Derby County head coach Paul Warne makes 'sad' Louie Sibley admission amid text revelation

Derby County head coach Paul Warne has said he misses Louie Sibley and revealed how he congratulated him on his first goal for Oxford United.

The Rams will be reunited with the academy graduate tomorrow night when he lines up to face them for the first time since he quit Pride Park for the Us in the summer.

Sibley turned down a new contract with Derby, having spent 14 years at the club, but signed off memorably by helping the Rams win promotion from League One. Sibley has not started regularly for the Us since his move but did score his first goal for the club in a 1-1 draw against Portsmouth recently.

And ahead of the 23-year-old facing his old club in the Championship tomorrow night, Warne said: "It's always sad. I always say this at the end of the season, like you sort of drop a bag of marbles, and some roll-off, hit the wall, and stay in the room, and some roll off and go under the door and not to be seen again.

"It's always sad when players come, especially people like Sibs because he was the fabric of this football club for many years. I do miss seeing him around the coffee machine and that. I had many comical conversations with him. I do miss him.

"There are times now when I think, oh, I could do with Sibs today. When he scored his first goal against Portsmouth, a very Louie goal, I texted him that night to congratulate him on his first goal. It will be good to see him."

Join our new Whatsapp community! Click this link to receive daily Derby County content and breaking news. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .

Should Sibley have stayed at Derby? Have your say HERE.