Jewell in Royals row

Derby boss furious with Reading comments

Last updated: 9th May 2008

Derby v Wigan Paul Jewell

Jewell: Angry at Dillon comments

At Derby this year we've been sneered at, we've been laughed at, we've been ridiculed and I can accept it after the season we've had - but for Reading to say things like that is not right.

Paul Jewell
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Paul Jewell has taken a swipe at Reading following comments by Royals assistant manager Kevin Dillon about his Derby side.

Jewell has accused The Royals of behaving like a Champions League club after Dillon suggested his side should expect to win against Derby on Sunday.

Steve Coppell's side travel to Pride Park knowing even a victory may not be enough to prevent them joining the Rams in the Championship next season.

Royals number two Dillon suggested they have the easiest game of the four sides still fighting for survival and spelled out his confidence a win at Pride Park will be enough to keep them up, adding: "Let's put it this way, if we can't beat Derby, it will be hard to take."

But the comments have infuriated Jewell, who believes his team deserve more respect.

"Kevin Dillon's comments lack tact," he said.

"You would think Reading had been playing Champions League all these seasons instead of down in the Championship and the Second Division where Derby and Wigan also came from.

"At Derby this year we've been sneered at, we've been laughed at, we've been ridiculed and I can accept it after the season we've had - but for Reading to say things like that is not right.

"People can have an opinion but it's the way you put your opinion across. If they can't beat us and they go down then they deserve to go down, Kevin Dillon is quite right.

Positive

"So I think Kevin Dillon might have been quite right to think it but to say it was quite wrong.

"It is something I would never do - make a comment about someone else's team unless it's positive."

In fact, the County manager insists Dillon's outburst could work in his side's favour and revealed it has already been a topic of discussion in the Derby dressing room.

"The lads have been speaking about it and if I was Reading who do you want to come to last game of the season? A side that have won once at home all season - but it's a dangerous game they're playing," Jewell added.

And the Rams manager, who is yet to preside over a league win since his arrival in November, does not expect opposite number Coppell to have been too impressed with the comments either.

"I think Reading is a terrific club and Steve Coppell is an excellent manager," added Jewell.

"I know Kevin quite well as it happens and the next time Steve rings up for a match video to watch I shall say no.

"I think Steve and the players and the staff will find the comments strange. I think he will be annoyed by it. He is a terrific manager and comments like that at such a vital part of the season can't help."

Comments

Mike Hughes (Derby County fan) says...

i think it is a disgrace for Kevin Dillon to make remarks like that. Derby have been poor this season but for a team like Reading - fighting for survival lets remember- to say that is unbelieveable. Lets hope the Rams make it 'Hard to take' for Dillon this weekend

Posted 13:22 9th May 2008

Jack Brown (Derby County fan) says...

Too right Paul, I read an article in the newspaper the other day where they were saying the same thing, I think it read 'If we can't beat Derby we deserve to go down'. I thought straight away that they'd made a huge mistake that would come back to bite them. Whats more Ive been saying all season that we are going to win this match and theres not a bone in my body that thinks you wont get your much deserved first victory. Long live Derby County and Paul Jewell. ps would love to see Kris Commons in a Rams shirt

Posted 13:08 9th May 2008

Adi Radford (Derby County fan) says...

Well in Paul Jewell. Yes we are the worst ever Premiership team but Kevin Dillon really shouldn't take things for granted and after all there's nothing worse than a wounded animal (Ram)! I also think that Steve Coppell is a great bloke and manager and he should be furious that his assistant has let him, his club and the Reading fans down by making such remarks. I'm sure that we will see a totally different Derby County next season and for me paul Jewell and his staff are the right ones to bring derby back. Keep the faith - DCFC for life!

Posted 11:40 9th May 2008

Stig Nielsen (Newcastle United fan) says...

A lot of people in football should have a think before they open their mouths. Whilst Dillon's comment might have been a bit tactless there is some merit to the way of thinking. Jewell's comment of: "It is something I would never do - make a comment about someone else's team unless it's positive." is something one sees a lot, people making comments on how they wouldn't do this or that only for them to back track on it later. But everyone makes comments on the fly that are not necessarily made with a great deal of afterthought and on the fly. Having said that I desperately hope Derby stick it to Reading as I want to see Newcastle at Craven Cottage next season and Portsmouth might be too big a chunk for Fulham to bite. Not to mention the fact I was happy to see the Rams back in the Premiership. They might go down as the worst side yet to grace the Premiership points total wise but here's to hoping they can go out in style!

Posted 11:26 9th May 2008

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