Once one of the top clubs in England, Derby are now preparing for their twelfth successive campaign in the second-tier.
The Rams came agonizingly close to securing a place in the Premier League last season but were defeated by Aston Villa in the play-off final.
With a managerial change and many of last season’s loan stars returning to their parent clubs, can Derby County dust themselves off and compete for promotion once again?
Last season
Derby flirted with the play-off places all season long and eventually finished in sixth place, just one point clear of Middlesbrough.
Frank Lampard – in his debut season as a manager – got his team playing an exciting brand of attacking football but the play-off final was ultimately a step too far for his side.
Despite the play-off failure, Lampard was appointed as Chelsea manager and the end of the season and now The Rams must rebuild.
Next season
Phillip Cocu has been appointed as Derby’s new manager and he joins the club with a wealth of experience.
Having played over 200 matches for Barcelona and winning 100 caps for the Netherlands in his playing days, Cocu has since won the Eredivisie title as manager of PSV.
Derby will be without last season’s top scorer Harry Wilson this time around as his loan spell has come to an end.
The talented Liverpool youngster netted 17 times for The Rams last campaign and his spectacular long-range efforts and will be sorely missed.
Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori have also returned to Chelsea following successful 2018/19 campaigns on loan at Derby.
Cocu has the difficult task of trying to motivate his side following the departure of three of last season’s standout performers.
Kieran Dowell has been brought in from Everton and his experience at Championship level will be a fantastic addition to Derby’s midfield.
Players in
Graeme Shinnie - Free from Aberdeen
Kieran Dowell - Loan from Everton
Players out
Luke Thomas - €1.35m to Barnsley
David Nugent - Free to Preston North End
Nick Blackman - Free to Maccabi Tel Aviv
Alex Pearce - Free to Millwall
Bradley Johnson - Free to Blackburn Rovers
Craig Bryson - Free to Aberdeen
Efe Ambrose - Released
Marcus Olsson - Released
Ashley Cole - Released
Predicted league finish
The predicted league finish for Derby County is 5th. The Rams are more than capable of finishing in the play-off positions again this season.
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