BBC Sport asked Derby County supporters what it would take to get the Rams challenging for promotion next season after just missing out on the play-offs this season.
Below is a selection of responses.
Clive: For me, it just requires more of the same. It would be great to bring in Bobby Clark, David Ozoh and Jayden Banel on permanent deals. Over and above that: more building, more strength in depth, more quality through the spine of the team and probably more invention in the final third. But make no mistake, this season was a huge step forward. This needs to be a summer of gentle evolution, rather than the revolution of last season.
Jake: Proud of the boys this year. With some strength in depth & shrewd loan deals we should be right up there next year. Midfield needs investment. Clark has been a revelation but will surely be desirable elsewhere sadly.
Michael: What the Rams need is the modern equivalent of two legendary names of the past; Archie Gemmill & Johnny Giles i.e. a midfield “scrapper” to service the front line. It would be great if this midfield dynamo emerged from the academy, but spend if we must!
Matthew: It all depends on who leaves the club, who retires, who re-joins on loan or permanently and who we decide is surplus to requirements. Personally I still think we lack real creative Number 10, dare I say a flair player (are they still a thing?). I know this isn’t necessarily Eustace’s style as he prefers a much more pragmatic approach, however, there is still room for creativity, a player like [Inigo] Idiakez or Kris Commons, someone who can pluck a goal out of thin air. And yes of course there are other areas we need to strengthen such as wide/wing players and some proper back-up for Morris up top. Other than that I’d say defensively we will be strong with everyone back fit and the goalkeeping department is steady. We’re gonna come up against an old foe next season, one we haven’t been familiar with for a few years, EXPECTATION.
Ian: We need a holding midfielder to replace [Lewis] Travis and a creative midfielder as Kenzo [Goudmijn] isn’t that person and we won’t get to keep Bobby Clark. Two decent wingers also needed as our main goal outlet is guys who can head a ball.
Mik: We need to sign Bobby Clark if that’s possible. He’s a great player. Ozoh would be a good addition too but that is unfortunately unlikely. Another striker on loan would be good too considering that Pat [Agyemang] is more than likely out for next season.
Gary: We could try to make excuses about key injuries at the wrong time, mainly Morris, Langas and then Agyemang and Brewster, but the depth of squad kept us on the fringes of the play-offs. We outperformed my expectations (especially after the poor start) and I think I am glad we didn’t make the play-offs so we can concentrate on the behind the scenes stuff straight away. If we can turn some of the loanees into signings (Szmodics, Clark, Ozoh) we have the makings of a very competitive Championship side but we also need to keep the two/three players that look to be Premier League quality (Zetterstrom, Langas and possibly Agyemang). Eustace seems to have the nous and we can take comfort that the club is in safe hands with Clowes. I am not in any way complacent because we all know how unpredictable the Championship is, but Derby should be up there challenging with the best next season.
Richard: Derby need much more in-depth quality within the squad – the bench has not been fit for a promotion contending team – and must address the ongoing volume of injuries across a season. Keeping key players fit and allowing a settled team for long periods of the season is a must.
James: Time for the owners to step down and put the club up for SALE. This selling only 80% is rubbish. Big money is out there for the club. Better players would come to the club. As for the talk on BBC Radio Derby about having eight teams for the play-offs next season, it just goes to show how desperate [clubs are] to go up. I want Derby to do what Coventry did, and no play-offs. Even second will do.
Ross: I think it was a surprise to most that we were even in contention for a play-off place this year; especially after the previous season. I think the main thing that’s needed is to build upon the existing groundwork that Clowes, Eustace and co have laid this year – the recruitment has been excellent, the football has been better (though perhaps work to do there), and the feel of the club is generally positive; a far cry from previous years when we were scarily close to no longer having a team.
I would look to the recruitment team first and foremost, priority number one should be the permanent signing of Bobby Clark. I would also like to see a return for Ozoh if possible, perhaps BBD too. Szmodics hasn't done enough for me to warrant a permanent signing and Banel doesn't seem like something that's being considered. Some additional squad depth would also be nice, especially considering our injury record this season.
The main thing aside from that is consistency. The players have got enough quality to win every game they play – sometimes we look like the best team in the league and the next game we'll look totally lost and we'll get hammered. If we're wanting to be serious about getting into a play-off space (I think automatics may be pushing it), then we need to iron out those creases and firm up the mentality. It's worth mentioning that I do feel that Eustace is the man to do that, his football isn't the best at times, but it's difficult to claim that he doesn't manage to get through to the players to make them fight for him.
Any improvement upon this season is a win in my eyes, and, for the most part, I'm just glad we're competitive again.
