Derby County 5-1 Blackpool: Steve McClaren Hails Hat-Trick Hero Chris Martin
Derby County head coach Steve McClaren labelled striker Chris Martin as "focal" to the way his side play after the Rams recorded their fifth straight Championship win over nine-man Blackpool. Former Norwich frontman Martin hit a hat-trick - two coming from the penalty spot - to lift the Rams up to fourth. McClaren said:
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"I'm pleased for Chris he admitted he wasn't at his best on Wednesday . He's become the focal point to our attack and our team. "He allows the players around to come in because he can hold the ball up, has great awareness and a great touch. The key thing is he scores and makes assists. If he didn't do that then he wouldn't be in the team."McClaren also credited the entire County squad for their sensational recent form which has seen them turn around what was becoming a disappointing season under previous manager Nigel Clough. He added:
"There have been lots of tests and challenges for the team," he added. "I think we've learned more from the players in these last six days than the last six weeks. "They have come through each challenge differently. There's a good balance about the team and of course with the results expectations are growing. Long may that continue. "We were shocked for the first goal and then it was difficult. We played some good football and created great chances. I thought it was going to be one of those days. "I couldn't fault the team in the first half, but I was disappointed we didn't hunt the ball better. They made mistakes in the second half and we took advantage. "We upped the tempo a little bit and denied them the ball. We were being patient and through that we got our reward. The back four have been the platform. They are defending so well and taking responsibility. "I give all the credit to the players. They've had to adapt and they've done that, so now they're getting the rewards. We've got to keep our feet on the ground in the dressing room because there's a long way to go."Blackpool assistant manager Steve Thompson meanwhile was left to bemoan two more dismissals which resulted in the visitors falling apart so spectacularly. He said: "More sendings off don't help the cause they are something we've got to look at. The lads are just as frustrated as we are. "It comes down to a bit of discipline from the players if you're on a yellow card the last thing you want to do is starting to fly into tackles. You've got to have a bit of self-control." Thompson went on to further question the sending off of makeshift Blackpool right back Neal Bishop:
"From where I was standing he was not the last man, so it's a disappointing decision for us. "We haven't got a team of thugs. We've got a team that competes very well. If you look at the tackles they're not career-threatening, high or showing studs. They're more mistimed than anything."