Thu 28 Nov
Time to read: 4mins
Former Ram Stefano is convinced Derby are on the up under Steve McClaren.
Rams legend Stefano Eranio has backed Head Coach Steve McClaren to bring an exciting brand of football to Derby County.
Eranio, 46, returned to Derby for a five-day trip from his native Italy in early November and had the opportunity to catch up with McClaren and his coaching staff.
McClaren was assistant manager to Jim Smith at Derby when Eranio arrived from AC Milan in 1997 and as part of his brief stint back in Derbyshire; he pulled on his boots to join McClaren and his team on the training ground.
First Team Coach Paul Simpson was on the playing staff during his playing days at Pride Park Stadium while Goalkeeping Coach Eric Steele was also part of Smith’s backroom team at that time, so his visit was a case of ‘friends reunited’.
McClaren was appointed at Head Coach at the end of September and Eranio says with ‘the other coach’ now at the helm, he thinks the Rams supporters can look forward to a future of exciting football.
He told Rams Player: “It’s nice to see ‘the other coach’ in charge now.
“Steve used to work for Derby so he knows the place, the people and the club.
“He worked with Jim Smith and they are different characters but very good people.
“Steve was very good with us on the training pitch and I am pleased he is in charge now.
“Paul and Eric are old friends and very good people too; they know their jobs very well.
“Derby County has taken three very good coaches on at this moment and the supporters can see their character in the team.
“I saw that he is doing the right things and I think he can do great things.
“I am sure if he can sign some players in the future, not by spending lots of money because that is not right, but by spending wisely then he can do well.”
He added: “Derby’s supporters love to watch good football.
“Steve has been given the opportunity to give them that and he is doing very well.”
Eranio made 108 appearances for the club between 1997 and 2001 after signing from Serie A giants Milan on a free transfer.
Looking back on his playing career with the Rams the former Italy international described his four-year stay as ‘a good moment in my life’.
He was one of a number of foreign imports to make an impact on the Premier League at that time under Smith and McClaren and their style of football earned plenty of plaudits.
He said: “Those years were a good moment for me and the team.
“When I joined from AC Milan many supporters kept asking me ‘why have you joined Derby?’
“It was a very big change but I had a feeling I would love my time at the club from the moment I met Jim Smith.
“He was a like a father, a friend, to me and he offered me a four year contract – and I could not say no.
“A lot of things were changing at Milan and I decided to come to England; the supporters were one of the most exciting things to me.
“It was a very good choice and the four years were so amazing.
“I must thank everyone that made it so special.
“It was a good team and we had good players; Stimac at the back, Chris Powell at wing-back who was very good, Lee Carsley, Dean Sturridge, Paulo Wanchope and others too.
“It was a squad that could have beaten anybody really it is just a shame we couldn’t stay together for longer.”
Eranio took in the game against Sheffield Wednesday prior to the November international break and he proved to be something of a lucky charm as Derby ran out comprehensive 3-0 winners.
Goals from Jake Buxton, Will Hughes and Chris Martin sealed a third win in five matches under McClaren at the time to take Derby onto the cusp of the top six.
Prior to kick-off Eranio made his way onto the Pride Park pitch to a rapturous reception from the home crowd.
The reaction of the fans, with Eranio’s son and two daughters watch on from the stands, was something of a trip down memory lane.
Looking back on the moment he stepped onto the pitch he said: “It was a very good day to go on the pitch and watch the game.
“I was happy to say hello to everybody and feel what I used to feel when I was playing."
He added: “It was great and the perfect way to end a few days back in Derby.”
Watch Stefano Eranio’s exclusive interview on Rams Player.
