INTERVIEW: Eustace Proud Of Rams' Progress

Head Coach John Eustace says the progression made by his Derby County side across the 2025/26 season is clear to see.

The Rams ground out a hard-fought 1-0 victory over promotion-chasing Middlesbrough at Pride Park Stadium on New Year’s Day - a battling performance which delighted the Derby boss.

Having stated his desire to pick up more wins on home soil to reward the Pride Park faithful, Eustace is now keen to build on Thursday’s victory, as the Rams prepare to welcome Wrexham for their next Sky Bet Championship clash on Sunday (3pm kick-off).

Talking to RamsTV, Eustace spoke about home advantage, the final hurdle of a gruelling festive fixture list, and the motivation behind making Dion Sanderson’s move a permanent one.

On Showing Progress At Home:

Everyone can see the progression we're making at the football club and the way we're building.

We have to win games and we want to win more games at home, especially with the fantastic support that we've got. Our fans have been patient on that. We haven't lost many games; we've drawn too many and we have to find a way to win.

I've got to keep drilling our message into the players and keep giving them ideas to make sure we pick up wins. If we just show the same level of commitment as we did against Middlesbrough throughout the season, then hopefully we'll win more games than we lose.

On Derby’s Fifth Match In 16 Days:

You could see that the lads were running on empty a little bit on Thursday, but the way they battled through was fantastic.

Big Patrick [Agyemang], for example, is getting used to the Christmas period. His performance at Leicester was very good on Monday. To go again a couple of days after, it's all about adapting and the players learning about the Championship.

We will have to see who's fit and available, but whoever puts on the shirt against Wrexham, I'm sure they will be ready.

On The Whole Squad Playing Their Part:

I thought it was important that we had a good impact off the bench against Middlesbrough. I was slightly disappointed against Leicester; we didn't have the same kind of effect as we usually do.

I was pleased with Andi [Weimann], Lars [Jørgen Salvesen], and Ben [Brereton Díaz] coming on against Boro, they were all superb. It's about the squad, and everyone will do whatever it takes to make sure we get over the line.

On The Permanent Signing Of Dion Sanderson:

His performances this year have been outstanding. He's got better and better throughout the season.

I made Dion captain of Birmingham City at 22 years old, and I know the potential that there is in the boy. I'm just pleased he's come and taken his chance. I know there's a lot more to come from him as well.

From what I can gather, the fans have got a good relationship with Dion as well. They can see that he's a top performer, a top lad. There's huge potential for him to still kick on and do well for us. We're delighted to have him in our squad.