Derby County’s Dajaune Brown, a striker, continued his great form at Gateshead this week with two more goals in their 7-1 thumping of Hartlepool.
After joining the National League team, the striker has already scored seven goals, and he is leading them on a path to promotion and an FA Trophy appearance at Wembley. Midweek viewing by members of Derby’s first-team coaching staff raised an intriguing question: Should Derby bring up the striker for the final stretch?
Derby may recall Brown with a day’s notice because he is on a youth loan, so Gateshead will be afraid that his performance will force him back to Pride Park. Given that James Collins is back to full strength, it is unlikely that he would start, therefore he would most likely have to make do with a spot on the bench.
However, head coach Paul Warne would have to consider the advantages of keeping him off the pitch at Gateshead, where he is having fun, against the possible contribution he may make to Derby’s promotion campaign.
Derbyshire Live posed the query yesterday, and some good arguments were made over whether Brown ought to return to Pride Park.
Little Bertie Regal: I love how many people have said that he’s not prepared for league one. According to what? If he isn’t given an opportunity, I don’t know how anyone could find out. He has excelled while on loan. Please return him and give him more playing time if we’re having trouble finding strikers. Just leave him where he is if he isn’t likely to play.
Beaufort1: The goal of putting him on loan was to help him get used to playing adult football competitively. That’s working, so keep him where he is. He won’t even come close to receiving that kind of exposure in League One. Between Portsmouth and Harrogate, there is no comparison.
Whatsappwithyou: Why not just have him sit on the bench again? Playing competitive football is going to benefit him more.
Nedram1: Going from the sixth level of professional football to League 1 is a significant step up.” To acquire additional playing time, let him stay until the finish of the campaign. Regardless of the division we play in, it appears certain that he will be fighting for first team placement the next season. His progress will not be aided by time on the bench right now.
PCarroll33: Recall is useless until you use him. If everyone gets fit soon, will he meet with Collo, Waggy, Wash, and Gayle? Not in my opinion.
