Derby County notebook: Bradley claim, Portsmouth director comments and coach returns
Latest Derby County news from DerbyshireLive as Leigh Curtis wraps-up the behind-the-scenes chat from Pride Park and beyond
by Leigh Curtis · Derbyshire LiveDerby County missed out on the chance to go seven points clear of third-placed Bolton in the race for League One promotion when they lost 1-0 at Northampton on Saturday.
The Rams have an opportunity to bounce back when they host Blackpool on Good Friday before making the trip to Portsmouth next Tuesday.
As part of the build-up to the Rams' Easter weekend programme, Leigh Curtis has scoured his notebook for the juiciest snippets ahead of a crucial few days in the race for automatic promotion...
READ MORE: Player ratings v Northampton as Bradley madness sums up defeat
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Bradley's version of events
Rams boss Paul Warne says Sonny Bradley claims he did not do anything to warrant the red card he received late on at Northampton.
The centre-back was dismissed for an apparent headbutt on Manny Monthe in stoppage time, and will now miss the next three games unless Derby decide to appeal.
Asked what Bradley had said about the incident, which happened during a corner, Warne said: "Sonny said, 'He (Monthe) was in my face and he pulled me down' and that he didn't do anything.
"I have to believe and trust my player until I see anything different. It's disappointing because it magnifies the poor day at the office we had. Six games left and you are missing three of those, so it's a massive blow. He was pretty confident he hadn't done anything wrong. I could see the lads all getting frustrated, and when it is like that you can't touch anyone.
"It's all right for us because we're on the side of the pitch, but the adrenaline is pumping as a player, your heart is going at 180bpm and you want to score a goal. It's easy to say don't get emotional, but it's difficult."
Adam Thorley is back at Derby
Derby County's academy has been strengthened with the return of the highly-rated Adam Thorley. Thorley was poached by Chelsea back in 2021 when he became their under-15s coach.
But it is understood he has now returned to Derby where he has been appointed head of technical development for under-nines to under-16s. Thorley initially started his career at Derby having joined the club in 2010, but had a short stint at Wolves where he was YDP coach for eight months.
He was Derby's under-18s coach and professional development phase coach before leaving for Premier League Chelsea. During his time at Pride Park, the club cultivated a number of players to come through the academy including the likes of Kaide Gordon (Liverpool) and Liam Delap (Manchester City).
The news of Thorley's return came as Craig Fleming left last week to join Ralph Hassenhuttl at Bundesliga side Wolfsburg.
Robinson on duty with England
Young Derby County defender Keilen Robinson has been on England duty for the under-19s, coming on as a substitute in their 1-1 draw against Morocco last Thursday.
An own-goal just before half-time had given Morocco the lead at the Stade Moulay Hassan in Rabat before Chelsea defender Billy Gee equalised with ten minutes remaining.
Also included in the side which drew 1-1 was former Derby academy prospect Omari Kellyman, who left the club to join Aston Villa.
Pompey chief pleased with Derby result
One of the interested observers in Saturday's defeat at Northampton was Portsmouth director Eric Eisner. And he was so pleased with the 1-0 win for the Cobblers that he felt compelled to talk about it on social media.
Derby could have been just two points behind Pompey in the title race with a win, but Sam Hoskins's first-half strike ended that hope. Paul Warne's side still have Pompey to play, of course, on April 2. But, for now, Eisner was pleased with what he saw on Saturday.
"Big result! Have to stay focused on ourselves but always can use good results around the league," he said on social media. "Another step forward towards our goals for this season. Easter weekend fixtures coming up!!!"