Darren Moore cuts an imposing figure. On the pitch he has been something of a lucky talisman at a number of clubs. Derby County boss Billy Davies will be hoping that Moore's presence this Saturday can inspire the Rams to the Premiership - as the big defender has done at Bradford City and West Bromwich Albion in the past. After serving a four-game suspension, Moore is likely to be back in the thick of things when the first semi final kicks off against Southampton. Givemefootball's Ian Clarkson caught up with the experienced defender ahead of this crucial play-off clash.
Q:HOW FRUSTRATING HAVE THE LAST FEW WEEKS BEEN?
A:The last couple of weeks have been very frustrating. It was worse during the Crystal Palace game, knowing I could not do anything about it. That's gone now and now I'm able to prepare myself mentally and physically to be involved in the play-offs.
Q:HOW BIG A BLOW WAS IT TO MISS OUT ON AUTOMATIC PROMOTION?
A:Obviously we were in the top two for so long but you have to give credit to Sunderland and Birmingham City. The league table does not lie. The season is over 46 games and we finished where we finished because that's where we deserved to finish. If we'd have said before a ball was kicked this season that we would finish third, we would all have taken that. No matter what anybody says it has been a successful season for Derby County. Yes, it's disappointing not to finish in the top two because that's your main aim but the next is the play-offs, and to win them. We are in the play=offs.
Q:ARE YOU A FAN OF THE PLAY-OFFS
A:I like the play-offs. Even though I have had four promotions during my career I have only been in the play-offs once, and that was early in my career at Torquay United. I am a fan of the play-offs because of the tension and excitement they generate. They are marvellous games to be involved in. There is a lot of stake and I am looking forward to it.
Q:HOW DID YOU GET ON IN YOUR ONE PLAY-OFF WITH TORQUAY?
A:We beat Burnley over two legs and then beat Blackpool in the final at the old Wembley Stadium. It was a fantastic occasion. Getting to Wembley and winning provides a sense of fulfillment. The whole occasion is unbelievable - that's the only word I can use.
Q:WILL THE EXPERIENCE YOU HAVE GAINED FROM FOUR PROMOTIONS HELP THE TEAM?
A:Hopefully it can help a lot. We have a tough game at Southampton, a big hurdle to overcome but that's what you are in the game for, to face such challenges. I have been determined to gert Derby in the Premiership, from the first ball I kicked this season and it will be the same to the last ball I kick.
Q:HOW WOULD BEING PROMOTED WITH DERBY COMPARE TO YOUR OTHER PROMOTIONS?
A:They have all been different in their own way. If we can do it here it would be an unbelievable achievement because of what has happened here in such a short space of time. For the club to be in this position shows that everybody has been pulling together. There would be a great sense of satisfaction in a job well done.
Q:WHAT HAS SPARKED THIS AT THE CLUB?
A:I remember walking round Pride Park on the final day of last season. We had just lost to Sheffield Wednesday and there was doom and gloom among the players. I looked at the bigger picture. When I first signed for Derby the club needed seven wins to stay up, and we got those wins and stumbled over the line. I said we should forget the season and look forward. I look back a year on and the transformation is incredible. It just goes to show you what can happen in a year at a football club.
Q:HOW MUCH OF AN HONOUR WAS IT TO BE NAMED IN THE PFA CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM OF THE YEAR?
A:I was absolutely delighted. It is a great honour because it is from my fellow-professionals but I am also grateful to my teammates at Derby County because it shows that we have had a good season.
