Derby County

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Derby manager John Eustace was full of his praise for his side after earning a draw at Birmingham City despite playing more than half the game with 10 men.

The Rams boss believed they could even have claimed all three points despite Jo Ward's red card.

"I thought they were excellent. To be down to 10 men for a long period was tough, but the way the lads went about their business today was absolutely outstanding. I was very proud of every one of them," he told BBC Radio Derby.

"The first 10 minutes we got our shape very slightly wrong. After that we took a really good grip of the game.

"We scored a fantastic goal and we knew we would have a bit of pressure to defend, and apart from when they hit the post I don't think they caused us any other issues.

"Even when we went down to 10 men I felt very comfortable, and I'm disappointed we didn't get the three points.

"I thought it was a very soft yellow card [for Joe Ward] but his decision-making for the second was very poor. He has to hold his hands up for that."

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Birmingham seek to rewrite their record books as they welcome Derby for their final home game of 2025 on Friday (12:30 GMT).

Chris Davies side are seeking an 18th home win of the calendar year, which would match their best ever return.

Blues have taken a single point from their past four games to fall to 14th, six points behind the play-off places, but have taken 21 points from 10 home games, with just a single defeat.

The Rams are unbeaten in three games, claiming five points, and sit two points and two places ahead of their hosts ahead of John Eustace's return to St Andrew's.

• Birmingham have won two of their past three league games against Derby (D1), as many as they had in their previous 19 (D7 L10).

• Derby lost their last away league game to Birmingham in September 2021. They've not lost on consecutive visits to St Andrew's since a run of four between 1974 and 1977.

• Birmingham beat Burton Albion 2-0 on Boxing Day last season. They've not won consecutive Boxing Day matches since a run of three between 2006 and 2008.

• Derby have won their past two Boxing Day league games, beating Wigan in 2023 and West Brom in 2024. They last won three in a row on Boxing Day between 1956 and 1958.

• Birmingham have won 17 home league games in 2025 and need one more home win to equal their record for home victories in a calendar year, set in the year 2000 when they won 18.

Derby County are moving in the right direction on and off the field, according to head coach John Eustace.

The former Rams player was appointed as boss in February and, after securing Championship survival last term, has led Derby to 12th place near the midway point this season.

"There's been progress throughout my time here, we're coming up to a year and you can see the progress on and off the field," Eustace told BBC Radio Derby.

"There's a lot of hard work to go, we're building in the right way, laying the right foundations and it's important we don't get too carried away with the highs and the lows.

"We have to be a realist about it and realise the squad isn't as strong, probably, as others are, but what we have got is players who are 100% committed and give their all week-in, week-out."

Derby visit Eustace's former club Birmingham - he was sacked by Blues in October 2023 when they were sixth in the Championship table - on Boxing Day (12:30 GMT).

"It's a long time ago now so the emotions are different," the 46-year-old said.

"Birmingham have been on a great journey. I had 18 fantastic months there, a really good first season and we had started to build something special in the second season.

"The squad they've built and the stadium and facilities are all geared up for the Premier League and it's a really exciting time to be a Birmingham fan, I'm sure, and they have a team there ready to go which is great for them."

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Derby County manager John Eustace says he is disappointed his side couldn't find a winner in the 1-1 draw with Portsmouth but pleased with their points return so far.

He told BBC Radio Derby: "I think it's a great point from the way we went a goal down - to get a point is good. Obviously we wanted all three. Really disappointed we didn't win the game, for sure.

"I think in the second half we had to show a bit more composure, a bit more quality, a bit more patience.

"On another day we could've got all three points. But to get another point in the right direction is pleasing but we're halfway through the season, there is so much more hard work to come from the group.

"We're on 31 points now which is not a bad return going into the second half [of the season]."

Amelia Warren
Fan writer

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After a tough defeat at home to Leicester City, in a game which saw Derby fall way below the high standards set for themselves, and another lacklustre contest against Millwall despite picking up a point, the Rams travelled to Hillsborough and got back to much-needed winning ways on Monday night.

One notable figure in all of the previous three fixtures, has been Liam Thompson. His introduction into the midfield, despite not previously having a consistent run of games so far this season, brought an extra gear of intensity that the Rams had previously been lacking.

At Hillsborough, Thommo was rewarded for his patience and started back-to-back games for the first time since August, by getting on the scoresheet, a goal which he took in a composed and technically impressive manner.

The depth in Derby's midfield when every player is fit is probably one of the best in the whole division.

Lewis Travis, Ebou Adams, David Ozoh, Bobby Clark, and Thompson, have all shown at different times this season that they're capable of playing in that central role.

When the likes of Travis and Ozoh return to fitness, you can imagine John Eustace will have a big headache in terms of who he chooses to pair in midfield.

Personally, I love the all-round style of Liam Thompson. He's happy to be a ball carrier and bring Derby onto the front foot, whilst also being comfortable to sit in, maintain possession and dictate play when needed.

The grit and fight he shows, sticking a boot in, never shying away from being on the receiving end of a tackle himself, and always giving 100%, no matter the circumstances, are qualities that make him unique.

You can tell he loves Derby, loves playing for the Rams, and is willing to leave everything out there for the team in every game he features in, I think that's special to have in a player.

The Rams also got to see the best of Patrick Agyemang on Monday night.

After losing top scorer Carlton Morris to injury, Agyemang has stepped up to prove he's willing and capable of filling his boots until he can return.

The two goals showed different qualities that he possesses. The first was a clinical, technical, and confident finish into the bottom right hand corner. The second was a composed, instinctive and intelligent strike from close range.

This was without a doubt the best game we've seen Agyemang have in a Derby shirt, and I'm intrigued to see how he uses that confidence and momentum going into today's game against Portsmouth, and also into the festive period.

Whilst I believe he's still raw, getting to grips with Championship football, and definitely not the finished article just yet, I do think we're seeing an improvement week in week out, and why Derby were so eager to bring him in for a fairly hefty fee.

I'd love to see him back playing with Morris again soon. If we're looking to challenge the top half, I think having both of them firing will be key to that happening.

Derby's last three games perhaps show the inconsistency in results that reflect being a mid-table side, but the bounce-back ability shown by the Rams multiple times this season has been impressive. It is a quality that definitely shows ambitions in the dressing room are set high.

I like the fact that when Derby have a bad game at the moment, I always feel as though we will turn it around and improve in the next one.

The reassurance that squad morale and togetherness is high was shown once again in Monday's post-match celebrations, and the general feeling around the club seems positive, which is refreshing to see.

Portsmouth is a winnable game for Derby, who should be looking to capitalise on Pompey's poor away form.

John Mousinho's side have only won one game on the road all season, and currently sit at the bottom of the away form table.

I think it's important for Derby to pick up three points on Saturday.

Being able to go into a tricky festive run of fixtures with back to back wins, and being unbeaten in three matches would provide some much-needed consistency, as well as maintaining confidence levels, after an up and down run of recent results.

You can often catch Amelia Warren, external as a guest on BBC Radio Derby.

Derby head into Saturday's game (15:00 GMT) now four points short of the Championship play-off places, but did end a three-game winless run by beating Sheffield Wednesday 3-0 on Monday.

Portsmouth moved out of the relegation zone by beating Blackburn Rovers last weekend, but do have the worst away record in the division.

• Derby are unbeaten in their past 10 league games against Portsmouth (W4 D6), winning this exact fixture 4-0 last season.

• Portsmouth have won just one of their past 10 away league games against Derby (D3 L6), and are winless in six since a 2-1 victory in November 2002.

• Derby were 3-0 winners against Sheffield Wednesday in their previous Championship outing – only once previously have they won consecutive league matches without conceding under John Eustace (1-0 v Norwich and QPR in October this year).

• Following their 2-1 win versus Blackburn, Portsmouth will be looking for consecutive Championship victories for the first time since April (5-3 v Norwich, 1-0 v Watford).

• Two of the three players who have attempted 25+ shots without scoring in the Championship this season play for Portsmouth: Josh Murphy (34) and Conor Chaplin (25), along with QPR's Karamoko Dembélé (33).

Derby County boss John Eustace says that striker Lars-Jorgen Salvesen is "going to get opportunities" after starting just two Championship games this season.

In September, the Norwegian made his comeback from a knee injury that had sidelined him for eight months.

There has been an increase in competition within the squad, with the club investing in a number of attacking options in the summer, including Carlton Morris, Rhian Brewster, Ben Brereton Diaz and Patrick Agyemang.

"He's already scored a couple of great goals and he's about the squad, so I don't want him to go anywhere [in January]," Eustace told BBC Radio Derby.

"He's a good age, he's very experienced, a clinical finisher, so he's going to get opportunities - he's just got to keep going."

One player who is becoming a core member of Eustace's squad is Birmingham City loanee Dion Sanderson.

The defender has featured in all but one of the Rams' Championship games this season, only missing out on the trip to Swansea City due to suspension.

"Everyone knows I think Dion is an excellent player," Eustace added.

"We've brought him in from the cold where probably a lot of people had given up on him and he was maybe going elsewhere. We've given him an opportunity and he's done well. I've been pleased with his form."

Meanwhile, midfielder Lewis Travis and right-back Max Johnston are both expected to return to full training on Friday but will not feature on Saturday when the side host Portsmouth (15:00 GMT).

Listen to the full interview with Eustace and more Derby County content on BBC Sounds.

"The excitement of what we had in those five games [Derby won in a row] , I think it's fair to say that has dampened down."

Former Rams striker Malcolm Christie is joined by BBC Radio Derby's Dominic Dietrich and Ed Dawes to discuss Derby County's last two games and what the expectations are as they prepare to host struggling Portsmouth this weekend.

Listen to the latest episode of Rams Weekly and more Derby County content on BBC Sounds.

Derby County boss John Eustace praised striker Patrick Agyemang after his brace of goals in Monday's 3-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday helped lift the Rams up to 12th in the Championship with just their second win in six games.

"I thought it was a great result, it was a really difficult game," he told BBC Radio Derby. "Against Watford last week they were excellent so it's really pleasing to come here and get the result.

"First half, we got into some fantastic positions on turnover and it was disappointing that we weren't clinical enough.

"Really the game should have been out of sight first half but it was great to come out, get the two goals and we controlled the game in the second half.

"[Patrick Agyemang] had the groin problems and then he's got to learn and get used to things. We expected a slow start from Pat, but he's progressing into a top, top striker. Still a lot of work to go, but we'll keep working with him.

"Win, lose or draw, as long as my players are committed and show that level of competitiveness, that's all I ask for. We're not going to win all games, but we're going to be competitive.

"We're going to grow, we're going to build - this is a long project and I'm really excited to be here."

Sheffield Wednesday will hope to end a run of 13 games without a win when they welcome Derby County to Hillsborough on Monday night (20:00 GMT).

The Owls, who are bottom and 29 points adrift of safety following their 18-point deduction, have tasted victory just once all season, which came on 20 September away to Portsmouth.

The Rams, who are seven points back from the play-off places and trying to stay in touch, have won just one of their past five games (D1 L3).

• Sheffield Wednesday have won their past three league games against Derby, their best winning run against the Rams since a run of five between 1930 and 1932.

• Derby have lost their previous three league trips to Hillsborough against Sheffield Wednesday, last beating the Owls away from home in a 3-1 win in February 2020.

• Sheffield Wednesday are the only Championship side without a home win this season (D2 L8). The only second tier side to have a longer home winless start to a season was Portsmouth in 1975-76 (12 games).

• Derby's Carlton Morris has scored six away Championship goals this season – last season the Rams' leading scorer on the road was Jerry Yates with seven. Morris has been involved in four goals in his past three league games against Sheffield Wednesday (3 goals, 1 assist).

• Sheffield Wednesday have gone 21 home Championship matches without a clean sheet – the last side to have a longer run without a home shutout in the competition was Colchester between April 2007 and March 2008 (23).

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Coventry City boss Frank Lampard has won his second successive Championship manager of the month award.

The Sky Blues boss oversaw maximum points with five successive wins in November with his side currently five points clear at the top of the table.

Lampard said: "We got some fantastic results throughout November and I would like to thank all the players, staff and everyone involved for their continued hard work.

"We have a great togetherness and team spirit here and we're all looking forward to the busy Christmas period and continuing our hard work."

Birmingham's Chris Davies, Tonda Eckert of Southampton and Derby boss John Eustace were also nominated for the award.

Coventry at the double again

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Once again Coventry have cause for a double celebration with striker Ellis Simms being named the player of the month, following hot on the heels of team-mate Brandon Thomas-Asante claiming the award in October.

The 24-year-old scored five goals in his three starts in November including a brace in each of the victories over Middlesbrough and Charlton, taking his tally to eight in all competitions so far this season.

"This was only possible because of my team-mates and the staff pushing standards every day," said Simms.

"Individual awards come from team performances, and the results we've had make this extra special.

"I'll take the confidence from it and keep giving everything for the club and the fans."

Simms beat strikers Carlton Morris (Derby) and Joe Gelhardt (Hull City) plus Birmingham full-back Alex Cochrane to the award.

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Coventry City boss Frank Lampard, Birmingham's Chris Davies, Tonda Eckert of Southampton and Derby head coach John Eustace have been nominated for the Championship's manager of the month award for November.

The Sky Blues continue to lead the way at the top of the table and took a maximum 15 points from their five games last month, scoring 14 goals along the way, and Lampard will be looking to take the award for the second successive month.

In fact, Coventry will be hoping to make it a double once again with striker Ellis Simms among the nominees for the player of the month with team-mate Brandon Thomas-Asante having won it in October.

Birmingham managed 10 points under Davies while Eckert's four-match winning streak went a long way to helping him secure the Southampton job on a permanent basis.

Derby followed their strong finish to October by winning four of their games in November to earn Eustace his nomination.

Elsewhere in the player of the month category, there is recognition for strikers Carlton Morris (Derby) and Joe Gelhardt (Hull City), while Birmingham full-back Alex Cochrane is also in the running. The winners will be announced on Friday, 12 December.

Derby County boss John Eustace spoke to BBC Radio Derby after his side's 1-1 draw against Millwall:

"The most important thing I'm happy with is how we competed against a really difficult team. The boys have been outstanding, their attitude was very, very good.

"The way we fought from the first minute to the last was what we wanted. You look at the midfield three today - Bobby Clark, who's a 10, Thommo's [Liam Thompson] different class and Andi Weimann - in there against three difficult opponents, in a game that they want to make a fight, I thought they competed really well.

"The way we defended set-pieces was excellent. Second half I felt there was only going to be one team to go on and win it. I thought the game opened up and we were playing some really good stuff without being clinical enough.

"To go a goal down with 10 minutes to go on the back of two defeats, I thought the group showed fantastic character and togetherness to go on and get the equaliser – and I thought we could have perhaps gone on and nicked it at the end."

Derby County manager John Eustace says it is "always going to be difficult to bounce back" after losing a player of Carlton Morris' quality to injury.

Morris has netted 10 league goals this season and had scored in four consecutive games before picking up an ankle injury in the first half of the 3-2 defeat by Watford, which will keep him out until February.

The Rams have lost three of their four matches since Morris limped off, including the one against the Hornets.

"You've taken a big character out of the group, a leader," Eustace told BBC Radio Derby ahead of the meeting with high-flying Millwall at Pride Park on Wednesday.

"It's our job now to adapt. Overall, I don't think we've been too bad. But you take big characters out of any team, it's always going to be difficult to bounce back.

"But we've got that bouncebackability with other players and we're looking forward to the challenges."

One player the Rams will hope can have a bigger impact to help soften the blow of losing Morris is forward Ben Brereton Diaz, who has netted just once since joining on loan from Southampton in the summer.

"I think Ben's work-rate up to now has been excellent," said Eustace.

"He's been really unlucky not to score a couple more goals. He's very experienced at this level.

"We've got to keep giving him the belief that he's going to be a match-winner for us. The recruitment to get him in was excellent with his reputation. We're very fortunate he's here.

"He hasn't scored as many goals as I'm sure he'd like but his work-rate has been superb and I'm confident the goals will come."

Millwall will aim to continue their impressive run of form when they visit Derby County on Wednesday night (19:45 GMT).

The Lions have won three on the bounce and are pushing for an automatic promotion spot following a 1-0 victory away at Bristol City on Saturday.

The Rams have slipped to 15th in the Championship after three defeats in their past four games (W1) and are looking to bounce back.

• Derby have won just two of their past 11 league games against Millwall (D3 L6), with both wins coming away from home in June and December 2020.

• Millwall have won their past five away league games against Derby – they've won six in a row on the road against an opponent in their league history.

• Derby are unbeaten in their past eight midweek (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) Championship games (W5 D3), since a 1-0 loss against Sunderland in January.

• Millwall have alternated between defeat (3) and victory (3) in their past six midweek (Tues, Weds, Thurs) league games, beating Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 at the Den last time out.

• Having lost his first four away league games against Derby without his side's scoring, Millwall boss Alex Neil has won his past two visits to Pride Park 1-0 (with Preston and Millwall).