Derby County FC

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• Founded:1884
• Manager:Nigel Clough

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Davies points to pressure

30 Apr 2007 - 12:45:37

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Derby County manager Billy Davies admitted his players crumbled under the pressure after Sunday's defeat at Crystal Palace ended their hopes of automatic promotion.

The 2-0 loss at Selhurst Park left Davies ruing a missed opportunity and means the Rams must now attempt to reach the Premiership via the play-offs.

"It was all about handling the occasion and we did not get a grip of the pressure we had to face," he said.

"I am disappointed with the result, but very proud of where we have come from.

"Automatic promotion was one step too far, but I am proud as a manager to have reached the play-offs three seasons in a row with two different clubs.

"We have done a magnificent job in getting to the play-offs and to have still been in with a chance of automatic promotion with two games remaining."

However, Davies doesn't expect Giles Barnes to feature in their play-off campaign after the teenage midfielder damaged knee ligaments against the Eagles.

"Giles Barnes picked up a knee ligament injury and I very much doubt that we will see him in the play-offs," he confirmed.

"But now I can rest players in the final league game and there is time to patch up one or two more before we go into the play-offs."