Paul Warne Believes Derby County is Exceeding Expectations

Derby County’s head coach, Paul Warne, has stated his belief that his squad is overachieving when considering the resources available to them. Warne shared this perspective with BBC Radio Derby’s Dominic Dietrich in anticipation of the team’s match against Swansea City. The Rams are currently positioned 14th in the Championship standings as they prepare to host Swansea on Wednesday. This represents a solid start to their return to the second tier, following two seasons spent in League One. During the summer transfer window, Derby acquired 17 new players, five of whom were loan signings. Warne had previously acknowledged that there were several individuals they were unable to secure, citing Bolton forward Aaron Collins as one player who eluded them due to his price. Warne told BBC Radio Derby, “I saw Collins scored in the 94th minute for Bolton at the weekend – he’s a player we would have liked to sign but couldn’t afford him.” He further commented, “But I think the business we have done, supported by the board has been as good as we could get. I get sensitive when people criticise my players because I see how hard they are working and at times possibly how we’re overachieving.” Derby has suffered only one loss in their last eight Championship matches and has been defeated just once at Pride Park this season. Warne concluded by saying, “The lads are performing at a level that makes me really proud – would I like a team in the top two? Yes, and we’re trying to make steps towards that and feel everything in the club is going really well.”