In the fast-paced world of football, Derby County's Marcus Harness is lighting up the pitch under manager John Eustace, invigorating the team's chances for survival in the Championship. Harness, who is currently on loan from Ipswich Town, has showcased his talents by scoring three goals and assisting another within the last three matches, helping the Rams to a crucial three-game winning streak for the first time this season.
This remarkable turnaround includes victories over Blackburn Rovers, Coventry City, and Plymouth Argyle, transforming Derby's fortunes at a critical juncture as the club battles relegation. With each victory, they now sit just one point away from safety in the league standings.
“Under John Eustace, Marcus Harness has looked a completely different player,” says Shaun Woodward, a Derby fan pundit, emphasizing the positive shift in Harness' performance. “He understands his role within the team, his link-up play has been excellent, he has looked quicker, sharper; he looks really, really deadly in the box.”
Harness, whose loan deal expires at the end of the season, is eager to continue this form. When he first arrived at Derby, he seemed lost in a system under former manager Paul Warne, who repeatedly shuffled him through various positions without allowing him to settle. It was a rough patch for him, but that seems a world away now. According to Woodward, “I think there was always a decent player in there, but under Eustace, he has found a place to play every game. He is pivotal now to us staying up.”
The forward's journey reflects the ongoing struggles within the club, exacerbated by injuries in the squad that limited options. However, this adversity seems to have provided opportunities for players like Harness to shine. As Woodward notes, “It has helped a lot of these players to feel wanted, they understand their role within the team, and I think they have all improved, but Harness, especially, has just come on leaps and bounds.”
Looking ahead, Derby enthusiasts are urging the club to secure Harness on a permanent deal if they remain a Championship club. The possibility of signing him for free could provide a significant boost in a summer rebuild if their escape from relegation is successful. “Hopefully he has found a home at Derby, as I would be more than happy if we manage to tie him down to a deal,” Woodward adds.
Across the table in the Championship, Preston North End is also navigating a crucial part of their season. Their recent 2-1 victory over Portsmouth before the international break solidified their mid-table position, moving them up to 14th in the standings. With Paul Heckingbottom at the helm, the team looks to set their sights on making a push for a playoff position, though the challenge comes in the form of managing a substantial number of players approaching contract expiry.
Nine members of the Preston squad currently find themselves in limbo, without deals beyond this season, including key player Emil Riis and goalkeeper Freddie Woodman, who has been pivotal in their campaign. Woodman has played 44 times this season, a significant contribution to their efforts. Alongside them, Ryan Ledson, Robbie Brady, Patrick Bauer, Kian Taylor, Ched Evans, Josh Seary, and James Pradic also face uncertain futures.
The collective uncertainty among players without contracts raises questions about the future direction of the club. With 123 players across the Championship facing similar situations, the summer transfer window promises to be an exciting period for teams to acquire fresh talent.
As Preston navigates this transitional phase, they may find opportunities within the pool of available players, scanning for second-tier talents who could enhance the squad. Given the uncertainty surrounding out-of-contract players, Preston will have to weigh their options carefully as they seek to bolster their roster for the upcoming season.
Both Derby and Preston are at pivotal crossroads in their seasons, with immediate results dictating their futures. Derby County hopes to retain their Championship status and re-sign the invigorated Harness while Preston North End works to solidify their existing squad. The decisions made over the coming months will have a lasting impact on both clubs’ ambitions for next season.
