Davies hits back in Saints row
15 May 2007 - 08:20:57
Derby County manager Billy Davies has hit out at claims made by play-off opponents Southampton that his side prematurely celebrated their semi-final first leg victory at St Mary's at the weekend.
A Steve Howard double has put the Rams in pole position for a Wembley date as they hold a 2-1 advantage, but Davies has angrily denied reports of over-zealous celebrations and claims the stories emanating out of Southampton are 'propaganda'.
"We have had to listen to this propaganda nonsense taking place at the moment about Derby County staff and players whooping too much and over-celebrating - and it is very much far from the truth," said Davies.
"I don't know whether it is supposed to try to disrupt our preparations for the game but we are certainly not that naive at this football club and we certainly stated after the game on Saturday we will not be complacent.
"No-one ever took anything for granted. I am very surprised at what has been said because if you look at all 46 tapes of Derby this season you will see the exact same celebrations time and time again.
"No-one at this football club thinks we are through the door, but we are very much looking forward to the game because we are happy with the position we find ourselves in going into it."