In a remarkable turnaround, Derby County has transformed its season in just one week, pulling away from the brink of relegation. Once facing what seemed like an inevitable drop to League One, the team has remarkably collected nine points from their last three matches under the leadership of manager John Eustace.
The turning point came with a solid 2-1 victory against Blackburn Rovers at home, followed by a resounding 2-0 win over Coventry City at Pride Park, where players Matt Clarke and Marcuss Harness delivered impressive performances to help the Rams secure crucial points. Their stunning recovery continued with a hard-fought 3-2 away win against Plymouth Argyle on March 15, 2025. As of March 19, 2025, Derby stands just a single point behind Cardiff City and Stoke City in the Championship standings.
John Eustace, who took the managerial reins at Pride Park just over a month ago, has been credited for his "incredible job" in revitalizing the squad. As noted by Sky Sports EFL pundit George Elek on the Not The Top 20 podcast, his efforts have breathed new life into the club, which has shifted from a relegation battle to a hopeful fight for survival.
Under Eustace’s guidance, Derby has shown significant improvement despite facing a barrage of injuries affecting key players, such as Kemar Roofe and Lars-Jorgen Salvesen. Eustace's strategies have enabled the team to perform cohesively, compensating for the absence of stronger names and focusing on unity and collective effort on the field.
One player who has been identified as needing improvement is Kayden Jackson. Despite his potential, Jackson has struggled with form this season, boasting stats of 38 appearances with three goals and two assists. Shaun Woodward, a Derby fan pundit, expressed hope that Jackson could emerge as a vital asset from the bench if he can regain confidence in his abilities. "He needs to get some belief in himself and help out with tired legs up top," Woodward remarked, noting a missed opportunity for Jackson to seal the win against Plymouth.
John Eustace’s influence on Derby has been exemplified by the team’s newfound vigor and tactical awareness. Fellow podcast host Ali Maxwell commended Eustace for effective team selection, highlighting a defensive setup bolstered by Nat Phillips and Matt Clarke, the flexibility in midfield with Ebou Adams and Liam Thompson, and an engaging front line with players such as Marcus Harness and Jerry Yates. Eustace’s shrewd choices have clearly contributed to crucial victories that now leave Derby just one point from safety.
The Rams are set to face off against Preston North End on April 2, 2025, after the international break, and will need to maintain their momentum against relegation-threatened teams like Luton Town and Stoke in the lead-up to the season’s conclusion.
As Derby aims to stay afloat in the Championship, the next few weeks will be critical for the club, and fans are nurturing hopes that the resilient spirit displayed in recent matches continues to blossom. With Eustace at the helm and a combination of tactical adjustments alongside individual player improvements, Derby County’s race against relegation remains very much alive.
