Preview: Town - Derby

Town manager Joe Royle: “We know it's Jim's last home game and I'm sure the fans will show their appreciation for the magnificent service he has given this Club, I believe he will be sorely missed here. He is one of a rare breed in today's game, an old fashioned playmaker who knits teams together, and I only wish I had got to work with him a few years earlier.

“I think he can play at least another year, perhaps at a slightly lower level. He's had no really bad injuries, and he is in good shape so I see no reason he can't keep going for a while yet.

“As for after that, that's down to Jim. If he wants to go down the coaching and managerial route then I am sure he will do well.

“He has a good knowledge and feel for the game, he is single-minded, determined and a good leader.

“We'll be going all out to give him a winning end to his career here and finish the season on a positive note with victories against Derby and Plymouth next week.

“After the low of the Stoke game, I felt our performance at Watford last week was much better, and that was reflected in the support our fans gave us. They were magnificent from beginning to end - a neutral observer would have thought we were the team going into the Play-Offs.”

Town squad: Dean Bowditch, Vemund Brekke Skard, Darren Currie, Jason De Vos, Jim Magilton, Jay McEveley, Nicky Forster, Owen Garvan, Danny Haynes, Jimmy Juan, Richard Naylor, Jaime Peters, Lewis Price, Matt Richards, Luis Sito, Shane Supple, Fabian Wilnis.

Derby have no fit strikers with Paul Peschisolido, Mounir El Hamdaoui and Kevin Lisbie out along with defender Darren Moore, who is suspended.

Rams manager Terry Westley: no pre-match thoughts currently available.

Match Odds from William Hill:
Town: 1/1
Draw: 11/5
Derby: 11/5