Sun 3rd May - Vicarage Road
By Chris Burton Last updated: 3rd January 2009
Savage: Frozen out by Jewell
Robbie Savage is hoping to revive his flagging Derby career under caretaker boss Chris Hutchings.
The midfielder joined the Rams in a £1.5million deal 12 months ago, but has struggled to hold down a regular role in the side since then.
He was frozen out by Paul Jewell at the start of the current campaign and was sent out on loan to Brighton in October.
However, having returned to Pride Park, and with Jewell no longer in charge, the 34-year-old is now looking to prove his worth to a sceptical Derby support.
"Everybody deserves a second chance," said Savage.
"I know most of the fans don't like me and that's fine.
"I've heard what they say - that my legs have gone.
"If they came to watch me train they'd know that was nonsense. I want to prove I'm good enough to do a job for their club.
"The new manager says everyone starts with a clean slate and the words were music to my ears."
Savage insists that he never had a bust-up with Jewell, but admits that he found it difficult working under the former Wigan boss.
"It's been the worst time of my career," he added.
"I never had a fall-out with Paul Jewell despite what people think. I had a lot to thank him for.
"We are both strong characters and there was a clash of personalities. But he was the manager and he decided he wasn't going to pick me. I had to respect the fact that he stuck to his guns.
"But it's soul-destroying just coming into training and knowing I would never play for Derby again while he was the manager."

A look at the best pictures as Michael Owen completes a surprise move to Manchester United.
Pictures from the unveiling of Real Madrid's reported £56 million signing at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Pictures from the Under 21 championship semi-final between England and Sweden in Gothenburg.
Pictures from England's draw with Germany in the last Group B game of the Under 21 Championships.
A look at the best pictures as Michael Owen completes a surprise move to Manchester United.
| Time | Fixture |
|---|---|
| Saturday 11th July | |
| Friendly Match | |
| 15:00 | Burton Albion vs Derby |
| Tuesday 14th July | |
| Friendly Match | |
| 19:45 | Arnold Town vs Derby |
| Saturday 18th July | |
| Friendly Match | |
| 15:00 | Chesterfield vs Derby |
| Tuesday 21st July | |
| Friendly Match | |
| 19:45 | Yeovil vs Derby |
| Thursday 23rd July | |
| Friendly Match | |
| 19:45 | Torquay vs Derby |
| Saturday 25th July | |
| Friendly Match | |
| 15:00 | Exeter vs Derby |
| Monday 27th July | |
| Friendly Match | |
| 19:45 | Matlock vs Derby |
| Tuesday 28th July | |
| Friendly Match | |
| 19:45 | Notts County vs Derby |
| Thursday 30th July | |
| Friendly Match | |
| 19:45 | Burton Albion vs Derby |
| Friday 31st July | |
| Friendly Match | |
| 19:45 | Alfreton Town vs Derby |
| Saturday 1st August | |
| Friendly Match | |
| 15:00 | Derby vs Stoke |
| Saturday 8th August | |
| The Coca-Cola Football League Championship | |
| 15:00 | Derby vs Peterborough |
| Tuesday 11th August | |
| Carling Cup | |
| 19:45 | Rotherham vs Derby |
| Saturday 15th August | |
| The Coca-Cola Football League Championship | |
| 15:00 | Scunthorpe vs Derby |
| Tuesday 18th August | |
| The Coca-Cola Football League Championship | |
| 19:45 | Blackpool vs Derby |
| Saturday 22nd August | |
| The Coca-Cola Football League Championship | |
| 15:00 | Derby vs Plymouth |
| Saturday 29th August | |
| The Coca-Cola Football League Championship | |
| 15:00 | Nottm Forest vs Derby |
| Saturday 12th September | |
| The Coca-Cola Football League Championship | |
| 13:00 | Derby vs Sheff Utd |
| Tuesday 15th September | |
| The Coca-Cola Football League Championship | |
| 19:45 | Derby vs Barnsley |
| Saturday 19th September | |
| The Coca-Cola Football League Championship | |
| 15:00 | Crystal Palace vs Derby |
| Time | Result |
|---|---|
| Sunday 3rd May | |
| The Coca-Cola Football League Championship | |
| Watford 3 - 1 Derby | |
| Saturday 25th April | |
| The Coca-Cola Football League Championship | |
| Derby 1 - 0 Charlton | |
| Tuesday 21st April | |
| The Coca-Cola Football League Championship | |
| Derby 0 - 2 Reading | |
| Saturday 18th April | |
| The Coca-Cola Football League Championship | |
| Crystal Palace 1 - 0 Derby | |
| Monday 13th April | |
| The Coca-Cola Football League Championship | |
| Derby 2 - 3 Wolverhampton | |
| Saturday 11th April | |
| The Coca-Cola Football League Championship | |
| Sheff Wed 0 - 1 Derby | |
| Wednesday 8th April | |
| The Coca-Cola Football League Championship | |
| Cardiff 4 - 1 Derby | |
| Saturday 4th April | |
| The Coca-Cola Football League Championship | |
| Derby 1 - 1 Burnley | |
| Saturday 21st March | |
| The Coca-Cola Football League Championship | |
| Derby 0 - 0 Barnsley | |
| Saturday 14th March | |
| The Coca-Cola Football League Championship | |
| Sheff Utd 4 - 2 Derby | |
| Tuesday 10th March | |
| The Coca-Cola Football League Championship | |
| Southampton 1 - 1 Derby | |
| Saturday 7th March | |
| The Coca-Cola Football League Championship | |
| Derby 2 - 1 Bristol City | |
| Tuesday 3rd March | |
| The Coca-Cola Football League Championship | |
| Derby 2 - 2 Swansea | |
| Friday 27th February | |
| The Coca-Cola Football League Championship | |
| Doncaster 2 - 1 Derby | |
| Saturday 21st February | |
| The Coca-Cola Football League Championship | |
| Nottm Forest 1 - 3 Derby | |
| Wednesday 18th February | |
| The Coca-Cola Football League Championship | |
| Derby 4 - 1 Blackpool | |
| Sunday 15th February | |
| The FA Cup sponsored by E.ON | |
| Derby 1 - 4 Man Utd | |
| Saturday 7th February | |
| The Coca-Cola Football League Championship | |
| Plymouth 0 - 3 Derby | |
| Wednesday 4th February | |
| The FA Cup sponsored by E.ON | |
| Nottm Forest 2 - 3 Derby | |
| Saturday 31st January | |
| The Coca-Cola Football League Championship | |
| Derby 2 - 1 Coventry | |
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Coventry City | 0 | 0 |
| 6 | Crystal Palace | 0 | 0 |
| 7 | Derby County | 0 | 0 |
| 8 | Doncaster Rovers | 0 | 0 |
| 9 | Ipswich Town | 0 | 0 |
Blackpool manager Ian Holloway has applauded the attitude of Derby target Shaun Barker.
Derby County have rejected two bids from Norwich City for striker Liam Dickinson.
Derby County boss Nigel Clough is ready to make new offers for Shaun Barker and John Brayford.
Derby insist they have not received any approach from Celtic for winger Kris Commons.
Burnley have expressed their delight after completing the signing of Tyrone Mears from Derby.