Football Season Guide

Derby County are reaping the rewards of the stability brought by owner David Clowes and head coach John Eustace. Both are sure and steady and it is just what the Rams needed after several of years of chaos and crisis under previous owner Mel Morris. Eustace inherited a squad from predecessor Paul Warne that wasn’t considered strong side to survive in the Championship. It was a close shave (a solitary point) but Eustace kept the side up and then strengthened to such an extent as there was even a briefly flirtation with the play-offs. Eustace established his reputation whilst at Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers but it feels like he has found a home here. He is slowly building a squad that is capable of challenging for the play-offs and even dreaming of a return to the Premier League. Clowes keeps a tight reign on the purse strings, so Eustace is forced to box clever in the transfer market, which appears to be one of his strengths. Bobby Clark was one of the success stories of last season, signed on a season-long loan from Red Ball Salzburg, he was a mainstay of the midfield. His move has now been made permanent and brings continuity to the side. Another big player was centre-back Matt Clarke, who missed the start of the season through injury yet was voted player-of-the-year. The strong spine of the team also includes goalkeeper Jacob Zetterström, who performed well for Sweden in the World Cup, and could attract bids from Premier League clubs that would be difficult to turn down. If there is an area of weakness it’s in attack. Carlton Morris failed to rediscover his form after injury whilst Patrick Agyemang and Rhian Brewster don’t look getting the goals required to finish in the top six. The front line needs supplementing with Eustace bringing in German striker Filip Bilbija, who helped SC Paderborn to promotion to the Bundesliga last season. The return of attacking midfielder Sammy Szmodics on a permanent deal from Ipswich Town will also bring more goals to the team and is another example of Eustace’s shrewd work in the transfer market.