Seth tips Rams to stay up
10 Nov 2007 - 13:46:13
Former Derby County midfielder Seth Johnson remains confident the rock-bottom Rams can defy the odds and avoid an immediate return to the Championship.
A dreadful start to the season away from Pride Park is the main reason Billy Davies' side find themselves entrenched in the drop-zone, but Johnson believes the current squad can replicate the feats of the team that avoided relegation seven years ago.
In 2000, County had six points from their first 12 games and were bottom of the table - an identical position to their current predicament - but still stayed up.
Johnson told the Derby Evening Telegraph: "It's important to get off to a good start and give yourself a platform to build on.
"We didn't do that in 2000-01, nor have Derby this season, but there's no reason why things can't improve. It can be done. Most people are writing off Derby, but the season's far from over.
"There's still a lot of football to be played. Derby aren't detached at the bottom, and that's important. They've not lost touch with the other clubs and one or two wins could make a huge difference.
"I still have plenty of hope for them. They'll keep believing in themselves. I know for a fact they've got a good team spirit and everyone's sticking together.
"One or two good results will build confidence and then you might see a different Derby County."