Derby County boss Paul Warne looks ahead to "exciting" promotion chance

Derby County manager Paul Warne will take his side to Cambridge with a real chance to secure promotion to the Championship.

The Rams are four points away and so with a win, and other results going their way, the Rams would secure second place with a game to go.

They face a Cambridge United side who have survived relagation under former Swansea City and Leeds boss Garry Monk.

Speaking to Rams TV, Paul Warne said: “They’re a good side; every professional team is. They are very good at defending set-pieces, so they have some real strength.

“Look at Liverpool and Arsenal in the Premier League last weekend, both losing when they were expected to win. Cambridge are good at home and it is a difficult place to play at. I am expecting a difficult match.”

The Rams will be keeping an eye on both Bolton and Peterborough; if they both drop points, Derby will be finally able to earn their place in the Championship next season.

Warne said that his side need to just keep calm in all the excitement: “It doesn’t change anything. I’d love to come out with a genius answer, but it doesn’t change a thing.

“My experience tells me that life is a struggle and a battle. Everything worth getting in life is hard and nothing is just given to you easily. Even if we play at our absolute best at Cambridge, there is no guarantee we will win.

“If we do get three points, it might not be enough. I still think it will go to the final day, which can be fretful, enjoyable and exciting in equal measure. I feel there’s still a couple more pages to the book.”

Paul Warne’s first game in charge was away against Cambridge and so the trip will bring back many memories.

After 50 games at the helm, Warne says he remembers his first game well, he added: “I remember the day for many different reasons. I knew we had good footballers here that could keep the ball, but different games take different ways to play.

I remember leaving the pitch feeling good after a win and a clean sheet and catching up with David Clowes. I felt settled in straight away.