Gary Rowett has helped breath a new lease of life into his Derby County side.
Derby County manager Gary Rowett
After inexplicably being let go by Birmingham City towards the end of 2016, many expected Gary Rowett’s next job to be a big one. During his time at St Andrews, Rowett overachieved season after season, and the Blues decline since his departure speaks volumes for just how good a manager he is.
Now at Derby County, the former Burton Albion man is looking to prove the Birmingham City owners wrong, and has so far done a fantastic job. Picking up a draw in his first game against the Rams biggest rivals, Nottingham Forest, Gary Rowett has led Derby to two straight wins, both coming against two in-form sides: Queens Park Rangers and Fulham.
With this in mind, HITC Sport has taken a look at three players who have so far benefited the most from Gary Rowett’s Rams revival. With the play-offs still technically in reach, the Rams season might not be over just yet, though many Derby fans will already be excited to see what their club can achieve next season.
1. Matej Vydra
Derby’s Matej Vydra celebrates scoring with David Nugent (R)
The former Watford and West Bromwich Albion forward was in poor form before Gary Rowett’s arrival at Pride Park, though many Derby fans would argue that this was not necessarily the Czech strikers fault. Under Steve McClaren, the forward was forced to play out on the wing; a position he struggled in. Under Rowett, the striker has been moved back into his favoured position behind the striker, and has really come to life for the Rams, scoring twice in his last three games. At just 24-years-old, the forward still has his best years ahead of him, and could well be a massive player for the Rams next season.
2. Johnny Russell
Derby’s Johnny Russell shoots at goal
By his own admission, the Derby County forward has not been good enough this season. Failing to score enough goals compared to Derby’s other winger, Tom Ince, the Scotsman was in desperate need of a turnaround in form, especially with the potential of a squad overhaul coming in the summer. However, who better to spark the striker back into life than a manager who has tried to sign him on a number of occasions? Since Rowett’s arrival, Johnny Russell has really come to life, and ended a long goal drought recently when the Rams beat Fulham 4-2.
3. David Nugent
David Nugent celebrates scoring the second goal for Derby County against Fulham
If there’s one Derby County player who epitomises what a Gary Rowett side is all about, it’s 31-year-old David Nugent. The former Leicester City and Middlesbrough has run his socks off since joining Derby County, and was rewarded for his hard work recently with a superb hat-trick in the Rams recent match against Fulham. Scoring four goals in his last three games, David Nugent is loving life under Gary Rowett, and is quickly becoming a big fan favourite at Pride park.
Derby’s David Nugent applauds fans after the game
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