United’s attention turns to the Emirates FA Cup on Sunday, when League One Derby County come to town.
Following Tuesday evening’s 6-1 league victory over Aldershot Town, Gary Johnson’s men return to Plainmoor for the second of four successive home games on Sunday in a break from league action, as the FA Cup sees United host Derby County in front of the ITV Sport cameras.
Who’s the Boss?
Paul Warne was appointed as Head Coach in September, with his contract due to roll until the summer of 2026. The 49-year-old boasts an impressive track record, with three League One promotions in just shy of 300 matches as a manager.
Warne arrived at the Pride Park Stadium from Rotherham United, where he previously enjoyed two stints during his playing career. After retiring from playing, the former midfielder took up a various roles in the backroom staff, including as a fitness coach, before taking charge of the first team on an interim basis in November 2016, which he continued until the end of the campaign, when in April 2017, Warne became First Team Manager on a permanent basis.
Whilst Rotherham is the only side he has managed, it is also a place where Warne has enjoyed much success both as a player and as a manager. In 2018 his Rotherham side achieved promotion to the Championship via the play-offs. Following relegation, his sides were able to bounce back and went on to achieve promotion from League One in 2020 and 2022.
As a player, Warne predominantly played as a winger for the likes of Wigan Athletic, Oldham Athletic and Yeovil Town, as well as Rotherham United. With his career spanning just shy of 400 appearances, many of these were in League One.
How have they been doing?
The Rams have played 18, scored 23, and kept 7 clean sheets so far this season, and in their League One campaign currently reside in 7th, two points outside of the play-offs. With a mixed bag of results so far this season in the league, Derby have won 7, drawn 4 and lost 5. Warne’s side have only won one of their last four with a 4-2 victory over Bristol Rovers, draws against Morecambe (1-1) and Exeter City (0-0), and their last defeat on the 21st October inflicted by second-placed Ipswich.
Player to Watch
Louie Sibley has progressed through the youth ranks at the Pride Park Stadium, where he has been a product of their academy since joining their Under-8 side as a youngster. The current campaign marks the midfielders third season as a professional footballer after Sibley signed his first professional deal with the club ahead of the 2019/20 campaign, despite then still only being a second year scholar.
Described as an ‘attack-minded midfielder’, the 21-year-old has featured for a number of the Rams youth teams. Sibley impressed in their Under-18 side and was part of the squad that were crowned National Champions. Meanwhile the midfielder has also established himself as a stalwart in the Under-23 side, where he went on to continue his development after penning his first professional contract. In 2017/18, he was also awarded Academy Player of the Year.
Sibley seems to have settled well into the mens first team squad this season where he has made 16 League One appearances and scoring one goal. His goal came in the week, when The Rams secured a 1-1 draw against Morecambe. After going behind, Sibley’s effort from the edge of the Morecambe penalty area was deflected, and forced a share of the points.
Played for Both
Dean Moxey arrived at Plainmoor in September 2020, and has become an ever-present for United since, making over 80 appearances for Gary Johnson’s men so far. Arriving from local rivals Exeter City, Moxey brought with him a wealth of experience, having made over 550 senior appearances for the likes of Exeter City, Derby County, Crystal Palace and Bolton Wanderers.
The defender has also played a part in winning promotion at every level from the National League up to the Championship, with his experience boosting the United squad. Previously, Moxey enjoyed a season and a half with United’s FA Cup First Round opposition Derby County. After making 58 appearances and scoring 2 goals for the Rams, he went on to join Crystal Palace on deadline day in January 2011, and within 18 months, was part of the Palace side that were promoted to the Premier League.
Previous Encounter
Torquay United 0 – 0 Derby County, 27th July 2009, Pre Season Friendly
Sunday’s televised FA Cup First Round clash marks only the second meeting between the two teams. Torquay United last welcomed Derby County to Plainmoor back in the pre-season of 2009, where the game ended in a goalless draw.
Torquay United v Derby County | Sunday 6th November 2022 3pm | Emirates FA Cup | TICKETS | OFFICIAL TUFC RADIO