, the Englishman has endured a frustrating time and has only started twice, playing 64 minutes in the win over Cheltenham and 45 minutes in the victory at Exeter.
Blackett-Taylor was substituted at half-time in the latter fixture as a precaution, but must now show his worth to Derby in such a defining period in the season.
With the fixture pile-up engulfing the Rams this month, the winger – who was once lauded as “so dangerous” by journalist Josh Bunting – possesses the pace and power to cause so much havoc against opposing defenders.
After watching him terrorise his opponents in the third tier at Charlton, Derby supporters know what he’s capable of and while he hasn’t shown it just yet, he will have plenty of chances to make himself a hero.
In a critical period of their season, Warne will want his players to produce moments of individual brilliance and Blackett-Taylor is more than capable of satisfying those needs.