Rams fans started 2009 hoping for great things; Carling and FA Cup runs were progressing and expectations grew of the Rams climbing up the Championship after Nigel Clough replaced Paul Jewell at the start of 2009. Alongside that was a building anticipation of the city of Derby being involved in England’s proposition to FIFA for hosting the 2018 World Cup tournament.

I believe that it was those great philosophers, Guns N' Roses, who told us that 'All it really needs is a little patience'. As Nigel Clough completes his first year as manager of Derby County, we should heed greatly those words.

The global financial crisis is giving us plenty of pain to work through – and the world of football will have to face up to the new realities that are now confronting everyone.

Top level football has grown rich on its TV money in recent years, but not everything is as rosy as it once was when we all actually attended games to see them in their entirety. Back then, Match of the Day and other programmes featured only edited highlights; only major European games and internationals were screened from start to finish. But in this multi-channel, subscription sport era, are we now beginning to realise that watching football on TV is difficult?

The RamsTrust Rendezvous will be in the foyer of the DW Soccerdome before the game as usual, from 11 am until 2:15pm, so you can defrost your extremities before the match, catch up on Rams news and gossip, and buy a programme (only £1 this week if you’re a discount voucher holder).