Derby County notebook as ex-FIFA ref speaks out, Rams ace does it again and 'that guy' Warne loves

Latest Derby County news from DerbyshireLive brings you the latest notebook with all the latest bits of news and gossip from around Pride Park

Derby County head to Sunderland tomorrow night as they look to register their first away win of the season in the Championship.

After losing to Sheffield United and Norwich City, the Rams head to the Stadium of Light as they look for their first points on the road after their return to the second tier.

Sunderland have had an excellent start to the season and currently sit second in the table behind leaders West Bromwich Albion, but lost 2-1 to Watford at the weekend. As part of the build-up to the trip to the north east, here is the latest notebook as we bring you all the latest titbits of news and gossip from around Pride Park.

Ex-ref speaks out on Norwich fiasco

Former top referee Keith Hackett gave a withering verdict on Norwich City's first goal against Derby County at the weekend.

Controversy surrounded the Canaries' opener scored by Borja Sainz as the ball was half-a-yard out of play when Josh Sargent crossed to the near post. The officials were jeered off at half-time and Sky Sports cameras captured the incident perfectly that showed the size of the mistake.

And Hackett, former boss of the PGMOL, said: "I would be very disappointed if my assistant referee did not flag that the ball was out of play. Not good officiating." When a Derby fan followed up to say the standard of officiating wasn't getting any better, Hackett said via his Twitter account: "Sadly, I think not."

Rams ace does it again

Ben Radcliffe's purple patch at Gateshead continued at the weekend as the on-loan Derby County centre-back scored his second goal in as many games.

Radcliffe struck the final goal in their 3-1 win at Southend which keeps the Heed in fifth position in the National League table. The defender, who is on loan at the Heed until January, rose highest to meet Regan Booty's corner to seal all three points in what has been an impressive start to the season by Rob Elliot's side.

“Any win at Southend is really, really good in the National League” Elliot told the club's YouTube channel. "It's one of the best away wins and performances I've seen from us because we did every part of the game well.

“It's never going to be clean against Southend because they're such a good team and Kev (Maher) sets them up so well but I thought when it was the moments to dominate it was us who dominated. We were ruthless.”

Warne loves Forsyth

Paul Warne hailed Derby County defender Craig Forsyth after he scored on his 300th league appearance at the weekend. Forsyth struck in the 3-2 defeat against the Canaries on what was his 300th league appearance having come in for the injured Callum Elder.

The long-serving Scot has been a pillar of professionalism having spent more than a decade at the club. And Warne said: "Foz is excellent and there isn't much of a decision between any of my players. It's your job to ask me and I know I'll get questions as to why Joe Ward and Conor Washington aren't in the squad.

"Sometimes it's a gnat's chuff. Sometimes you think I want Kane Wilson today because he likes to trick people, he gets past people and puts crosses in. But I might play Wardy tomorrow.

"But with Fozzie and Callum Elder, they are similar but different obviously. Callum has a bit more athleticism. Foz was unlucky not to be in the team, but he is loved by everyone. The staff love him and he just gets on with business. Foz has been excellent for me. I love that guy."

What did you make of Derby's performance at the weekend? Have your say HERE.

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