Tue 19 May - Posted in Breaking News
Time to read: 4mins
After the 2025/26 season concluded earlier this month, dcfc.co.uk looks back on Derby County’s memorable campaign.
Part Two of the season review begins in September. The Rams had headed into the first international break of the season with just two points on the board, from draws with Bristol City and Ipswich Town – covered in Part One of the review – but John Eustace’s charges saw a progression take place, with points added to the tally and late drama solidifying the squad’s ever-building togetherness.
The first international break of 2025/26 saw seven players across the Men’s First Team and Academy in action for their respective nations.
Most notably, Scottish right-back Max Johnston made his first competitive start for Steve Clarke’s squad in a 2-0 win over Belarus, part of Scotland’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying campaign.
Ben Brereton Díaz linked up with the Chilean squad for their CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers, Ebou Adams was with the Gambia squad, and Andi Weimann represented Austria.
Following the international fixture period, Derby made their second trip to The Hawthorns in the space of a month. This time, John Eustace’s side were in Sky Bet Championship competition against West Bromwich Albion.
It was once again a story of a late goal for Derby in the Black Country; United States international striker Patrick Agyemang made an impact on his debut, coming from the bench to set up fellow substitute Weimann, who provided a winning strike in the 83rd minute to earn the Rams their first three points of the campaign against the Baggies.
Eustace hailed his team’s defensive solidity in the contest. He said, “The way we defended the box in the first half was sensational. We limited West Brom to next to nothing.
“We took the game more to West Brom (in the second half), and we were better with the ball as well. We got the goal and saw it out really well during the latter stages.”
Still looking to build momentum in the campaign, another summer signing, who also made his debut at West Brom, stamped his mark on the campaign later in the month.
After a one-goal defeat to Preston North End, the Rams ended September with two points in draws against Wrexham in North Wales and Charlton Athletic in DE24 –Brereton Díaz’s audacious curling effort against the Red Dragons was a blockbuster strike, picking up the Goal of the Month award.
Meanwhile, a midweek point in a draw with Charlton was earned as Matt Clarke headed Derby level in the 79th minute– another late show, showcasing a resilience and never-say-die squad emerging into the season.
Agyemang’s first goal in black and white opened up the October schedule, as a towering header against Southampton endeared the American to the Pride Park faithful with another home draw.
The first home victory of the season saw Eustace’s Rams side kick up a gear into the season with the 11th match.
Crystal Palace loanee David Ozoh burst into life against Norwich City as he fired Derby to a 1-0 victory over the Canaries with his first goal of the campaign in the 55th minute, a curling effort into the top corner.
The Pride Park meeting also saw the welcome return of Norwegian centre-back Sondre Langås, who came back into the fold after having knee surgery in the summer of 2025.
Eustace had previously praised Langås for fighting through the pain barrier to see Derby secure survival in the Championship at the back end of the 2024/25 season – with surgery required following the achievement.
Langås proved his worth once more, as a half-time introduction against Norwich was part of a tactical switch that aided the victory before he again stepped up in the last game of October.
The Rams hosted Queens Park Rangers and grasped the momentum from their win over Norwich, registering a second 1-0 win on the bounce. Langås’ 11th-minute knock-on from a free kick allowed Carlton Morris to convert his fifth goal of the season to seal three points and kick off a blistering run of form going into November...
