Derby County get underway in the Championship on Friday night.
Derby County head to Ewood Park to face John Eustace’s Blackburn Rovers in the Championship on Friday night.
It’s one of two games to kick start the new 2024/25 Championship season, with Sheffield United away at Preston being the other.
For the Rams, it’s a return to the Championship after two years in League One.
And for manager Paul Warne, it’s a chance to test out his new-look first-team squad, which has so far seen eight new additions including the return of Ebou Adams.
Speaking ahead of the weekend, Warne gave an in-depth interview to The Telegraph, discussing his side’s summer transfer business and discussing the upcoming Champiohip season.
Many will tip the Rams to struggle having just come up from League One. But Warne and indeed many Derby County supporters are quietly confident of a positive season.
Warne has also revealed some of the fines that are in place for players this season, including one ‘massive fine’.
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Paul Warne reveals the ‘massive fine’ that Derby County players face this season
During his interview with The Telegraph, Warne revealed that the team takes a large Derby County badge to every away game, and places it on the floor.
Then, if any player steps on the badge, it’s a ‘massive fine’.
Warne said: “We take a big Derby badge to every away game, put it on the dressing room floor, and if anyone steps on that it’s a massive fine.”
Warne also added: “Lateness is also a huge issue for me.
“I can’t bear it. I’ve even had a light put outside the meeting room and if that’s on and people aren’t in the room it’s an instant fine.
“No phones in the canteen either.”
No-nonsense Paul Warne can give Derby County edge in Championship relegation battle
Already this summer, pundits have tipped Warne to be sacked at Pride Park.
He’s certainly struggled in the Championship before with Rotherham United, but this Derby County team seems much more balanced and ready to take on the second tier.
And Warne himself is an experienced coach at Championship level. He’s also got that no-nonsense demeanour which is vital for teams who’ll likely struggle, like Derby County next season.
His fines are reminiscent of that and the Derby County players will have to be on their toes throughout the season; not only to avoid fines but to beat the drop in the Championship.