Derby County

Amelia Warren
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

The Rams announced their first signing of the summer transfer window on Monday evening, acquiring the permanent services of midfielder Bobby Clark.

Following a highly successful loan spell at Pride Park last campaign, during which the 21-year-old was named the club's young player of the season, supporters have been delighted to see Clark commit his long-term future to the club.

Arriving for a fee believed to be in the region of £6m, the pressure will no doubt be on Clark to build on an impressive first season in black and white and become a key figure in Derby's midfield, as the Rams set their sights on mounting a promotion push in the upcoming campaign.

The signing of Clark fits the mould of Derby's long-term plans. At the age of 21 he still has plenty of room to improve and develop.

With the Rams using a business model that operates by buying young high-ceiling players and selling them on for profit, Clark feels like the perfect fit for what Derby are trying to achieve, particularly as he will be entering his prime when his four-year deal at Pride Park comes to an end.

Perhaps the most impressive part of securing Clark's signature has been the statement it has made.

Clark reportedly attracted attention from a number of other clubs, including fellow Championship sides Wrexham and West Ham United, alongside Scottish giants Rangers.

Being able to fend off clubs of that calibre, who have significant financial backing, and in Rangers' case have European football to offer, is a clear indication that the appeal of the long-term project being built at Pride Park is growing.

Getting business done early has also been important, Derby have shown a level of proactivity that they have perhaps lacked in previous transfer windows, an approach that has often separated them from the teams who have gone on to be successful and in some cases gone on to achieve promotion.

Acting quickly has not only allowed the Rams to secure one of the most highly rated young midfielders in the league, it has also provided John Eustace and his staff with valuable time to shape the rest of the squad around him.

With a key piece of the puzzle already in place, Derby can now approach the remainder of the transfer window with greater clarity, as they look to add further quality and depth ahead of the new campaign.

The general consensus among supporters is that Derby need to get their strength in depth right this season.

Last season, the Rams fell short during the business end of the campaign as injuries to key players began to mount. Not having enough quality reinforcements to step in ultimately cost Derby, so you would expect Eustace to address that this summer.

As well as wanting to build a strong starting line-up, it's important that the Rams have greater depth across the squad, with players not only capable of making an impact from the bench, but also having the quality to step in for a run of games if needed. Adding depth should also allow key players to be rested during particularly intense periods, which should help Derby to avoid another costly injury crisis.

Clark's arrival is certainly an exciting start to Derby's summer business, providing a perfect foundation to build on.

Supporters will now be eager to see who else the Rams can bring to Pride Park as the transfer window progresses.

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

Defender Stephen Mfuni is wanted by Derby County on a season-long loan deal. The Manchester City youngster, 18, spent part of last season on loan at the Rams' Championship rivals Watford. (Football League World), external

Want more EFL transfer gossip? Read more of Friday's headlines here.

The EFL fixture list is out, and we know you are bursting to know what you've got to look forward to - or dread - from your team this upcoming season.

Here are some key dates to put in your diary:

• 15 August 2026 - Charlton Athletic (A)

• 22 August 2026 - Cardiff City (H)

• 26 December 2026 - Preston North End (A)

• 1 January 2027 - Blackburn Rovers (H)

• 1 May 2027 - Wolves (H)

See Derby County's full fixture list here.

The EFL will reveal its fixture list for the 2026-27 season on Thursday.

Want to know who your team will face on opening day? The fixtures will be announced at 12:00 BST - but that is not all.

The draws for the group stage of the Vertu Trophy and the first round of the Carabao Cup will also take place.

So check back on 25 June to see who your team faces first, last and everything in between.

Dominic Dietrich
BBC Radio Derby Sport

Image source, Getty Images

Defender Danny Batth has rejected a contract offer from Derby County and is now highly unlikely to sign a new deal, BBC Sport Derby understands.

The club is thought to have viewed the deal on the table as a fair valuation, but it seems the 35-year-old will move away from Pride Park this summer following the expiry of his contract.

By all accounts, Batth was a standard-setter for head coach John Eustace, someone he'd worked with and trusted in the past at Blackburn to play regular football.

But he suffered with injury setbacks after his arrival at the Rams last summer, which resulted in him dropping down the pecking order and playing just 10 Championship matches last season.

His experience and knowledge of the second tier will certainly need replacing as Eustace continues building towards next season.

Derby County defender Danny Batth is set to leave after the club failed to agree a new deal with the 35-year-old Englishman, who is out of contract at Pride Park this summer. (Football League World), external

For more transfer news and rumours, read Monday's full gossip column here.

Derby County and QPR are battling to sign 31-year-old former Coventry City midfielder Jamie Allen on a free transfer, with the Englishman now available after he was released by the Sky Blues upon the expiry of his contract this summer. (Football League World), external

For more transfer news and rumours, read Thursday's full gossip column here.

Dominic Dietrich
BBC Radio Derby Sport

Image source, Getty Images

Derby County are in advanced talks with midfielder Bobby Clark for what we understand to be a fee of between £5m and £6m from Red Bull Salzburg.

Clark spent his debut Championship campaign on loan with the Rams last season, quickly becoming a fans favourite and ending with a young player of the season award.

His ability to execute a gameplan in a number of positions has been key to his success under John Eustace, who has clearly worked with him to take his game to the next level.

Arriving on loan last summer, he looked like a player who may struggle physically with the demands of the Championship, but time played its role and his breakthrough performance came away at Ipswich Town as Derby earned a 2-2 draw at the early promotion favourites.

Initially, he was someone who looked to operate in attacking midfield, but an injury crisis in midfield meant he played in a deeper role alongside the likes of David Ozoh and Lewis Travis and arguably played his best football there, with both Eustace and Clark crediting that moment as a crucial point in his development.

In terms of the deal, the fee looks good on the surface of it for a 21-year-old English midfielder and falls into both the "win now" mentality and the long-term asset value the club have continued to drive home in the past few seasons.

Timing-wise, the club have acted quickly and have clearly taken note from last season's window as Eustace looks to get his squad assembled sooner rather than later, after last season's slow start that ultimately cost them a play-off spot.

When I spoke to Clark at the end of season awards evening at Pride Park about a return to the club, I saw the glint in his eye of someone who wanted to return and finish the job he started while continuing to enjoy his football.

Image source, Terje Pedersen/EPA/Shutterstock

Derby County's Jacob Widell Zetterstrom and Sondre Langas have joined their international sides as they begin preparations for the World Cup this summer.

Zetterstrom played all 90 minutes for Sweden on 1 June in their 3-1 loss to Norway, while Langas also featured for 27 minutes for the Norwegians in the same match.

Here is a reminder of the groups the Rams players are in and who they will face, so you can keep an eye out for them once the World Cup begins on 11 June:

• Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, Sweden - Group F: Tunisia, Netherlands and Japan

• Sondre Langas, Norway - Group I: Iraq, Senegal and France

Image source, Shutterstock/Getty Images

Derby County goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom and Stoke City's keeper Viktor Johansson have been named in the Sweden squad for the World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada.

The pair have been included along with current number one Kristoffer Nordfeldt in Graham Potter's squad for the tournament which gets under way in 11 June.

Zetterstrom, who has won two caps, played 32 times for the Rams as the club finished eighth, narrowly missing out on a place in the Championship play-offs this season.

Twelve-cap Johansson, who signed a new four-year contract on 1 May, has spent most of 2026 recovering from shoulder surgery but made his return in Stoke's final game of the season against Bristol City.

Sweden secured their World Cup place by beating Ukraine and Poland in the play-offs and will open their campaign against Mexico in Monterrey on Monday, 15 June.

Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres and Liverpool forward Alexander Isak are also included, as are Leeds' Gabriel Gudmundsson, Aston Villa defender Victor Lindelof, Brighton's Yasin Ayari, Tottenham Hotspur's Lucas Bergvall and Newcastle United winger Anthony Elanga.

What's it really like trying to stop Wayne Rooney at his peak? And how did it go when he becomes your team-mate and then your boss?

In the latest episode of The Wayne Rooney Show, Phil Jagielka explains exactly what went on when he joined Wayne at Derby County during one of their most tumultuous periods, working under him as a colleague while the club battled off-field issues, points deductions and constant uncertainty.

From rivals to team-mates for club and country, Wayne and Phil lift the lid on life inside shared dressing rooms, and what Wayne is really like up close: the competitor, the leader and the personality behind the headlines.

They also reveal which England defenders they believe should make it to the World Cup.

Watch on BBC Sport YouTube & iPlayer, listen on BBC Sounds.

Episodes drop every Friday and Monday morning.

Ed Dawes
BBC Radio Derby commentator

So that is time on another season - and my 650th Derby County commentary for BBC Radio Derby - which came to a poignant end against Sheffield United.

That match also marked the final broadcast for a much‑loved colleague as Eric Steele hung up his microphone at the end of the campaign.

Eric and I have worked hundreds of games together since he returned to Radio Derby in 2018, beginning with a Championship win at Hull City.

Since then, his knowledge, insight and deep connection to Derby County made him the perfect foil - especially for a commentator liable to lose their mind on occasion.

We've been through plenty together. From the uncertainty of the Covid outbreak in 2020, commentating on games in empty stadia and from hospitality boxes at Pride Park watching games on monitors, to covering the dismantling of an established Championship club and then charting its slow, patient rebuild.

Along the way, we also shared the joy - promotion celebrations against Carlisle at Pride Park and the relief of survival the following season.

Image source, BBC Sport

It has been a privilege to work alongside Eric - not just a safe pair of hands on the pitch, but in the commentary box too. His broadcast experience always stood out, but so did his preparation, understanding of the role and respect for the audience.

Quite simply, he set the standard.

The measure of the man was the response to the news of his retirement. Messages poured in from listeners, alongside voice notes from players, coaches and managers he has worked with across the game.

Even Sir Alex Ferguson, for whom Eric served as goalkeeping coach at Manchester United, took time to congratulate him on his success at BBC Radio Derby.

Next season will feel very different without him.

I am fortunate to be joined by former Rams Premier League striker Malcolm Christie and host Dominic Dietrich, but there is no escaping the fact that Eric leaves behind a vacancy - and a pair of gloves - that will be incredibly tough to fill.

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Sport asked Derby County supporters what it would take to get the Rams challenging for promotion next season after just missing out on the play-offs this season.

Below is a selection of responses.

Clive: For me, it just requires more of the same. It would be great to bring in Bobby Clark, David Ozoh and Jayden Banel on permanent deals. Over and above that: more building, more strength in depth, more quality through the spine of the team and probably more invention in the final third. But make no mistake, this season was a huge step forward. This needs to be a summer of gentle evolution, rather than the revolution of last season.

Jake: Proud of the boys this year. With some strength in depth & shrewd loan deals we should be right up there next year. Midfield needs investment. Clark has been a revelation but will surely be desirable elsewhere sadly.

Michael: What the Rams need is the modern equivalent of two legendary names of the past; Archie Gemmill & Johnny Giles i.e. a midfield "scrapper" to service the front line. It would be great if this midfield dynamo emerged from the academy, but spend if we must!

Matthew: It all depends on who leaves the club, who retires, who re-joins on loan or permanently and who we decide is surplus to requirements. Personally I still think we lack real creative Number 10, dare I say a flair player (are they still a thing?). I know this isn't necessarily Eustace's style as he prefers a much more pragmatic approach, however, there is still room for creativity, a player like [Inigo] Idiakez or Kris Commons, someone who can pluck a goal out of thin air. And yes of course there are other areas we need to strengthen such as wide/wing players and some proper back-up for Morris up top. Other than that I'd say defensively we will be strong with everyone back fit and the goalkeeping department is steady. We're gonna come up against an old foe next season, one we haven't been familiar with for a few years, EXPECTATION.

Ian: We need a holding midfielder to replace [Lewis] Travis and a creative midfielder as Kenzo [Goudmijn] isn't that person and we won't get to keep Bobby Clark. Two decent wingers also needed as our main goal outlet is guys who can head a ball.

Mik: We need to sign Bobby Clark if that's possible. He's a great player. Ozoh would be a good addition too but that is unfortunately unlikely. Another striker on loan would be good too considering that Pat [Agyemang] is more than likely out for next season.

Gary: We could try to make excuses about key injuries at the wrong time, mainly Morris, Langas and then Agyemang and Brewster, but the depth of squad kept us on the fringes of the play-offs. We outperformed my expectations (especially after the poor start) and I think I am glad we didn't make the play-offs so we can concentrate on the behind the scenes stuff straight away. If we can turn some of the loanees into signings (Szmodics, Clark, Ozoh) we have the makings of a very competitive Championship side but we also need to keep the two/three players that look to be Premier League quality (Zetterstrom, Langas and possibly Agyemang). Eustace seems to have the nous and we can take comfort that the club is in safe hands with Clowes. I am not in any way complacent because we all know how unpredictable the Championship is, but Derby should be up there challenging with the best next season.

Richard: Derby need much more in-depth quality within the squad - the bench has not been fit for a promotion contending team - and must address the ongoing volume of injuries across a season. Keeping key players fit and allowing a settled team for long periods of the season is a must.

James: Time for the owners to step down and put the club up for SALE. This selling only 80% is rubbish. Big money is out there for the club. Better players would come to the club. As for the talk on BBC Radio Derby about having eight teams for the play-offs next season, it just goes to show how desperate [clubs are] to go up. I want Derby to do what Coventry did, and no play-offs. Even second will do.

Ross: I think it was a surprise to most that we were even in contention for a play-off place this year; especially after the previous season. I think the main thing that's needed is to build upon the existing groundwork that Clowes, Eustace and co have laid this year - the recruitment has been excellent, the football has been better (though perhaps work to do there), and the feel of the club is generally positive; a far cry from previous years when we were scarily close to no longer having a team.

I would look to the recruitment team first and foremost, priority number one should be the permanent signing of Bobby Clark. I would also like to see a return for Ozoh if possible, perhaps BBD too. Szmodics hasn't done enough for me to warrant a permanent signing and Banel doesn't seem like something that's being considered. Some additional squad depth would also be nice, especially considering our injury record this season.

The main thing aside from that is consistency. The players have got enough quality to win every game they play - sometimes we look like the best team in the league and the next game we'll look totally lost and we'll get hammered. If we're wanting to be serious about getting into a play-off space (I think automatics may be pushing it), then we need to iron out those creases and firm up the mentality. It's worth mentioning that I do feel that Eustace is the man to do that, his football isn't the best at times, but it's difficult to claim that he doesn't manage to get through to the players to make them fight for him.

Any improvement upon this season is a win in my eyes, and, for the most part, I'm just glad we're competitive again.

Amelia Warren
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

The play-off dream proved to be a step too far for Derby County this season.

In previous Championship campaigns, losing on the final day and finishing eighth in the table would have been disappointing, particularly with a play-off place up for grabs.

However, looking around Pride Park on Saturday, I didn't see disappointment. Instead I saw a lot of excitement for the future, and a sense that the pressure was off, despite what was on the line.

Most fans were just eager to express their pride in the players, the staff, and the board for a much improved season.

The play-offs felt like a bonus prize.

As I started to feel frustrated when Derby fell behind in the game after leading, I took a few minutes to remember how the final day felt this time last year.

How League One football became so close to being a reality again, and how we survived by the skin of our teeth with a win ratio of just over 28% all season.

Then I thought about this campaign.

How we took over Sheffield and put three past both United and Wednesday on the road, how we won 5-0 at Bristol City away on a Friday night in front of the TV cameras, how we went on a five-game winning run in the league, how we gave some of the best and most in-form teams a run for their money, how our win rate increased to more than 43%.

With all that, I came back to the same conclusion I have reached multiple times this season: This season was never about success, it was about progress.

The Rams have progressed massively over the last 12 months.

Not making the play-offs could actually prove to be a blessing in disguise this time around, as key players such as Patrick Agyemang and Rhian Brewster remain sidelined with long-term injuries.

At the moment, the Rams' depth is not as strong as the teams who have ended up in the top six, and makes our table finish fair in the end.

Knowing we will be in the Championship next season allows us to start preparing now, giving us an entire summer to strengthen the squad further, and set our sights on an even stronger finish this time next year.

The future looks incredibly bright for Derby.

Before my dad passed away in November, he said the Rams would finish in the Championship top 10 this season. It's fair to say I didn't agree with him.

I wish he could have been here to say "I told you so" after Saturday.

However, the doubt I had in that statement last autumn just reinforces how remarkable the turnaround at Derby has been over the past 12 months. From the brink of relegation to genuine promotion contenders once again.

The city feels hopeful, and I for one can't wait to see what happens over the coming months as we welcome another drama-filled Championship season and continue to make positive steps towards our ambition of bringing Premier League football back to Pride Park.

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

Image source, Getty Images

Derby County captain Lewis Travis says the side will be aiming for automatic promotion next season after missing out on a chance to enter this campaign's play-offs.

The Rams occupied the sixth place spot at half-time on Saturday before a second half comeback by Sheffield United pushed them to a 2-1 defeat, although Hull City's victory against Norwich meant even all three points would not have been enough to earn Derby a play-off spot.

However, despite their disappointment on the final day of the season, the Rams still accumulated 19 points more than their 2024-25 campaign, when they avoided relegation by just one point.

"We are gutted obviously but I think ultimately, if you look at the football club as a whole, we are going in the right direction," Travis told BBC Radio Derby.

"It's night and day from last year. Even if you look back at pre-season, we didn't have a pre-season to gel.

"We've got a solid group of players here. Hopefully we can keep all the loan players and add some good additions and go and chase that top two next season."

Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

Listen to more Derby County content on BBC Sounds