STUBBS: IT'S ALL ABOUT THE BELIEF
Alan Stubbs reckons it's all about belief as the Rams prepare for Saturday's visit of Fulham.
Derby might well have earned a draw from their game against Manchester United but they were well below-par in losing at Middlesbrough last week.
One of the key differences was that they conceded late against the champions but were behind after half an hour on Teesside.
"No matter who you are and whichever team you play for, the longer you go in a game without conceding the more belief you get that you can win it," Stubbs said.
"I think that was the case with United. They had a few chances early on but didn't take them, we had a couple of chances where their keeper made two fantastic saves and that gave the team a bit of belief.
"The longer the game went on the better Derby played. I thought just after half-time if anyone was going to win the game it would be Derby.
"Unfortunately they managed to get the all-important goal which at the time I thought was a bit harsh but it just goes to show that you've got to be switched on constantly in the Premier League.
"In the Championship you might have got away with that but there's no hiding place in the Premier League.
"You make one lapse in concentration and bang, it's a goal."
Stubbs is likely to miss the clash against Fulham with the calf injury that has ruled him out since he was forced off in the defeat at Chelsea.
The 36-year-old was speaking exclusively to The Ram and www.dcfc.co.uk and revealed his frustration at being sidelined.
And he also told of his desire to see the Rams turn things around for boss Paul Jewell.
The Scouse pair were united at Pride Park in January when Stubbs arrived and the centre-half refers to his new gaffer as a "proud" man.
"He is a believer that when you are on the pitch you give 100 per cent and if you don't do that you are not doing yourself justice, you are not doing the club justice and you are not doing him justice," Stubbs added.
"I think people have seen that from his interviews so when things are going well I think he will be more relaxed.
"Paul likes to have a laugh and a joke but when you are getting knocked every week it is hard to see that side of him.
"He is the same as every other manager - nobody likes their teams getting beaten, it's his team and if he sees his team getting beat he takes it personally cos it reflects on him."
A full feature with Alan Stubbs will appear in Saturday's edition of The Ram, available at Pride Park Stadium for just £3.
The Ram is also available from the following venues:
Alvaston News
Chaddesden News
Brewsters (Pride Park)
Old Orleans (Pride Park)
Harvester (Pride Park)
Strutts (Bradshaw Way)
Crown & Cushion (Midland Road/London Road)
Waterfall (Midland Road)
Victoria (Midland Road)
Alexander (Midland Road)
Brusnwick Inn (Midland Road)
Portland Hotel (London Road)
Navigation (London Road)
The Park (Chaddesden)
The Peregrine (Chaddesden)
Cornishman (Alvaston)
The Brackens (Alvaston)
New Bridge Inn (Chellaston Road)
