Can Eustace Save Derby?

As Derby’s safety within the Championship is becoming less secure and relegation back to League One may be on the horizon, the appointment of John Eustace has been brought into question and fans are left wondering whether the club will be able to stay up. Eustace, who left Blackburn to join The Rams in February, is now set with the difficult task of steering his side away from the drop.

Baptism Of Fire

When Eustace arrived, his new side were sitting rock bottom of the table having not won a game in their last 12 making relegation seem all but confirmed at that point. Derby’s first matches under their new gaffer were challenging with losses to QPR, Millwall and Middlesborough. However despite these setbacks, Eustace remained optimistic and used these setbacks as motivation for the players to try and help save the club from the drop.

John Eustace https://t.co/TgsRkxi0Za pic.twitter.com/4ZnUmx47HX

— Cultras Football Podcast (@thecultraspod) February 14, 2025

Turning Things Around

Derby’s first win under Eustace came when they played his former side Blackburn securing a 2-1 win, marking what turned out to be a pivotal moment in Eustace’s Derby career. Since then, this victory seems to have ignited a spark within the struggling side with triumphs over playoff contenders Coventry City and fellow relegation candidates Plymouth Argyle moving their gap to safety to just 2 points as of Gameweek 39.

John Eustace’s Rams Great Escape 🐏 #dcfc #dcfcfans pic.twitter.com/URKi0Q6FwJ

— George (@georgedcfc18) March 15, 2025

What Has Changed?

Ever since his appointment, Eustace has implemented several tactical changes to try and help Derby's survival bid. He has focused on improving defensive organization, boosting team cohesion, and instilling a resilient mentality among the players. Additionally, since Eustace's appointment Derby have begun scoring more often with Marcus Harness taking fans by surprise and contributing to 4 goals in their last 2 fixtures helping to boost their goal difference which in such a tight relegation fight can help a teams chances massively.

Marcus Harness under John Eustace. #dcfc pic.twitter.com/k52LgdRO7a

— stephen. (@dcfcstephen) March 15, 2025

What Now?

Finally, despite their recent upturn in form Derbys challenge remains substantial. Before the end of the season, Derby face 3 massive must win fixtures which many would consider to be ‘six-pointers,’ they face Hull City, Luton and Stoke City - all of whom are fighting for safety at the bottom of the Championship, securing points in these fixtures will be integral for Derby’s chances of staying up.