Derby County have been handed a warning by former coach Gary Rowett ahead of the Championship season.
Derby County’s summer transfer window has seen them bolster their options and chances of staying up in the 2024/25 Championship season.
The Rams have made the statement signing of Ben Osborn following his release from Sheffield United, alongside fellow midfield additions Ebou Adams and Kenzo Goudmijn on permanent deals.
The exciting loan signing of David Ozoh has also been made this summer from Crystal Palace, with the midfielder already impressing in the centre-of-the-park during pre-season.
Attacking options have also been brought in, with Kayden Jackson and Jerry Yates looking likely to be leading the line for Derby County this season.
Following on from their dealings so far, Paul Warne is still willing to add further names to his squad, however his side have prepared very well so far, with former Derby County manager Gary Rowett noticing the progress made by the club during the transfer window.
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Gary Rowett issues expectation for Derby County due to ‘financial’ situation
Former Rams boss Rowett has issued his thoughts on the current Derby County side following their promotion from League One.
Via Derbyshire Live, Rowett said: “I’m sure the Derby fans will look at it and want to say we are Derby County, we get 30,000 at home, and we’re a big club yet it doesn’t work like that.
“To me, it’s small steps this season which will be to survive and build from there. Hopefully, that is from a position where they are not constantly looking over their shoulder. You have to consider that, financially, Derby are not in a position where they’re just going to throw millions at it to solve every issue.”
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Derby County’s signings have shown more ambition than ‘to survive’
Ultimately Derby County’s successes this season will be based on whether they manage to consolidate their position in the Championship.
Any side coming up from League One prioritises survival front and foremost, apart from the outlier of Ipswich Town who were able to miraculously continue their form and get promoted at the first time of asking.
However, Derby County’s signings so far this summer suggest that they could build on to their promotion, not necessarily to the ridiculous extent of Ipswich Town, but could easily be considering a push to mid-table.
The Rams have trumped fellow promoted sides Portsmouth and Oxford United this summer in terms of arrivals and bringing in hot prospects and Championship experience, something that will have them set up perfectly to potentially surprise a few, as opposed to just aiming for a baseline expectation.
If they are able to get off to a good start in the Championship and capitalise on what is a favourable start to the campaign, there is no reason why they shouldn’t be aiming higher than is expected this season.