It seems Robbie Savage is faltering in his final lap before retirement after two stellar performances, the Rams' Captain is questioning, whether it's really time to hang up the boots.

In the after-match interview at QPR he acted odd (what’s new I hear you say!) when answering to the questions of his playing future. While a couple of days before that, popular football program Soccer AM featured a lengthy chat with Sav, focusing on his career and what the future holds for him.

It was during talk of the future that Robbie discussed the fact he feels he may still have something to offer and if an offer from a rival Championship club came in, he would find it hard to resist.

He went on to say he would much prefer if he played on he would prefer it was at Derby.

"It's been a big decision but I will be retiring at the end of the year - but that's only 99% sure, there is still that 1% in me that thinks I should go on.” 

"After we played Leeds the other night - when I was probably the best player on the pitch and ran the midfield against three young kids for Leeds - the atmosphere in the changing room was unbelievable. When you win games you get a buzz and you can't replace that.” 

"I'm 37 in October but if Derby give me another year I would accept it. If they didn't, no hard feelings, I'd move on. I don't want to play in League One or League Two - I'm better than that - but I would go to another Championship club if it was the right move.”

"I want to stay in the North West - I've got two kids in a school and want to be close to my father who has got Alzheimer's - and Derby would be my perfect choice.”  

"But I don't think they will offer me a new deal because I made it clear I was retiring. Nigel Clough and Derby have been great to me."

You get the feeling that an offer from the Rams would be enough to persuade the midfield maestro to continue his career for another campaign.

Otherwise a media career as opposed to another move and starting again might be a little too much for his young family.

Many will howl down the idea but frankly, if he was signed on a lower wage contract with the plan of him being more of a bench player then he would be invaluable around the club. As a regular as a sub or starting when a particular role is required, would be a great weapon to have in your locker.

If he was willing to fulfill such a role and it didn’t cost the earth, then it could do little harm.

The most important thing next season will be the development of Bailey, Addison and the additions to the squad required. They will need to gel while getting games and experience into their legs.

That said, if injuries hit, confidence dips or an experienced head is required towards the end of a match, there would be few better to call on than Sav.

Especially if he could play the super-sub role in the same all-action style of his recent outings. It coulbe be in a similar role to Michael Johnson, who was Club Captain and a reliable back-up in our most recent promotion season.

The other consideration is that his profile and work for the media gives the Rams free media exposure worth millions of pounds. That alone makes the idea attractive from a marketing sense and it will not be able to be replaced once he leaves the club.

There will be fans that cannot wait to see the back of Robbie but I think many more would say, if they are being honest, they would not mind having him around if it didn’t compromise the addition of new faces at the club and it was in a reduced playing capacity.

Plus one final point, if the rumours of the Rams looking at Lee Bowyer next season are true then keeping Sav would probably mean that idea is kicked to the curb.

I would be happy to pitch in a few pounds if it helped make sure that was the case – wouldn’t you?

Didn’t catch Robbie’s interview on Soccer AM? 

Check out the full interview below which includes a great compilation of Sav at his best by CLICKING HERE!

Photo: Action Images

pkay_brum added 13:56 - Apr 20 No, he's rich enough, and our football experiences haven't been very rich whilst he's been at the club. I'll gladly add the 1% for Robbie to make up his 100% decision, and say it's time to go. A coaching role would be fine but please, nothing more on the field, thanks! Derby now needs fresh blood - younger, more skilful, quicker - some *genuine* quality, not just a personality....or quite simply, we are going nowhere. His ineffectual games far outweigh his good ones - check out our league position for confirmation. Let someone else carry the wages if it's all about what Robbie wants and not about what Derby actually needs. His huge wages have inhibited other signings. Paul Jewell can have him at Ipswich, if he wants, they can kiss and make up.

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