Paul Warne has heavily criticised his Derby County team after their ‘disappointing’ performance against Cheltenham Town.
Derby County were desperate to return to winning ways after failing to win four of their first six matches in 2024.
The Rams did claim all three points thanks to goals from Max Bird and James Collins, but it was another underwhelming display at Pride Park.
Derby have now managed only five shots on target in their last three games – with both goals coming against Cheltenham.
The Robins sit seven points from safety and League One and so it was an expected victory, but Paul Warne still had plenty to say about his team, while he has also admitted they were let off with a penalty shout.
Speaking to Derbyshire Live, Warne said: “I don’t think we were deserved of the win.
“Cheltenham played the pitch better than we did. It was definitely a game for winter football. They stretched us first half and they ran in behind. We didn’t show any character on the ball. We played safe. We didn’t have any aggression in our game. We were booed off at half-time and that was understandable. I subconsciously booed myself.
“It was not a good performance for us in the first half. Then at half-time we sad you’re going to have to make mistakes. You can’t just keep the ball for ball’s sake. We are going to have to give our roadrunners something out wide to chase.
“To concede so early in the second half was disappointing, but two amazing bits of class got us back in it. But we definitely gave away a penalty. Louie Sibley definitely gave a penalty even though he was very good. Collo lost his runner at the death and gave their man a free header. We definitely got away with one and Cheltenham were value for a point. But we didn’t play well and won and that’s a good sign.”
Who disappointed for Derby County?
Derby County claimed 57% possession, 12 shots and had a huge eleven corners compared to Cheltenham Town’s one.
The Rams continue to dominate games but seem to have lost their ability in front of goal in recent weeks, despite James Collins netting five since the turn of the year.
Corey Blackett-Taylor was expected to make a huge impact in his first start for the club, but he was also very underwhelming.
The winger played over for over an hour, but managed to complete only four passes on home soil.
Blackett-Taylor made one key pass, but failed to complete a single accurate cross or dribble, he had zero shots, won only one ground duel and lost possession eight times.
Derby County still have work to do before next week’s deadline, while the potential arrival of Michael Smith could still be important to their hopes of promotion.