A Club on The Up: How Derby County Can Make A Play-Off Push This Season

Derby County’s Quiet Revival Under John Eustace

Derby County’s season has followed a normal theme in English football; early uncertainty, rebuilding, and a gradual rise that now has supporters looking upwards rather than over their shoulders.

The start of the season was pretty poor. No win in their first 4 games. Performances were low, results mixed rather than convincing. The Championship, as ever, offered little margin for bedding-in periods, and feelings of another season of pain surfaced quickly among a fanbase well aware of how important momentum can be in this division.

Yet Eustace was never chasing instant succes. His approach was always that this team is being built for the long term and that patience is beginning to pay off. Derby now sit 7th in the Championship, two points outside the play off places, and are unbeaten in their last five matches.

Ashton Gate: A Statement Performance

Winning a game of football away from home in the Championship is never easy. However, winning away and scoring 5 goals sends a message to the rest of the league. Fans are really hopeful, and they should be.

Derby were ruthless at Ashton Gate. They defended well, broke with purpose and punished Bristol City whenever space was offered. The result was not the product of fortune or defensive collapse from the opposition: it was a top display from Derby. One of their best in years.

EMPHATIC AT ASHTON GATE. ⚡️⚡️ pic.twitter.com/yUfvwlW6s8

— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) January 30, 2026

It also showed that Derby are no longer just “hard to beat”, but that they are capable of dominating matches & winning games.

If Derby can replicate this away form at Pride Park on a consistent basis, they’ll be a real threat.

Ben Brereton Diaz: A Shift

Few players have experienced such a noticeable shift within the fanbase this season as Ben Brereton Diaz.

His start to the season was really underwhelming. He struggled to influence games, his confidence appeared low, and frustration among supporters was evident. Booing him off the pitch will certainly not make his Instagram highlight reel at the end of the season.

Over the last five matches, however, Diaz has looked a completely different player. He’s actually becoming influential, creating chances, and scoring goals. He now looks confident and effective.

Most importantly, he looks like a forward capable of delivering during big moments. If Derby are to mount a serious challenge for the play-offs, Diaz will be a massive part of that.

Bobby Clark: A Player Derby Want to Keep

If there is one player who has made a massive impact on this team this season, it is Bobby Clark.

The midfielder has quickly become a favourite at Pride Park, not only for his technical quality but for his intensity and energy. His performance at Bristol City, producing both a goal and an assist, highlighted the value he brings to the side.

John Eustace is known to be keen on securing Clark on a permanent basis should the financial conditions allow. From a football perspective, it is easy to understand why - Clark fits the system, understands the demands of the Championship and has already developed a strong connection with supporters.

Whether a permanent move is realistic or not remains to be seen, but Derby are looking to sign him in the summer. As will many other clubs, I imagine.

A January Transfer Window with Purpose

January transfer windows are often reactive, driven by short-term needs and high fees. Derby’s approach this January was different.

Rather than boring solutions, the club used the window to reshape the squad with the future in mind.

A 'five-star' winter window for the Rams. 🤩

We welcomed Sam, Derry, Jaydon and Oscar...👋 pic.twitter.com/S8QRhU5hYN

— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) February 4, 2026

The outgoing list was extensive. Players who no longer improved the squad were moved on, freeing up wages and allowing greater flexibility in recruitment.

Loan moves for certain players also suggest planning beyond the current campaign.

Targeted Recruitment

The incoming business reflected clarity rather than quantity.

Dion Sanderson’s permanent signing for £400,000 was a logical first step. Familiar with Eustace’s methods and already integrated into the side, it provided continuity and stability.

Welcome to Derby County…

Derry Murkin 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

The 26 year old signs from Dutch side FC Utrecht on a four year deal.

Predominately plays left back but has moved to the wing.

He made 12 appearances in the Europa League this season. #dcfc pic.twitter.com/ML23QSDmRY

— Track DCFC (@Track_DCFC) February 2, 2026

Oscar Fraulo followed for a similar fee. Though relatively unknown, the Danish midfielder has shown encouraging signs and appears to be viewed as a medium-term investment rather than an immediate solution.

Jaydon Banel arrived on loan as well - a raw forward who’s direct and has a point to prove.

Derry Murkin, signed for approximately £1.7 million, addressed a long-standing necessity at left-back. Murkin was monitored for months. While initially expected to provide cover, his profile suggests he will soon challenge for a starting role.

Finally, came the most exciting arrival...

Sammie Szmodics: The Last Minute Arrival

Derby’s pursuit of Sammie Szmodics was persistent. An initial enquiry in the summer didn’t develop and January negotiations were complicated by Ipswich’s £6m valuation.

Despite competition, notably from Wrexham, Derby remained patient. With just 13 minutes remaining on deadline day, a loan deal was agreed, largely through the determination of John Eustace and Derby’s senior officials.

🚨🐏 As we reported earlier today, we understand Derby are now in advanced talks with Ipswich for Sammie Szmodics.

👇Full Story in comments. #Derby #DCFC #EFL #Szmodics #Deadlineday pic.twitter.com/h3EhYiZMpN

— Football Park (@FP_CentreCircle) February 2, 2026

Szmodics previous success under Eustace is well documented. His 33 goals in 48 appearances during the 2023–24 season stand as testament to the manager’s ability to maximise his strengths.

How Eustace integrates Szmodics alongside Bobby Clark, Rhian Brewster, Patrick Agyemang and Ben Brereton-Diaz is a welcome dilemma, and one that reflects the squad’s increasing depth.

Near Misses and Summer Planning

Derby were active until the final moments of the window. A potential move for Sam Field did not materialise, while discussions regarding Mikey Johnston of West Brom were explored before the completion of a deal for Szmodics.

Johnston remains a player Eustace admires, and Derby are expected to revisit that interest in the summer.

Are the Play-Offs Realistic?

Caution remains. The Championship is unforgiving, and consistency over the final stretch will be decisive. However, Derby’s recent form, squad balance and growing confidence suggest this is more than a hopeful period.

No bold statements are coming from Pride Park. No inflated expectations are being set. Derby are progressing steadily and flying under the radar. That in itself may prove to be their greatest strength.

Derby County are moving in the right direction, without a shadow of a doubt.