Football League World

Nigel Pearson needs to axe these 3 Derby County players before the deadline

By Rob Booth

Published Aug 21, 2016

Derby County have had a disappointing start to the season under Nigel Pearson.

The Rams have collected four points from their opening three games of the season, drawing 0-0 with Brighton and losing 2-0 away to Barnsley before an unconvincing victory over Preston.

Derby's performances have been far from impressive so far in 2016/17, there was no organisation against Barnsley, the team played like a team of individuals in the 2-0 loss. Johnny Russell and Will Hughes who both should have started the game were the only players who showed attacking intent.

Nigel Pearson's side couldn't pass the ball, and continued to give away possession. Some players didn't look motivated for the game, and didn't seem to show effort levels they have shown previously in a Derby shirt.

Not a single summer signing has been made at the iPro Stadium this summer, Derby don't need big changes, but if Pearson can add 3 or 4 decent signings to his squad, it will look much better and much more likely to challenge for promotion.

Football League World writer Rob Booth identifies THREE players Pearson must axe before deadline day...

Chris Martin

Chris Martin has served the club well since joining from Norwich in 2013, but the 27-year-old Scotland international doesn't seem to fit into the team anymore.

Darren Bent has started ahead of him in two of the Rams' three league games so far this season and Martin has offered nothing to the game following his introductions from the bench on both occasions.

Championship rivals Wolves had a bid, believed to be around £6.5m, was rejected but if Walter Zenga's side were to come in with an improved bid which was acceptable to Derby, they could put the money towards a new striker who can score 20+ goals as they fight for promotion.

Scott Carson

Scott Carson hasn't been good enough in Derby's opening three games and he also made mistakes last season which led to fans questioning his ability.

Carson is good at coming out and claiming the ball when the opposition cross it into the area, but he's not as good when it comes to getting down a stopping shots.

Derby need a younger, and more mobile goalkeeper who can keep the ball out of the Derby net on a consistent basis, and Scott Carson isn't the player to do that.