By Paul Holland
February 3 2003

Derby County manager John Gregory has praised his Rams side after they beat Rotherham United 3-0 at Pride Park despite losing Malcolm Christie, Chris Riggott and Danny Higginbottom. The trio were considered as prized assists to the Derby club, but all three where forced to leave the ex-Premiership club as funds are low at Pride Park.

Both Malcolm Christie and Chris Riggott was sold to Steve McClaren's Middlesbrough while Danny Higginbottom moved to Friends Provident St Mary's Stadium.

The Derby team, missing the trio ram raided ten men Millers in a convincing display.

Boss Gregory said: "It's sad to lose three players of that calibre but we all know what the situation is and it was good to see the way the players responded.

"Off the field we are improving as the weeks go by. There was a great turn-out in the stands and we sent them home with a smile on their face."