Fri 03 Aug - Posted in Breaking News
Time to read: 5mins
Pre-season is done and dusted, and Derby County’s focus is now on their EFL curtain-raiser at the Madejski Stadium on Friday evening.
Frank Lampard prepares to make his competitive bow as a manager against Paul Clement’s side (kick-off: 8pm), dcfc.co.uk has gathered all the information you need ahead of the clash with the Royals…
Frank Lampard will have some tough decisions to make ahead of his first game in charge as a manager.
The Rams’ manager will have a near fully fit squad to call upon when they make the journey down to Berkshire.
Tom Huddlestone is struggling with a groin problem, but has not been ruled out of the trip to the Madejski Stadium.
Marcus Olsson and Ikechi Anya, however, have been ruled out of the season-opener.
Speaking to RamsTV ahead of the clash with Reading, Frank Lampard said: “I’m very excited. This is what we’re here for and this is what I took the job on for.
“We have worked very hard – day in, day out – but these games are the exciting part for all of us. I certainly feel that as my first competitive game as a manager.
“It reminds me of the feelings I used to get as a player. I can’t wait. We have prepared as well as we could do, we’re focused on what we want to do and we’re looking forward to Friday night.”
Liam Kelly made his debut as a substitute in the EFL Cup in August 2016, when he came on for current Derby midfielder George Evans, and he has made quite the impact since then.
The 22-year-old midfielder has made a habit of spectacular long-range strikes, and it was the Rams that were hit hard Kelly’s talents during a 3-3 draw at the Madejski Stadium in February.
Already capped at Under-21 level by the Republic of Ireland, further strong form this term will surely result in a first senior call-up for Kelly.
Derby County supporters who are yet to purchase their ticket for tonight’s season-opener will be able to pay on arrival at the Madejski Stadium.
The Rams take on Reading to face Paul Clement’s Royals this evening, kick-off: 8pm, in what will be Frank Lampard’s first competitive game as a manager.
After selling out the initial allocation of 1,613 tickets, the club was provided with a further 587 tickets for tonight’s fixture – meaning limited seating is still available to Rams fans.
Tickets will be available from the following prices:
Adults £25
Senior Citizens (65+) £16
Ages 18-24 £13
Under-18s £8
Under-13s £7
Supporters will be able to claim their ticket from 3pm by calling Reading’s Ticket Office on 0118 968 1313. Tickets will also be available to purchase on the night from the South Stand Ticket Office between gates 9-10 from 6:30pm (cash and card payments will be accepted).
READING 3-3 DERBY COUNTY
Saturday 24th February, 2018
Ten-man Derby County were held to a thrilling 3-3 draw by Reading when these two sides last met at the Madejski Stadium back in February.
Kasey Palmer and Richard Keogh both scored for the Rams in the first half, with Tom Lawrence adding a third seconds after the break.
They were, however, forced to settle for a point after Liam Kelly, Modou Barrow and Jón Daði Böðvarsson all netted for the Royals.
Reading: Mannone; Gunter, Moore, Illori, Richards; Bacuna, Kelly (McCleary, 81), Clement (Swift, 70’); Aluko, Böðvarsson, Barrow (Edwards, 90’)
Substitutes not used: Jaakkola, van den Berg, Blackett, Smith
Derby County: Carson; Baird, Keogh, Davies, Olsson; Huddlestone, Ledley; Weimann, Palmer (Johnson, 77’), Lawrence (Wisdom, 88’); Jerome (Nugent, 81’)
Substitutes not used: Roos, Pearce, Thorne, Anya
Robert Jones will be the man in the middle when Frank Lampard’s travel to Berkshire to take on Reading in their 2018/19 season opener.
Simpson officiated 45 games last season across the EFL – brandishing 132 yellow and red cards over the course of the campaign.
He was also the man in the middle for the Sky Bet League 1 Play-Off Final meeting between Rotherham United and Shrewsbury Town.
He did not take charge of game involving Derby during the 2017/18 season.
Jones will be assisted by Nigel Lugg and Michael George on the lines, whilst Stephen Martin has been appointed as the fourth official.
As this fixture has been selected for live TV coverage and due to international broadcasting rights, RamsTV will only be able to broadcast the match live in select countries, although a live audio stream of the game will also be available. Please click here for more information.
Here’s a full rundown of what’s coming up on RamsTV:
Full details of RamsTV streaming options can be found here.
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