Gary Rowett: ‘Derby County needed to be braver’

Gary Rowett has said that poor finishing and a need to “be braver” prevented Derby County from beating Sunderland on Friday.

Bradley Johnson gave Derby the lead before Lewis Grabban scored a controversial penalty when the ball bounced into Jacob Butterfield’s hand.

“We just couldn’t find that final finish. Chris Martin missed one when you’d perhaps have expected him to do better, and David Nugent also missed a great chance,” Rowett told reporters.

“I just felt we needed to be braver in the first half – we weren’t brave enough and we looked a little nervy. But in the second half we showed a bit more composure.

“I can’t really argue with the penalty. I’m not going to stand here and say it wasn’t a penalty, but it certainly wasn’t intentional. He’d moved his arm towards the ball so I can understand why it was given.”

Derby finished last season in 9th in the Championship but will be hoping for a playoff push after signing Andre Wisdom, Tom Huddlestone and Curtis Davies this summer.

Cover Photo: Derby County V Tranmere Rovers, F.A. Cup 3rd Round, Pride Park Stadium, Derby, Derbyshire, 05/01/13 by Eamon Curry used under license by CC BY 2.0.