With the end of 2016 fast approaching, and the January transfer window just around the corner, we take a look at 7 things Derby County might want in the new year.
1) To end the year in the top six
Since Steve McClaren’s return to Pride Park, Derby County have undergone an impressive turnaround in results. After languishing at the wrong end of the table under Nigel Pearson, Steve McClaren has moved Derby County up into the play-off places as of December, and Rams fans were understandably quite happy to end the year at this end of the table, considering their poor start.
Derby’s Chris Martin and Johnny Russell look dejected
2) A new striker in January
After allowing Chris Martin to leave the club on loan to Fulham for a fee, Derby County are missing just one thing from their impressive front line: a target man. After finally finding their scoring form under McClaren, Derby County could well look to add a proven Championship goalscorer to their squad, to enforce their new found promotion push. With Jordan Rhodes being made available at Middlesbrough, the Rams could well turn to the former Blackburn Rovers man to add that extra bit of firepower.
Tony Gale of Sky Sports covering a match
3) A reduction in the amount of fixtures getting moved by Sky Sports
Since the start of the season, Derby County have been victim to a number of fixture changes, due to the live coverage rights of Sky Sports. Though Derby fans will be happy to see their club getting extra exposure, the constant changing of the fixture list has proven to be a nightmare for supporters trying to book time off work and travel arrangments to follow their team.
Nottingham Forest owner Fawaz Al Hasawi
4) Another meltdown at Nottingham Forest
There’s nothing like trouble at your biggest rivals, and Derby County fans have been treated to a lot of it over the years at Nottingham Forest. As a proposed takover of the former European Champions appears to be underway, Derby County fans will be sad to see the departure of current Forest Chairman, Fawaz Al Hawasi, who has been a controversial figure at the City Ground for some time.
Leeds’ Lewis Cook in action with Derby’s George Thorne
5) George Thorne’s return
A huge fan favourite, George Thorne is one of Derby County’s better players. As a holding midfielder, Thorne wowed supporters when he signed during Steve McClaren’s first spell in charge, with crunching tackles and an expectional eye for a pass. Unfortunately, Thorne has suffered with a consistent set of injuries during his time with the Rams, which has caused Derby quite a few problems, mostly due to the fact that Thorne improves the side so much when he’s playing.
Stoke City’s Lee Grant celebrates after the game
6) A decent fee for goalkeeper, Lee Grant
After sending him out on loan for the season at Stoke City, Lee Grant has impressed many fans with a succession of excellent displays for his current club, as the keeper stands in for injured England shot-stopper, Jack Butland. However, Grant’s loan deal expires in January, and with Butland set to be out for a longer spell than expected, Derby will be hoping to get a decent fee for their goalkeeper, should Stoke City look to pursue a more permenant deal.
Heart of Midlothian’s Callum Paterson
7) Right-back cover for the injured Cyrus Christie
After sustaining an injury in Novemer, Cyrus Christie looks to be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines. In recent weeks, Derby have turned to veteran defender Chris Baird to fill the hole left by Christie, and the Northern Ireland defender has done an excellent job since coming into the side. However, being 34, Baird might not be the long term option Derby County are looking for, and with rumours circulating about a potential bid for Hearts defender Callum Paterson (Daily Record), who is out of contract in the summer, Derby County could be set to make a January swoop for a new right back.
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