Rodger On Rams Game

By: Richard Lord
Date: 16/06/2002

ASSISTANT Manager Graham Rodger has reserved special mention for the Boxing Day clash between Derby County and Grimsby Town at Pride Park next season after the fixtures were released to the club last Thursday.

The former Town centre-back believes it will be a festive treat for Mariners fans and is a tribute to all their hard work last season to stay in the First Division and have the chance to visit top grounds.

Derby are early favourites to bounce straight back into the Premiership under the guidance of former Villa manager John Gregory, and Italian star Fabrizio Ravanelli could still be playing for the Rams next season, despite being told he can leave the Midlands club.

Speaking to the Sports Telegraph, Rodger said: "Paul (Groves) and I went to Pride Park last season to watch Derby Reserves when we were looking for players and it was fantastic. There was five and a half thousand people in there for a Reserve game, but the place looked empty.

"It's a fantastic stadium and they've got a great set-up. I'm sure they'll do well this year. It's not too far for our fans to go and it will be a fantastic game to be at on Boxing Day for one of the best stadiums in the League."

Derby visit Blundell Park on August 17, Grimsby's second home game of the season. Other big matches to look out for at Blundell Park will be the games against Ipswich and Leicester on September 7 and November 30 respectively.

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