Derby County notebook: Fornah comments, Rams exit 'a real find' and a night with the lads
Derby County are back at Pride Park this weekend when they face Norwich City in a lunchtime kick-off in the Championship.
After losing 1-0 to Sheffield United, the Rams will be aiming to maintain their 100 per cent home record after winning all three of their home games so far.
As part of the build-up to the visit of the Canaries, here is the latest gossip and news from around Pride Park in the latest notebook from Derbyshire Live.
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Derby County transfer hailed
Rob Elliot has given a glowing endorsement of Derby County defender Ben Radcliffe after his arrival at Gateshead.
Radcliffe made his full debut at the weekend when he started the 2-0 defeat at home to Forest Green Rovers. The centre-back is on loan with the National League club until January and has already made an instant impression.
“He was absolutely fantastic," said Elliot. "He’s a powerful lad and a really confident boy. He’s come in and done really well in difficult circumstances. He came on against Barnet and won headers. At Dagenham, he came on in a really difficult position but did well for the team and then I think the big thing for me is his mentality to keep going and keep going, his mentality and his defensive work.
"He’s a threat in both boxes and he’s going to have a good future ahead of him. He missed a lot of football last season for one reason or another but I think he’s been a real find. We are really pleased with him.”
A night with the lads
Derby County assistant head coach Richie Barker will be among the guests at an event designed to encourage men to talk about mental health.
Derby County Community Trust is hosting a ‘A Night With The Lads’ which will take place on October 10 which is World Mental Health Day. It is designed to show the importance of mental health and why it men should be encouraged to talk about it.
The event will take place at Captain’s Club at Pride Park and will be hosted by RamsTV’s Owen Bradley. A stand-up comedian will open the night and it will be followed by a question-and-answer session with Barker and former Rams defender and current Under-21 Lead Coach Jake Buxton that will be focused on wellbeing.
Local organisations who support mental and physical well-being will also be on hand throughout the evening to answer questions, provide information on their services and signpost to opportunities. There will also be light refreshments available.
The event will also act as a re-launch of the Community Trust’s male mental health programme, Team Talk. Team Talk is designed to provide a safe space for males to talk, relax and share experiences. It operates in city-wide hubs within community settings and aims to provide a support network to anyone who may need it. If needed, participants will be signposted to further medical support or intervention where necessary.
A Night with the Lads is open to adults over 18 and attendees are encouraged to bring a friend or loved one to the event with them. Entry to the evening is free but spaces are limited and will operate on a first come first served basis.
Luke Wilkinson, Health Team Leader at Derby County Community Trust said: “We are looking forward to hosting this event on World Mental Health Day. We know that one in six people report experiencing a common mental health problem in any given week in England and men generally report lower levels of life satisfaction than women, so it is extremely important to get our communities talking. Whilst this event is focused on male mental health, we recognise that people may need support to take that first step which is why we are encouraging attendees to bring a family member or friend along. The event will be a chance to socialise, have a laugh and hear from some Derby County favourites in an informal setting.”
The guest line up subject to change. To find out more and book on to ‘A Night with the Lads’, please head to: derbycountycommunitytrust.com.
Fornah enjoying Salford experience
Derby County midfielder Tyrese Fornah says he is enjoying life at Salford City after spending the summer looking after his "soul".
Fornah joined the League Two side on a season-long loan during the transfer window and has hit the ground running under boss Karl Robinson. Fornah said: "I came back in the summer after training, looking after my soul, looking after my body, and just motivated to kind of be the best version of myself again, just playing free like I did when I was a kid.
"I think the start of it has been obviously my journey coming here and being with the boys, the players always on the side of me as a person because I like to smile and laugh a lot, but also enjoy myself on the pitch, play free and express myself because that's why I play football.
"I've always been told to play football and not worry about taking risks. You have to take risks as a footballer, especially in my position as a midfielder.
"I grew up watching top midfielders who carry the ball and being exciting, and that is what I like to do. That's what I try to do on the pitch every time I play, how can I run forward and think forward? And there might be times I'll lose the ball, but I'm someone that is going to try things, and ultimately I back myself because God gave me a talent and I'm just trying my best to show it on the pitch consistently."
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