, Derby boss excited ahead of crucial playoff decider

Derby boss excited ahead of crucial playoff decider

Derby manager Gary Rowett has revealed his excitement for the Rams clash with Barnsley at the weekend, where a point will be enough guarantee a playoff place.

The former Birmingham City boss also revealed the psychological damage the Rams losing run had caused throughout the camp. 

On Boxing Day, Derby County were second in the table and were battling it out for automatic promotion places.

However, after a dismal slide down the table the Rams need a point on the final day to secure a playoff spot.

They host Barnsley at Pride Park on Sunday but the Tykes travel to the East Midlands in search of all three points in a bid to preserve their Championship status.

Speaking at his pre game press conference, Rowett said “It’s a simple game where we’ve got to go and perform, like any other league game.

“I’m pretty excited about it. Anyone in football, you want to be involved in these type of games.

“It characterises the Championship and how competitive it is, to come down to the final game. So many teams are fighting for something, at both ends of the table.

“Sometimes, as a manager, you don’t want it to be quite so exciting! But it’s a terrific league.”

It’s been a deeply disappointing end to the season for Rowett’s side, and the boss admits that he had worried if they would make the playoffs at all.

“Three or four games ago, to be honest, we thought our chances of making the top six weren’t great, because of the psychological blow of dropping out.” He added.

” This is a big game but the players have been so relaxed all week, and keen to build on the previous two games. There is some real positive momentum around the place.”

The Rams can extend their season by an extra two games at the weekend, and relegate Barnsley in the process.

It will be all to play for at Pride Park come 12 O’Clock on Sunday.

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