Gregory still hopeful of promotion

Rams Boss John Gregory still believes his side can reach the top six places by the end of the season and be involved in the play-offs. In an interview with Derby County’s official site www.dcfc.co.uk He said, "I believe that if we are able to do what I would like us to do we can still move forward. That top six is not out of our reach by any stretch of the imagination. I will continue to try and get us there."

Has Gregory been looking into his crystal ball?

This statement must be met with pessimism by the vast majority of Rams fans as number one keeper at the club Mart Poom was loaned out to Sunderland at the weekend for a two-month loan spell with a big possibility that the move could be made permanent in the New Year.

There are also as yet unsubstantiated reports of other major players at Pride Park being shipped out to help with the mounting financial crisis at the club. Players with huge wage demands are a likely target for off-loading. Fabrizio Ravanelli is already being primed for a move to Portsmouth or back to his native Italy. Danny Higginbotham is said to be a target for Kevin Keegan at Manchester City and Premiership and other teams have made other enquiries for a number of first team players.

So it is either a super confidant John Gregory that can make these statements. Or the man must have a crystal ball and a vivid imagination if he thinks the squads lack lustre performance against a team who have only managed one other win this season will be good enough to get the Rams anywhere except relegated this season.