Forest praised for Derbyshire deal

ATHLETIC supporters are being encouraged to make the most of Matt Derbyshire, just as the manager is doing.

Paul Dickov elected to renew the four-goal on-loan Nottingham Forest striker's loan in time for the Kidderminster tie rather than waiting until next week — and, possibly, risking him returning to the City Ground and being sent on elsewhere.

"We looked at the possibility of leaving Matt out on Saturday, so he could get a couple more (league) games in," Dickov said.

"But there are a lot of things that can happen (in the interim) and sometimes you are better off doing what is best for you now.

"The best thing now is to put our strongest team out at Kidderminster — and the way he has been playing, that includes Matt Derbyshire.

"Forest have been fantastic. Matt is on a decent amount of money there and it is something we can't afford as a club. They know Matt is enjoying playing here and they have been really helpful, which is great."

On Derbyshire's future after Christmas, Dickov said: "We see this one through.We want to keep him. If it was purely down to him and the club, he would probably stay.”