Clough distances Derby from Blackstock move
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 7:21 PM | by Matt Carter 
There had been rumours circulating that Derby County were lining up a bid for Dexter Blackstock and who can argue with why they wouldn't, for Blackstock is a fringe player at bitter rivals Nottingham Forest and someone who endeared himself to Derby fans with a petulant display that saw him eventually sent off in a derby game at the City Ground earlier on in the season.
Despite all this evidence of why he should sign Blackstock, Sky Sports News are reporting that it appears for now at least Nigel Clough is distancing himself from the player.
In all seriousness Blackstock is a decent player and could do a job for a Derby side that have been lacking in goal-scoring front men for a number of years, with the hard working but goal shy Conor Sammon and the exuberant but erratic Theo Robinson currently their leading marksmen. That said signing a player from your rivals is not exactly a way to get fans buzzing and Clough will be aware of the effects of signing a forest man given how a move for Nathan Tyson back fired, so much so that his spell at Pride Park already looks to be over. Tyson similarly was involved in controversy against the Rams just as Blackstock was earlier on in the season, in the case of Tyson he was never forgiven despite pulling on the black and white shirt.
With that in mind Clough is right to think twice about a move for Blackstock although the ex Southampton man is a better player than Tyson and he might at least score goals to win the fans round. That said it is always a risky move to sign a player from your arch rivals, so unless you are a hundred percent sure of a a player you would be best advised to steer clear.
