Derby County are preparing for a huge clash in the race for promotion against Bolton Wanderers, and Conor Hourihane has sent a clear message to Rams supporters.
Derby County were downbeat and fatigued in defeats against Barnsley and Charlton Athletic, but their last three victories – inspired by the goals of Dwight Gayle – have given them huge confidence heading into their clash against Bolton.
It’s second vs third as the Rams, who enter the clash a point ahead of their opponents, have the chance to extend that to four with a win.
With over 25,000 Derby fans flocking to Pride Park most weeks, Paul Warne’s men have turned their home into a fortress and boast the fifth-best record in the division.
A lot of that is down to the raucous atmosphere created by the Pride Park faithful, roaring their team on, but also the dominance they’re allowed to assume in a contest.
Against a threatening Trotters side this weekend, though, Derby will expect to have less of the ball and won’t be allowed as many chances, so that is where their home crowd comes into play.
Conor Hourihane, who has played a key role in their fight for promotion to the Championship, believes the supporters have a huge part to play in the outcome of this match.
Conor Hourihane claims he needs the Derby fans more than ever
Speaking to the Derby County official website ahead of the clash, Hourihane has spoken about the impact they can have by creating lots of energy and enthusiasm through getting behind the team.
“It’s amazing. We need the fans on Saturday more than ever,” said Hourihane. “There will be times in the game where we suffer and we need them to get us through the little patches. If we’re on top, we need them to make it daunting for the opposition. Their energy and enthusiasm and atmosphere can give us that extra yard. I think back to my first game for Derby against Oxford, that first game was electric and we need that at the weekend for sure.”
The Irish maestro has experienced first-hand the impact a cracking atmosphere can have on his teammates.
In victories over Port Vale and Reading, the crowd certainly played their part by sticking behind the team and Hourihane has called for more of the same on Saturday, mentioning the Oxford in match 2022 as the benchmark for an “electric” atmosphere at Pride Park.
That was the first competitive game of the David Clowes era and a debut for many new signings back in League One with Hourihane scoring the winning goal 10 minutes from time.
If Derby come away with a similar result on Saturday afternoon, expect the noise inside the ground to be notched up a few decibels.
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