Now on their fourth manager of the year, Derby County look to have come to life under Steve McClaren.
Despite sitting in the promotion places in February 2016, Derby County Chairman Mel Morris decided to make a change at the top, removing Paul Clement from his post as Head Coach after just 7 months at the helm.
Derby County manager Paul Clement
Placing Youth Academy director Darren Wassall in charge, the Rams saw a dip in performance, eventually finishing with a play-off place.
Derby County manager Darren Wassall (R) before the match
Despite making a valiant come back in their second-leg tie, Derby County dropped out of the play-offs at the hands of Hull City, losing 3-0 in their first fixture (3-2 on aggregate).
Hull’s Mohamed Diame in action with Derby’s Will Hughes
Knowing they needed a new face in charge, Derby County moved quickly to bring in a new manager, appointing former Leicester City man, Nigel Pearson, with former Huddersfield and Charlton boss, Chris Powell, as his assistant.
Derby County manager Nigel Pearson (R) and assistant manager Chris Powell
Looking to strengthen in the window, Pearson brought in two former Watford players to improve Derby’s front line, signing Matej Vydra and Ikechi Anya. However, Derby County also let their top scorer, Chris Martin, leave on loan for the season to Fulham; a move that still puzzles many Derby County fans to this day.
Derby County’s Matej Vydra and Newcastle United’s Chancel Mbemba in action
Derby’s Chris Martin shoots
Results didn’t start well for Nigel Pearson, as the former Leicester City manager tried to change Derby’s tried and tested 4-3-3 to a 4-4-2. After picking up only two wins from their first 10 games, Derby parted way with Pearson.
Derby’s manager Nigel Pearson
In a move that shocked many, the Rams then turned to former Head Coach, Steve McClaren, who had left the club just 17 months prior.
New Derby County manager Steve McClaren poses
Under McClaren however, the Rams have experienced an instant revival, winning 8 of their first 11 games under the former Newcastle boss. McClaren has reignited Derby’s promotion push, and after bringing under-performing players such as Tom Ince back into form, Derby fans are now dreaming of the promotion that never was during McClaren’s first tenure with the club.
Derby manager Steve McClaren
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