Derby County Football Club News

• Nickname:The Rams
• Founded:1884
• Manager:Nigel Clough

• Ground:Pride Park
• Capacity:33,597

Davies dismisses Earnie rift

05 Nov 2007 - 11:53:36

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Derby County manager Billy Davies has slammed rumours of a bust-up with big-money summer signing Robert Earnshaw, who has yet to find the net for the Rams this season.

The 26-year-old has made just three starts since his move from Norwich City, but Davies believes that Earnshaw is beginning to show his worth, having appeared as a substitute in the 2-0 defeat by Aston Villa at the weekend.

He told the Evening Telegraph: "There's no conspiracy theory. I haven't fallen out with Rob.

"He had a bad injury at Norwich last season and was out for a long time. He came back, but wasn't fit enough or sharp enough at the start of the season.

"But over the last three or four weeks I've begun to see a Rob Earnshaw who is latching on to balls and putting himself into positions to score. He's now very, very close to starting."

Meanwhile, Davies also played down the on-field spat between Dean Leacock and Stephen Bywater at the final whistle on Saturday.

He added: "Players have an argument these days and people make out there's a big problem in your club.

"It'll probably be shown on television and there will be talk about the unhappy atmosphere among the Derby County players.

"Two players had a debate on the football pitch, wow. We've got to be more ruthless and sometimes you have to fall out on the pitch."