Has John Eustace’s Appointment Saved Derby?

When John Eustace took charge at Derby County, the mood around Pride Park was one of cautious optimism. The club, steeped in history but beaten down by recent struggles, was desperate for stability and a clear vision. Eustace, known for his calm demeanor and tactical awareness which he had shown during his tenure at Birmingham City before his unjust sacking, arrived with the promise of both.

John Eustace: "The players are fighting for each other and they're fighting for the badge, which is the most important thing." ✊

— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) April 11, 2025

Now, several months into his tenure, the question on everyone’s lips is: Has his appointment saved Derby County?

A Club In Crisis

To understand the impact that Eustace has had, it's important to recall where Derby stood before his arrival. Years of financial turmoil, a crippling points deduction, and a revolving door of managers had left the club teetering on the brink of going back to the clubs league one darker days. Despite the passionate fanbase and a squad with potential, consistency was lacking, and The Rams’ hopes of staying in the Championship were hanging by a thread, and so following him leaving Blackburn in February of 2025, they recruited Eustace to help drag the club out of the drop and into safety.

Early Impact

From the outset, Eustace brought a clear sense of discipline and identity. His tactical setup favored organization over chaos, prioritizing clean sheets and structured buildup play and whilst not the flashiest of football, it brought results which began to help the club try to secure safety.

Players once underperforming began to find their rhythm. Youngsters were given chances, and experienced heads like Jerry Yates responded to Eustace’s clear expectations. Perhaps most notably, the morale in the dressing room visibly improved. What was once a fractured squad now looks united and happy playing together under the new system.

Results On The Pitch

The team's numbers speak volumes. Since his appointment, Derby’s form has turned around and despite a shaky start, the club has secured 12 points in their last 5 games, putting points on the board, securing vital wins against promotion rivals, and a much-improved defensive record.

Prior to John Eustace coming in, Derby County had won just 3 games in 24.

They’ve now won 4 in a row.

What a turnaround 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/xqG9AQhYNy

— Second Tier podcast (@secondtierpod) April 2, 2025

The Rams are now just outside of the drop, and suddenly, talk of relegation battles has quietened down and with a crucial 6 pointer coming up on the 18th of April against Luton Town and securing 3 points in that fixture could be crucial to their survival.

It's More Than Just Survival

“Saved” doesn’t just mean avoiding the drop. Eustace appears to be building something more sustainable. His emphasis on youth development, smart recruitment, and a grounded playing philosophy hints at long-term planning, a rarity in modern football, especially in clubs recovering from financial meltdown.

Feelings around Pride Park shows that the fans have noticed too, the ground feels louder, more hopeful. There's a sense that, finally, Derby are looking forward rather than back and could be planning to use a productive summer window and Eustace’s immense knowledge to make a playoff push and take Derby back to the Premier League.

So, Has He Saved The Rams?

Has John Eustace saved Derby? In the short term, Maybe. He’s steadied the ship, restored belief, and delivered results. However in the longer term, the answer may lie in whether the club can continue on this trajectory, build wisely in the summer, and fully heal from the wounds of the past few seasons.

For that ‘maybe’ to become a yes, securing a win in what many consider a ‘6-pointer’ against Luton Town, which would take them to 19th in the League, 4 points from the drop with just 3 games to play.

One thing is clear though, Eustace has given Derby something it desperately needed - hope.