Derby County has unveiled its vision of the future by announcing plans for a £20m development around Pride Park Stadium.
The proposed Pride Plaza scheme would see eye-catching changes to the west and east sides of the ground.
Plans which have still to be formally submitted to Derby City Council include an eight-storey 165-bed hotel, office space, a convenience store, banking, restaurants and bars all set in tree-lined pedestrian-friendly squares.
About 250 jobs would be created by the scheme.
The club sees the development becoming a local service centre for the people who work at the many businesses on Pride Park while providing improved facilities for the fans on match days.
Designs of the two-storey or three-storey individual buildings will not block views of the main entrance to the stadium.
There will also be two squares on the west side of the stadium named after Rams legends Steve Bloomer and Brian Clough, with a monument to each.
The road behind the east stand will become a more vibrant area and will be named Lionel Pickering Way as a tribute to the club's former chairman.
Current chairman Peter Gadsby, pictured, was the director who oversaw the original stadium development.
He said: "When we first built Pride Park we were always aware of further development potential and when I came back to the club almost 12 months ago with the current board of directors we indicated we would look to maximise that potential for the benefit of the club."
Derby could either make land available for sale to interested companies or fund the building of units themselves for rental.
Mr Gadsby says the 'Pride Plaza' project will not impact on any football revenue.
"No football or promotion income will be used to support this scheme," he said. "We anticipate strong demand for the new commercial space. Indeed, we already have interest from two global brands."
Preliminary talks with the planning authority have been positive, according to the Rams, and time-scales will be dictated by the planning process and negotiations with individual businesses.
The planning application could go in within three months.
Eighty car park spaces will be lost at the stadium to make way for the new development but the club will look at alternative arrangements.
"We are confident any parking issues can be addressed," said Mr Gadsby. "People may be worried about their parking but this is unlikely to take their parking away."
The club will press on with the plans irrespective of in which division it finds itself next season.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-27 10:47:18
Showing posts with label sport. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sport. Show all posts
Friday, April 27, 2007
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Derby 1 v Luton 0 Nyatanga sends Luton down
Luton Town's relegation from the Championship was confirmed last night by a player whose season has been almost as unexplainable as their own. Lewin Nyatanga has been both a help and a hindrance to Derby this term, the 18-year-old featuring in Barnsley's recent victory over Birmingham and also making 11 appearances for Sunderland during two separate loan spells before he was recalled by Billy Davies this week. The Derby manager's timing was perfect.
Nyatanga marked his first appearance in a Derby shirt since September with a goal that lifts his side back into an automatic promotion place, one point above Birmingham having played a game more. For Luton there was only misery, this result bringing the harsh reality of League One football next season. Needing a victory to have any chance of survival, Kevin Blackwell presided over a fourth defeat in a row, which means Luton have collected one point from his five matches in charge.
Not that Blackwell can take the blame for relegation. The damage had been done long before he took over from Mike Newell last month, the dramatic slide since the New Year, during which Luton have picked up eight points from a possible 54, turning a season that promised so much early on into the ultimate failure.
"It hurts to be relegated," admitted Blackwell. "I haven't come here to sit in the lower echelons of English football. I want to make sure this club gets back as quickly as I can."
The Luton manager believes that an immediate return to the second tier is possible, pointing to the arrival of David Pinkney as chairman as pivotal in changing the club's fortunes in the future. "He's got a business brain, he's dynamic and he has got high demands," added Blackwell. The Luton manager understands that funds will be made available next season, with a forward likely to be his first priority. "It's no secret that Luton have sold £4m of strikers," he added.
Steve Howard was among them although the Derby striker failed to score against his former club. He came close on two occasions, seeing a header cleared off the line by Chris Coyne before Gary Teale, his team-mate, managed to do the same in the second half.
Those moments might have pained Howard but relief for a nervous Derby side had come much earlier when Nyatanga converted from inside the six-yard box after Dean Brill, outstanding in goal for Luton, superbly repelled Dean Leacock's point-blank header.
"That's called needs must," said Davies, playing down suggestions that his decision to bring Nyatanga back from Oakwell was a masterstroke. The Derby manager said that "it would have been a travesty if we had not picked up three points", alluding to several near misses, with Matt Oakley striking the crossbar and the substitute Arturo Lupoli denied after Brill stuck out a foot.
Davies had good reason to be sanguine, however. "We have now put a lot of pressure elsewhere," he added.
Unfortunately Birmingham rose above the pressure and only maximum points from the remaining two games will give Derby any chance of automatic promotion.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 10:22:54
Nyatanga marked his first appearance in a Derby shirt since September with a goal that lifts his side back into an automatic promotion place, one point above Birmingham having played a game more. For Luton there was only misery, this result bringing the harsh reality of League One football next season. Needing a victory to have any chance of survival, Kevin Blackwell presided over a fourth defeat in a row, which means Luton have collected one point from his five matches in charge.
Not that Blackwell can take the blame for relegation. The damage had been done long before he took over from Mike Newell last month, the dramatic slide since the New Year, during which Luton have picked up eight points from a possible 54, turning a season that promised so much early on into the ultimate failure.
"It hurts to be relegated," admitted Blackwell. "I haven't come here to sit in the lower echelons of English football. I want to make sure this club gets back as quickly as I can."
The Luton manager believes that an immediate return to the second tier is possible, pointing to the arrival of David Pinkney as chairman as pivotal in changing the club's fortunes in the future. "He's got a business brain, he's dynamic and he has got high demands," added Blackwell. The Luton manager understands that funds will be made available next season, with a forward likely to be his first priority. "It's no secret that Luton have sold £4m of strikers," he added.
Steve Howard was among them although the Derby striker failed to score against his former club. He came close on two occasions, seeing a header cleared off the line by Chris Coyne before Gary Teale, his team-mate, managed to do the same in the second half.
Those moments might have pained Howard but relief for a nervous Derby side had come much earlier when Nyatanga converted from inside the six-yard box after Dean Brill, outstanding in goal for Luton, superbly repelled Dean Leacock's point-blank header.
"That's called needs must," said Davies, playing down suggestions that his decision to bring Nyatanga back from Oakwell was a masterstroke. The Derby manager said that "it would have been a travesty if we had not picked up three points", alluding to several near misses, with Matt Oakley striking the crossbar and the substitute Arturo Lupoli denied after Brill stuck out a foot.
Davies had good reason to be sanguine, however. "We have now put a lot of pressure elsewhere," he added.
Unfortunately Birmingham rose above the pressure and only maximum points from the remaining two games will give Derby any chance of automatic promotion.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 10:22:54
Essex v Derbyshire
Essex settled for a draw after being set a victory target of 376 in 74 overs by Derbyshire at Chelmsford.
Essex made no attempt to chase their target, the captains deciding to call it a day after 58 overs with the home side on 131 for three.
The game had bore draw all over it from the moment Essex began their innings as left-arm seamer Kevin Dean conceded just one run in his opening spell of eight overs.
During it he had Mark Pettini caught behind as he nicked an intended pull, and when Alistair Cook departed shortly afterwards, superbly caught at slip by Ian Harvey when cutting left-arm spinner Ant Botha, Derbyshire had a slight sniff of victory.
But on a batsman-friendly pitch Essex were able to steer a course to safety with ease as Ronnie Irani and Varun Chopra dispelled fears of a collapse.
They resisted until just before the close when Chopra's impressive knock came to an end as he put up a catch to cover point when attacking Harvey.
The 19-year-old produced several fine strokes off his legs as he gathered 69 with the help of eight boundaries.
But none of the six bowlers used was able to shift Irani. The Essex captain was at his most stubborn as he finished unbeaten with 28, an effort that spanned 35 overs and two hours.
Irani's defiance followed his 144 in the first innings and meant that he had batted for just over eight and a quarter hours in the match.
Earlier in the morning, the visitors added a further 91 in 21 overs after resuming from their overnight 140 for one.
They lost two more wickets on the way. Chris Taylor was within four of his century when he was caught at slip trying to force leg-spinner Danish Kaneria off the back foot.
Taylor collected 11 boundaries in the his 149-ball stay and shared in a second-wicket stand of 131 with Simon Katich, who then put on 70 with Hassan Adnan before the latter was run out.
Katich, who survived an escape on 62 when Tim Phillips put down a catch at short fine leg following a sweep against Kaneria, had reached 88 when he declared half and hour before lunch.
It was an innings that included three sixes in addition to seven fours but his declaration failed to persuade Irani to take up the challenge.
No doubt such an approach was dictated by the absence of two leading batsmen. Andy Flower is recovering from a torn cartilage that is expected to keep him out of action for at least another three weeks, while Ravinder Bopara was away on England World Cup duty.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 09:07:45
Essex made no attempt to chase their target, the captains deciding to call it a day after 58 overs with the home side on 131 for three.
The game had bore draw all over it from the moment Essex began their innings as left-arm seamer Kevin Dean conceded just one run in his opening spell of eight overs.
During it he had Mark Pettini caught behind as he nicked an intended pull, and when Alistair Cook departed shortly afterwards, superbly caught at slip by Ian Harvey when cutting left-arm spinner Ant Botha, Derbyshire had a slight sniff of victory.
But on a batsman-friendly pitch Essex were able to steer a course to safety with ease as Ronnie Irani and Varun Chopra dispelled fears of a collapse.
They resisted until just before the close when Chopra's impressive knock came to an end as he put up a catch to cover point when attacking Harvey.
The 19-year-old produced several fine strokes off his legs as he gathered 69 with the help of eight boundaries.
But none of the six bowlers used was able to shift Irani. The Essex captain was at his most stubborn as he finished unbeaten with 28, an effort that spanned 35 overs and two hours.
Irani's defiance followed his 144 in the first innings and meant that he had batted for just over eight and a quarter hours in the match.
Earlier in the morning, the visitors added a further 91 in 21 overs after resuming from their overnight 140 for one.
They lost two more wickets on the way. Chris Taylor was within four of his century when he was caught at slip trying to force leg-spinner Danish Kaneria off the back foot.
Taylor collected 11 boundaries in the his 149-ball stay and shared in a second-wicket stand of 131 with Simon Katich, who then put on 70 with Hassan Adnan before the latter was run out.
Katich, who survived an escape on 62 when Tim Phillips put down a catch at short fine leg following a sweep against Kaneria, had reached 88 when he declared half and hour before lunch.
It was an innings that included three sixes in addition to seven fours but his declaration failed to persuade Irani to take up the challenge.
No doubt such an approach was dictated by the absence of two leading batsmen. Andy Flower is recovering from a torn cartilage that is expected to keep him out of action for at least another three weeks, while Ravinder Bopara was away on England World Cup duty.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 09:07:45
Mac man gets top cricket job
MACCLESFIELD-raised cricketer Peter Moores has been named as the new coach of the England cricket team.
Following disappointing Ashes series and World Cup campaigns, coach Duncan Fletcher’s reign has ended after nearly eight years.
The Zimbabwean’s resignation paved the way for Moores, a former pupil at King’s School and the director of the National Academy, to take over on May 1.
The 44-year old scored more than 7,000 first-class runs and took more than 500 wickets during his time behind the stumps for Worcestershire and Sussex.
Moores first confirmed a reputation as one of the country’s best young coaches by leading Sussex to the 2003 County Championship.
He also coached the England A squad on the tour of the West Indies in 2000.
Ian Wilson, King’s School’s former cricket coach, said: “We knew from an early age that we had a special talent in Peter Moores, we did not know just how special.
“It wasn’t just his cricketing ability but his sheer enthusiasm and immense love of the game that persuaded us counsel him to take up the offer of a place on the MCC groundstaff, rather than a place at Durham university.
“We knew he would carve out a good career as a professional cricketer and that was the best place to continue to learn his trade.
“We have continued to watch his career develop with great pride and I can say that I have never heard a bad word said about him.
“What makes him a great coach is his ability to understand the individual. Like his brother Steve, King’s current first team coach, he is a wonderful ‘people person.’
“That was something that their father Bernard instilled. He came to every game they played and was the strongest influence on them becoming the men they are today.”
Moores also has strong ties with Macclesfield Cricket Club, having progressed through their junior system. His brother Tony is still a member of Macclesfield’s third team, and Peter manages to return to watch at least one game each season.
Current club captain Barney Cutbill said: “We’re really proud of Peter’s achievements and wish him every success with England. We hope he can turn their fortunes around.”
Moores himself said: “Men like Ian Wilson and fellow coach Mark Harbord gave me a great grounding in the game. It wasn’t just a technical foundation that I learned at King’s, but a love of the game, its wonderful traditions and sporting ethos.
“I will always be grateful and always enjoying meeting my old friends when I return to Macclesfield.”
I only hope this isn't another Steve McLaren scenario.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 08:44:35
Following disappointing Ashes series and World Cup campaigns, coach Duncan Fletcher’s reign has ended after nearly eight years.
The Zimbabwean’s resignation paved the way for Moores, a former pupil at King’s School and the director of the National Academy, to take over on May 1.
The 44-year old scored more than 7,000 first-class runs and took more than 500 wickets during his time behind the stumps for Worcestershire and Sussex.
Moores first confirmed a reputation as one of the country’s best young coaches by leading Sussex to the 2003 County Championship.
He also coached the England A squad on the tour of the West Indies in 2000.
Ian Wilson, King’s School’s former cricket coach, said: “We knew from an early age that we had a special talent in Peter Moores, we did not know just how special.
“It wasn’t just his cricketing ability but his sheer enthusiasm and immense love of the game that persuaded us counsel him to take up the offer of a place on the MCC groundstaff, rather than a place at Durham university.
“We knew he would carve out a good career as a professional cricketer and that was the best place to continue to learn his trade.
“We have continued to watch his career develop with great pride and I can say that I have never heard a bad word said about him.
“What makes him a great coach is his ability to understand the individual. Like his brother Steve, King’s current first team coach, he is a wonderful ‘people person.’
“That was something that their father Bernard instilled. He came to every game they played and was the strongest influence on them becoming the men they are today.”
Moores also has strong ties with Macclesfield Cricket Club, having progressed through their junior system. His brother Tony is still a member of Macclesfield’s third team, and Peter manages to return to watch at least one game each season.
Current club captain Barney Cutbill said: “We’re really proud of Peter’s achievements and wish him every success with England. We hope he can turn their fortunes around.”
Moores himself said: “Men like Ian Wilson and fellow coach Mark Harbord gave me a great grounding in the game. It wasn’t just a technical foundation that I learned at King’s, but a love of the game, its wonderful traditions and sporting ethos.
“I will always be grateful and always enjoying meeting my old friends when I return to Macclesfield.”
I only hope this isn't another Steve McLaren scenario.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 08:44:35
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Leicester 1 Derby 1 - Is a point enough at the Walkers?
Derby's progress towards the Premiership, seemingly serene, was interrupted by some difficulties close to home.
While the majority of their points have been gleaned on their travels, Leicester, their closest rivals - geographically, anyway - in the Championship, deprived Derby of a club record 13th away win of the season. The Leicester substitute Matty Fryatt's equaliser, as well as reducing the possibility that the club's new owner, Milan Mandaric, will have invested in a League One club, made it a profitable trip to the Walkers Stadium for the Birmingham City manager Steve Bruce. His side will displace Derby at the Championship summit if they beat Burnley today.
Given Derby's mastery of a one-goal lead - it has sufficed for 19 of their Championship victories this season - and Leicester's ineffectiveness in open play, it ranked as a surprise when Fryatt levelled. Yet Derby's failure to build on the advantage Craig Fagan gave them, coupled with their timid attempts to convert late chances, meant they did not merit victory.
They will, however, rue misses that could yet determine the destination of the Championship. David Jones was one culprit, misjudging a header when unmarked while the assurance Fagan displayed for his goal was lacking when Gary Teale supplied him. "He should have been more clinical at the end," Davies said.
And it served to reinforce the significance of the suspended Steve Howard. Howard is available for the visit of Coventry City on Monday and it is a safe assumption he will be restored to the team. "We've got four difficult points from six and now we can welcome back our striker," Davies added. "He's a big loss."
The forwards selected - Fagan, Jon Macken and Darren Currie - started without a single goal for Derby. Fagan remedied that in his 12th match since his £750,000 move from Hull, yet Derby were too ineffectual up front. The exception came when Jones began a counter-attack by feeding Giles Barnes. As four defenders congregated around the teenager, he found Fagan and the winger's finish curled around Paul Henderson in goal.
Leicester were doubly aggrieved. In the ascendancy for the opening quarter, they were still bemoaning referee Howard Webb's decision not to award them a penalty. As Danny Tiatto - who Davies felt should have been dismissed for elbowing Barnes - delivered a left-wing corner, Darren Moore both grappled with and leant on Patrick Kisnorbo. "It was a penalty,' said the Leicester manager, Robert Kelly, ruing his players' reaction to Webb's ruling as Fagan advanced to score. "That second or two of disappointment cost us."
He was happier with the response of his replacement. Freed by Jason Jarrett, Fryatt evaded Dean Leacock's attentions before placing his low shot beyond Stephen Bywater. The celebrations in Birmingham and Sunderland were surely as loud as those in Leicester.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-07 04:03:10
While the majority of their points have been gleaned on their travels, Leicester, their closest rivals - geographically, anyway - in the Championship, deprived Derby of a club record 13th away win of the season. The Leicester substitute Matty Fryatt's equaliser, as well as reducing the possibility that the club's new owner, Milan Mandaric, will have invested in a League One club, made it a profitable trip to the Walkers Stadium for the Birmingham City manager Steve Bruce. His side will displace Derby at the Championship summit if they beat Burnley today.
Given Derby's mastery of a one-goal lead - it has sufficed for 19 of their Championship victories this season - and Leicester's ineffectiveness in open play, it ranked as a surprise when Fryatt levelled. Yet Derby's failure to build on the advantage Craig Fagan gave them, coupled with their timid attempts to convert late chances, meant they did not merit victory.
They will, however, rue misses that could yet determine the destination of the Championship. David Jones was one culprit, misjudging a header when unmarked while the assurance Fagan displayed for his goal was lacking when Gary Teale supplied him. "He should have been more clinical at the end," Davies said.
And it served to reinforce the significance of the suspended Steve Howard. Howard is available for the visit of Coventry City on Monday and it is a safe assumption he will be restored to the team. "We've got four difficult points from six and now we can welcome back our striker," Davies added. "He's a big loss."
The forwards selected - Fagan, Jon Macken and Darren Currie - started without a single goal for Derby. Fagan remedied that in his 12th match since his £750,000 move from Hull, yet Derby were too ineffectual up front. The exception came when Jones began a counter-attack by feeding Giles Barnes. As four defenders congregated around the teenager, he found Fagan and the winger's finish curled around Paul Henderson in goal.
Leicester were doubly aggrieved. In the ascendancy for the opening quarter, they were still bemoaning referee Howard Webb's decision not to award them a penalty. As Danny Tiatto - who Davies felt should have been dismissed for elbowing Barnes - delivered a left-wing corner, Darren Moore both grappled with and leant on Patrick Kisnorbo. "It was a penalty,' said the Leicester manager, Robert Kelly, ruing his players' reaction to Webb's ruling as Fagan advanced to score. "That second or two of disappointment cost us."
He was happier with the response of his replacement. Freed by Jason Jarrett, Fryatt evaded Dean Leacock's attentions before placing his low shot beyond Stephen Bywater. The celebrations in Birmingham and Sunderland were surely as loud as those in Leicester.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-07 04:03:10
Sunday, April 01, 2007
At last an ice rink for Derby
Councillor Chris Williamson, leader of Derby City Council, announced plans on Wednesday to set up an ice rink in the Market Place during this year's festive period, after similar schemes in other centres proved popular with shopkeepers.
Last year, Exeter introduced a rink for the first time. Lead councillor for economy Ian Martin, said it had been a huge success.
"We had a lot of return visitors and in total we had around 27,000 visits," he said. I was impressed with the fact that the retail economy really benefited from this."
The rink was in place for six weeks.
Mr Williamson said that Derby's open-air rink would be in the Market Place between November and January, subject to a contract being signed in the new few weeks.
"It is all about bringing in another reason for people to come to the Cathedral Quarter and that side of Derby while capitalising on the extra footfall created by the new Westfield centre when it opens," he said.
The rink will be operated by Creative Ice, which will cover its costs by keeping the money charged to skate.
It's a pity it isn't permanent. But if it is a success maybe the proposed cinema for the Riverlights will be exchanged for an ice rink. Afterall, Nottingham has two!
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-01 05:14:28
Last year, Exeter introduced a rink for the first time. Lead councillor for economy Ian Martin, said it had been a huge success.
"We had a lot of return visitors and in total we had around 27,000 visits," he said. I was impressed with the fact that the retail economy really benefited from this."
The rink was in place for six weeks.
Mr Williamson said that Derby's open-air rink would be in the Market Place between November and January, subject to a contract being signed in the new few weeks.
"It is all about bringing in another reason for people to come to the Cathedral Quarter and that side of Derby while capitalising on the extra footfall created by the new Westfield centre when it opens," he said.
The rink will be operated by Creative Ice, which will cover its costs by keeping the money charged to skate.
It's a pity it isn't permanent. But if it is a success maybe the proposed cinema for the Riverlights will be exchanged for an ice rink. Afterall, Nottingham has two!
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-01 05:14:28
Barnsley 1 Derby 2 Rams fans roar Derby to victory
Derby won at Barnsley to extend their lead at the top of the Coca-Cola Championship - but the real talking point at Oakwell was a sickening injury to David Lucas.
David Jones had put the visitors in control with a sixth goal since his January move from Manchester United, but it was Derby's second for which the game will be remembered.
Making his first start for the club, goalkeeper Lucas was knocked out after clattering into Giles Barnes in the box, allowing Matt Oakley to fire into an empty net.
Despite several minutes of treatment, the on-loan Sheffield Wednesday stopper only regained consciousness en route to hospital.
Sam Togwell pulled a goal back late in stoppage time but Derby were worthy winners.
As well as Lucas, Barnsley made three other changes from their last outing, Bobby Hassell and Anthony Kay coming into the backline and West Ham winger Kyel Reid replacing the banned Martin Devaney.
Derby, meanwhile, entrusted Jon Macken with filling the boots of suspended top scorer Steve Howard, while Darren Currie was handed a first start in midfield at the expense of Seth Johnson.
Barnsley assistant boss Ryan Kidd revealed in midweek he and manager Simon Davey had devised a gameplan to beat the Rams.
That appeared to consist of flooding the midfield and playing Istvan Ferenczi as a lone striker.
The result was a scrappy start, Northern Ireland's Grant McCann - now a goalscorer at international level - first to try his luck with a weak shot from distance.
But Derby made the most of the minimum of ball when they broke from their own area in the 11th minute, Jones playing in Barnes, whose shot was parried by Lucas, only for Jones to net the follow-up.
The game then fell back into the same disjointed pattern with which it had begun.
It was a full 15 minutes until the next serious attempt at goal, again from a Derby break, when Oakley volleyed well over.
Reid then fired over the top at the other end as Barnsley abandoned their starting formation and moved Peter Rajczi up front.
A debatable free-kick then gave top scorer Brian Howard a sight of goal from 25 yards, but he sent the ball over the bar.
So too did Macken with a header from Jones' corner as the half wound down.
Rajczi then had a great chance to level when the ball reached him at point-blank range.
But his back was to goal and he hesitated long enough to allow Derby to clear.
The first half's lack of quality was of no concern to a very large and very vocal travelling contingent, who had more reason to celebrate shortly after the restart.
A flighted free-kick was played into the box for Barnes, who looked favourite to win it with his back to goal until Lucas decided to come and claim, flattening the midfielder in the process.
Before the referee could make a ruling, the ball ran loose to Oakley, who did well to guide it first time into the empty net from 20 yards with Barnes and Lucas still on the floor.
The keeper came off far worse and was eventually carried from the field on a stretcher.
Upon the resumption, the pattern of poor free-kicks persisted when Reid sent one straight at Stephen Bywater.
The home side came closer to pulling one back when the goalkeeper narrowly beat Ferenczi to a low cross.
There was another lengthy stoppage when skipper Paul Reid went down in agony. He was unable to continue and was replaced by Neil Austin.
Ferenczi and Barnes both had shots too close to the respective goalkeepers as the game became stretched.
Bywater was finally required to produce his best when Reid arrowed Rajczi's cross goalward, forcing a great reaction stop.
There was no surprise when an additional eight minutes was announced, giving Togwell enough time to pull one back from close range and set up a nervy finish.
Derby fans made up nearly half of the 17,000 crowd and certainly had value for money. they will be hoping for a Good Friday at Leicester next week.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-31 16:54:20
David Jones had put the visitors in control with a sixth goal since his January move from Manchester United, but it was Derby's second for which the game will be remembered.
Making his first start for the club, goalkeeper Lucas was knocked out after clattering into Giles Barnes in the box, allowing Matt Oakley to fire into an empty net.
Despite several minutes of treatment, the on-loan Sheffield Wednesday stopper only regained consciousness en route to hospital.
Sam Togwell pulled a goal back late in stoppage time but Derby were worthy winners.
As well as Lucas, Barnsley made three other changes from their last outing, Bobby Hassell and Anthony Kay coming into the backline and West Ham winger Kyel Reid replacing the banned Martin Devaney.
Derby, meanwhile, entrusted Jon Macken with filling the boots of suspended top scorer Steve Howard, while Darren Currie was handed a first start in midfield at the expense of Seth Johnson.
Barnsley assistant boss Ryan Kidd revealed in midweek he and manager Simon Davey had devised a gameplan to beat the Rams.
That appeared to consist of flooding the midfield and playing Istvan Ferenczi as a lone striker.
The result was a scrappy start, Northern Ireland's Grant McCann - now a goalscorer at international level - first to try his luck with a weak shot from distance.
But Derby made the most of the minimum of ball when they broke from their own area in the 11th minute, Jones playing in Barnes, whose shot was parried by Lucas, only for Jones to net the follow-up.
The game then fell back into the same disjointed pattern with which it had begun.
It was a full 15 minutes until the next serious attempt at goal, again from a Derby break, when Oakley volleyed well over.
Reid then fired over the top at the other end as Barnsley abandoned their starting formation and moved Peter Rajczi up front.
A debatable free-kick then gave top scorer Brian Howard a sight of goal from 25 yards, but he sent the ball over the bar.
So too did Macken with a header from Jones' corner as the half wound down.
Rajczi then had a great chance to level when the ball reached him at point-blank range.
But his back was to goal and he hesitated long enough to allow Derby to clear.
The first half's lack of quality was of no concern to a very large and very vocal travelling contingent, who had more reason to celebrate shortly after the restart.
A flighted free-kick was played into the box for Barnes, who looked favourite to win it with his back to goal until Lucas decided to come and claim, flattening the midfielder in the process.
Before the referee could make a ruling, the ball ran loose to Oakley, who did well to guide it first time into the empty net from 20 yards with Barnes and Lucas still on the floor.
The keeper came off far worse and was eventually carried from the field on a stretcher.
Upon the resumption, the pattern of poor free-kicks persisted when Reid sent one straight at Stephen Bywater.
The home side came closer to pulling one back when the goalkeeper narrowly beat Ferenczi to a low cross.
There was another lengthy stoppage when skipper Paul Reid went down in agony. He was unable to continue and was replaced by Neil Austin.
Ferenczi and Barnes both had shots too close to the respective goalkeepers as the game became stretched.
Bywater was finally required to produce his best when Reid arrowed Rajczi's cross goalward, forcing a great reaction stop.
There was no surprise when an additional eight minutes was announced, giving Togwell enough time to pull one back from close range and set up a nervy finish.
Derby fans made up nearly half of the 17,000 crowd and certainly had value for money. they will be hoping for a Good Friday at Leicester next week.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-31 16:54:20
Friday, March 30, 2007
Luton fan takes up role at Derbyshire CCC
Television presenter Nick Owen has taken over as president of Derbyshire, in succession to Trevor Bowring.
The lifelong fan and BBC Midlands Today presenter, who will serve a two-year term, said: "I cannot describe how honoured I am to have been elected.
"Cricket success goes round in cycles and I am sure that Derbyshire are now on the rise again."
By the way his favourite record is 'Dreamer' by Supertramp and apparently he has no objection to opening the bowling or getting pissed on a pedalo at Markeaton Park.
Last month, Derbyshire announced a profit of £54,632 for 2006 - their best set of financial results since 1995.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-30 13:42:49
The lifelong fan and BBC Midlands Today presenter, who will serve a two-year term, said: "I cannot describe how honoured I am to have been elected.
"Cricket success goes round in cycles and I am sure that Derbyshire are now on the rise again."
By the way his favourite record is 'Dreamer' by Supertramp and apparently he has no objection to opening the bowling or getting pissed on a pedalo at Markeaton Park.
Last month, Derbyshire announced a profit of £54,632 for 2006 - their best set of financial results since 1995.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-30 13:42:49
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Derbyshire promote Twenty20
If you needed reminding that the cricket season is just around the corner here is one. Derbyshire Phantoms have released a top value Twenty20 season ticket with fantastic savings for those who like the action fast and furious.
The ticket will entitle the purchaser to entry at all home Twenty20 Cup group fixtures as well as the Twenty20 Floodlit Cup and two international matches – all for just £55.
The Phantoms are gearing up for a strong assault on the Twenty20 Cup this year with the signings of Simon Katich and Ian Harvey providing an extra cutting edge.
Despite last season’s disappointing showing in the competition, attendances were tremendous as the Derbyshire public got right behind the short form of the game. This included the club’s largest crowd in over a decade at the Friday night game against Nottinghamshire.
The cut-price season ticket demonstrates the club’s determination to fill the County Ground still further in 2007 to ensure that a terrific atmosphere is created at the games.
The Twenty20 Floodlit Cup will bring three extra Twenty20 games to The County Ground in August and September with a visit from Essex Eagles and two matches against a PCA Masters XI.
As an extra incentive, the ticket will also permit entry to all four days of the England-Pakistan Under-19 Test starting on August 10 and the England-New Zealand women’s Twenty20 International on August 23.
Chief executive Tom Sears said: “Twenty20 is gaining in popularity every year and with such an exciting Phantoms line-up this summer we expect this season to be even more popular.
“The Twenty20 season ticket is superb value and guarantees entry to all seven nights of fantastic Twenty20 cricket at the County Ground and also gives you the opportunity to see the stars of the future and the best of women’s international cricket with the two international matches included.”
You can purchase your Twenty20 season ticket online at www.derbyshireccc.com and on 01332 383211
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-29 02:42:31
The ticket will entitle the purchaser to entry at all home Twenty20 Cup group fixtures as well as the Twenty20 Floodlit Cup and two international matches – all for just £55.
The Phantoms are gearing up for a strong assault on the Twenty20 Cup this year with the signings of Simon Katich and Ian Harvey providing an extra cutting edge.
Despite last season’s disappointing showing in the competition, attendances were tremendous as the Derbyshire public got right behind the short form of the game. This included the club’s largest crowd in over a decade at the Friday night game against Nottinghamshire.
The cut-price season ticket demonstrates the club’s determination to fill the County Ground still further in 2007 to ensure that a terrific atmosphere is created at the games.
The Twenty20 Floodlit Cup will bring three extra Twenty20 games to The County Ground in August and September with a visit from Essex Eagles and two matches against a PCA Masters XI.
As an extra incentive, the ticket will also permit entry to all four days of the England-Pakistan Under-19 Test starting on August 10 and the England-New Zealand women’s Twenty20 International on August 23.
Chief executive Tom Sears said: “Twenty20 is gaining in popularity every year and with such an exciting Phantoms line-up this summer we expect this season to be even more popular.
“The Twenty20 season ticket is superb value and guarantees entry to all seven nights of fantastic Twenty20 cricket at the County Ground and also gives you the opportunity to see the stars of the future and the best of women’s international cricket with the two international matches included.”
You can purchase your Twenty20 season ticket online at www.derbyshireccc.com and on 01332 383211
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-29 02:42:31
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Fell Race Abandoned
Eighty runners abandoned the first English fell running championship race of the year on Sunday as gale-force winds swept the course at Edale in the Peak District.
With a projected winning time of two hours 40 minutes or so, some of the middle to back of field runners were going to be exposed to the harsh weather for up to double that time.
Out of 418 starters only 338 finished.
The eventual winner was Lloyd Taggart of the local Dark Peak team in 2.44.29.
At the start there was a gale force north wind which turned into something that blew runners off their feet at the first checkpoint.
As the race progressed it got even worse when lightening combined with virtual white out at times. No wonder 80 of the starters dropped out.
Typical attire was a balaclava with a woolly hat on top of it, a motorbike neck warmer, cycling glasses to protect the eyes, a pair of thermal tights with a pair of fleece lined tracksters on top of them and on top a thick thermal vest with club vest and cagoule plus gloves.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-24 02:00:23
With a projected winning time of two hours 40 minutes or so, some of the middle to back of field runners were going to be exposed to the harsh weather for up to double that time.
Out of 418 starters only 338 finished.
The eventual winner was Lloyd Taggart of the local Dark Peak team in 2.44.29.
At the start there was a gale force north wind which turned into something that blew runners off their feet at the first checkpoint.
As the race progressed it got even worse when lightening combined with virtual white out at times. No wonder 80 of the starters dropped out.
Typical attire was a balaclava with a woolly hat on top of it, a motorbike neck warmer, cycling glasses to protect the eyes, a pair of thermal tights with a pair of fleece lined tracksters on top of them and on top a thick thermal vest with club vest and cagoule plus gloves.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-24 02:00:23
New Age of Football Hooligan
A new gang of school-aged football hooligans have been causing trouble at Derby County matches. Yobs as young as 13 had become involved in incidents at several games in the second half of this season.
PC Allan Guy, of Operation Cabby, which was set up to deal with Derbyshire hooligans, warned that firm action - including football banning orders - would be used to tackle the thugs. He urged parents to keep an eye on exactly where their children were going during Rams matches.
He said: "We've started getting a big influx of youngsters ranging from 13 to 17 years old getting involved. This lot aren't really going into pubs, they're going around in groups trying to goad people. They are also doing it when police are escorting other fans.
"I can't think of any particular reason why the number of kids is increasing this season. Maybe it's because Derby's doing well. It could also be gangs on the street simply attaching themselves to football."
Some members of established Derby hooligan gangs such as the Derby Lunatic Fringe and Derby Orphans have received banning orders stopping them attending matches. Now police must track the Happy Nappy Gang.
Unlike the older hooligans, who generally only target other gangs, PC Guy said there had been cases of the new group attacking innocent fans. The latest incident occurred during Saturday's home game against Cardiff when the youth group tried to get at, and provoke, a confrontation with away fans as they were being escorted to the railway station.
Police managed to hold them back and one teenager was arrested to prevent a breach of the peace but there have been arrests at other fixtures.
There are currently 54 hooligans banned from going to Derby and England matches. Make that 55 'er indoors has stopped me going to Israel this weekend. she didn't think the trip was kosher.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-23 03:59:28
PC Allan Guy, of Operation Cabby, which was set up to deal with Derbyshire hooligans, warned that firm action - including football banning orders - would be used to tackle the thugs. He urged parents to keep an eye on exactly where their children were going during Rams matches.
He said: "We've started getting a big influx of youngsters ranging from 13 to 17 years old getting involved. This lot aren't really going into pubs, they're going around in groups trying to goad people. They are also doing it when police are escorting other fans.
"I can't think of any particular reason why the number of kids is increasing this season. Maybe it's because Derby's doing well. It could also be gangs on the street simply attaching themselves to football."
Some members of established Derby hooligan gangs such as the Derby Lunatic Fringe and Derby Orphans have received banning orders stopping them attending matches. Now police must track the Happy Nappy Gang.
Unlike the older hooligans, who generally only target other gangs, PC Guy said there had been cases of the new group attacking innocent fans. The latest incident occurred during Saturday's home game against Cardiff when the youth group tried to get at, and provoke, a confrontation with away fans as they were being escorted to the railway station.
Police managed to hold them back and one teenager was arrested to prevent a breach of the peace but there have been arrests at other fixtures.
There are currently 54 hooligans banned from going to Derby and England matches. Make that 55 'er indoors has stopped me going to Israel this weekend. she didn't think the trip was kosher.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-23 03:59:28
Friday, March 23, 2007
Easter Tuesday means Flagg Races
Flagg Races is an annual tradition which has graced the spring sporting calendar for over a century and this years event on Easter tuesday will be no exception.
Run on Flagg Moor, five miles south of Buxton, the event, organised by the High Peak Hunt, is the last remaining point-to-point meeting in Britain to be run over natural hunting country.
"Last year, many thousands of enthusiastic spectators enjoyed the thrilling spectacle of thoroughbreds racing across glorious open countryside," commented Rachel McQueen, Secretary of Flagg Races Management Committee.
"The whole event is a fantastic family day out with food outlets around the course, trade stands selling a variety of wares, a licensed bar and bookmakers for those who fancy a punt."
The first of seven races on this year's card is the High Peak Hunt Members' Race, an old fashioned steeplechase over Derbyshire dry stone walls.
Flagg Races is held at Flagg Moor, five miles south of Buxton, just off the A515, on Easter Tuesday, April 10, starting at 1pm.
Car parking is free and racecourse entrance is £10 per person, with children under-16 admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult.
Pre-booked reserved car parking is available close to the racecourse, but numbers are restricted. To reserve a space, contact Paul Dunn on 01629 640133.
For more information on Flagg Races 2007, contact the Secretary on 01629 636812 or visit www.flaggraces.co.uk.
* The first point-to-point races were held on Flagg Moor in 1892 and, apart from the war years and 2001 to 2003, the event has been held on Easter Tuesday ever since.
Flagg Races is now the last horse race event of its kind held anywhere in the UK.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-23 03:12:38
Run on Flagg Moor, five miles south of Buxton, the event, organised by the High Peak Hunt, is the last remaining point-to-point meeting in Britain to be run over natural hunting country.
"Last year, many thousands of enthusiastic spectators enjoyed the thrilling spectacle of thoroughbreds racing across glorious open countryside," commented Rachel McQueen, Secretary of Flagg Races Management Committee.
"The whole event is a fantastic family day out with food outlets around the course, trade stands selling a variety of wares, a licensed bar and bookmakers for those who fancy a punt."
The first of seven races on this year's card is the High Peak Hunt Members' Race, an old fashioned steeplechase over Derbyshire dry stone walls.
Flagg Races is held at Flagg Moor, five miles south of Buxton, just off the A515, on Easter Tuesday, April 10, starting at 1pm.
Car parking is free and racecourse entrance is £10 per person, with children under-16 admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult.
Pre-booked reserved car parking is available close to the racecourse, but numbers are restricted. To reserve a space, contact Paul Dunn on 01629 640133.
For more information on Flagg Races 2007, contact the Secretary on 01629 636812 or visit www.flaggraces.co.uk.
* The first point-to-point races were held on Flagg Moor in 1892 and, apart from the war years and 2001 to 2003, the event has been held on Easter Tuesday ever since.
Flagg Races is now the last horse race event of its kind held anywhere in the UK.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-23 03:12:38
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Cost of Olympics out of hand
Whether the 2012 Olympics is a good thing or a bad thing is a separate debate. What is crazy is that our winning bid was based on a budget costing of £2.375 billion and now the forecast is £9.3 billion.
But how will this affect us in the Peak District and Derbyshire?
Quite simply the government will mug the lottery to pay for a Games bill which has rocketed out of all recognition. Tessa Jowell, the Culture Secretary and Olympics Minister, confirmed an extra £675 million of lottery cash would be swallowed up.
That means that £2.2 bn of lottery cash will now be switched to pay the Games bill, which has soared due to an unforeseen £836 million VAT charge, extra security costs of £600 million and a £2.2 billion contingency fund demanded by the Treasury.
To the embarrassment of Miss Jowell, lottery, sports, heritage and arts bodies reacted in fury to the extra raid on good causes. Dame Liz Forgan, the chairman of the Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "This is bad news for the UK's heritage."
Peter Hewitt, the chief executive of the Arts Council England, which will lose a total of £112 million, said "we are disappointed more money is to be diverted from the arts to pay for the Games".
So what type of projects will be cut - church restorations, public park restorations, museum extensions, community arts projects etc etc.....
Cultural leaders accused the Prime Minister of hypocrisy for the raid.
Last week, Mr Blair spoke of his part in guiding Britain to a "golden age" for the arts.
He described how arts spending was a drop in the ocean compared to the commitments of other Whitehall departments and he said he would not countenance a return to the years of "boom and bust". Dr Ian Dungavell, director of The Victorian Society, said: "This is a disaster for everyone. Lottery money has been the single biggest source of support for heritage projects for many years.
"Our country's heritage makes up our identity. It is one of the reasons we won the Olympics in the first place. To slash the funding further just at the time when Britain is on show to the rest of the world will be a huge mistake."
David Barrie, director of The Art Fund, the country's biggest arts charity, which gives £4 million a year to buy objects for museums, said yesterday that Mr Blair's speech "now rings a little hollow".
He went on: "This looks to me like a short-sighted raid. The long-term effect is going to be pretty damaging."
It's a fair bet that the public purse will be stretched further, and good causes plundered again, before the Queen rides east to open the Games and why is this a cert try Tessa Jowell.
If the good lady couldn't be fagged to check the mortgage documents she signed with her husband, how can she be trusted to run a major undertaking like this? Nor can she expect too much sympathy for opting to place her political career ahead of her marriage to David Mills.
Can a culture secretary whose idea of culture extends to pub opening hours and super-casinos be the best person for the job?
There is a "contingency fund" of £2.7 billion in place, but you would have to be very wet not to know that the budget, having been trebled, will rise to the power of four or five before every steel girder is flattened into shape. Look at the shambles of the Millennium Dome and the debacle at Wembley.
There is plenty of scope for further embarrassment before this business runs its course and we will all end up paying for it one way or the other.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-18 04:50:16
But how will this affect us in the Peak District and Derbyshire?
Quite simply the government will mug the lottery to pay for a Games bill which has rocketed out of all recognition. Tessa Jowell, the Culture Secretary and Olympics Minister, confirmed an extra £675 million of lottery cash would be swallowed up.
That means that £2.2 bn of lottery cash will now be switched to pay the Games bill, which has soared due to an unforeseen £836 million VAT charge, extra security costs of £600 million and a £2.2 billion contingency fund demanded by the Treasury.
To the embarrassment of Miss Jowell, lottery, sports, heritage and arts bodies reacted in fury to the extra raid on good causes. Dame Liz Forgan, the chairman of the Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "This is bad news for the UK's heritage."
Peter Hewitt, the chief executive of the Arts Council England, which will lose a total of £112 million, said "we are disappointed more money is to be diverted from the arts to pay for the Games".
So what type of projects will be cut - church restorations, public park restorations, museum extensions, community arts projects etc etc.....
Cultural leaders accused the Prime Minister of hypocrisy for the raid.
Last week, Mr Blair spoke of his part in guiding Britain to a "golden age" for the arts.
He described how arts spending was a drop in the ocean compared to the commitments of other Whitehall departments and he said he would not countenance a return to the years of "boom and bust". Dr Ian Dungavell, director of The Victorian Society, said: "This is a disaster for everyone. Lottery money has been the single biggest source of support for heritage projects for many years.
"Our country's heritage makes up our identity. It is one of the reasons we won the Olympics in the first place. To slash the funding further just at the time when Britain is on show to the rest of the world will be a huge mistake."
David Barrie, director of The Art Fund, the country's biggest arts charity, which gives £4 million a year to buy objects for museums, said yesterday that Mr Blair's speech "now rings a little hollow".
He went on: "This looks to me like a short-sighted raid. The long-term effect is going to be pretty damaging."
It's a fair bet that the public purse will be stretched further, and good causes plundered again, before the Queen rides east to open the Games and why is this a cert try Tessa Jowell.
If the good lady couldn't be fagged to check the mortgage documents she signed with her husband, how can she be trusted to run a major undertaking like this? Nor can she expect too much sympathy for opting to place her political career ahead of her marriage to David Mills.
Can a culture secretary whose idea of culture extends to pub opening hours and super-casinos be the best person for the job?
There is a "contingency fund" of £2.7 billion in place, but you would have to be very wet not to know that the budget, having been trebled, will rise to the power of four or five before every steel girder is flattened into shape. Look at the shambles of the Millennium Dome and the debacle at Wembley.
There is plenty of scope for further embarrassment before this business runs its course and we will all end up paying for it one way or the other.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-18 04:50:16
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)