Derby County Football Club News

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

• Ground:Pride Park
• Capacity:33,597

Savage wants to take flak

30 Jan 2008 - 12:43:43

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Newly-installed Derby County captain Robbie Savage has urged disgruntled supporters to aim their criticism at him and not the rest of his team-mates.

Savage has made three appearances for the Rams following his arrival from Blackburn Rovers earlier this month and on each occasion his new club has been soundly beaten.

Derby are currently bottom of the Premier League table and on course for an immediate return to the Championship which has led to disquiet among sections of the Pride Park faithful.

But rather than criticise the entire team, Savage wants unhappy fans to vent their frustration in his direction.

"The first thing to say is this is not a go at the fans at all - my reception here was better than what I ever expected and I went home and told my wife it was the best reception I have ever had at a club," he told the club's official website.

"But if they are to boo anyone, and I mean this, as captain I would rather they turned their attentions on me and booed me.

"I am experienced enough and if they want to boo anyone then boo me because I can handle it - don't boo the lads who are relatively inexperienced.

"Vent your anger at the captain, because I am prepared to take that responsibility on my shoulders, not the younger guys in the team who are relatively inexperienced at this level."