Derby County boss Billy Davies has again sent a message to his board that they need to spend big in January if they're to beat the drop.

Davies said: "I am very pleased with the spirit but competing at this level, the one thing I realise, is that you have got to spend a bit.

"We have less money than anyone else in this division. I am a realist but it is a very difficult task. We need players, we need to spend money in January.

"I don't know if there is money to spend yet, I have got to sit down with the board. I will continue to do the best with what I've got, but in my opinion we need to add to the squad in January. We have got to continue the progression. It is a very difficult league and you have to spend to compete. We need players."