Derby County have had their first run out of the 2025/26 season, as they drew 1-1 away to Matlock Town on Saturday afternoon.
In what was very much a game of two halves, as John Eustace put out two separate teams for each 45, the Rams were forced to come from behind against the eighth-tier side from North Derbyshire.
The East Midlands outfit are awaiting the £5.8m move of Patrick Agyemang from Charlotte FC, although Stu Holden slammed the American striker for his Gold Cup final performance.
Nevertheless, Derby now travel to Austria for a pre-season training camp with a game against RB Salzburg awaiting them. However, there may be more than just one new player on the plane with them to the continent.
John Eustace hints at more Derby County signings
It was an U21s star who equalised for the Rams in the final moments of the game on Saturday, as Harry Hawkins turned the ball into the back of the net from Jake Rooney’s header to stop the team from starting their pre-season with a defeat.
On what was a very hot day in the Peak District, Derby worked the ball well with young right-back Isaac Gordon impressing. However, ahead of the clash, Eustace spoke about how his side are preparing for their trip to Austria.
He said (via: X): “It’s a great week for the young players to get to know the senior boys and the new players to get to know the rest of the group.
“It’s an important week next week, it’ll be great if we can get one or two more bodies over to the trip as well to get them involved in the squad. But we’ll wait and see.”
The Rams need more depth across the pitch
While Carlton Morris is now a Ram after completing his medical, Derby were forced to play Kemar Roofe up front on Saturday in the first half.
The ex-Leeds United forward spent the last three months of 2024/25 at Pride Park, and he has remained training with the team this summer despite not being contracted. A lack of fit strikers has cost the club dearly in recent years, but they will soon have three on the books which will help significantly.
However, elsewhere, the Rams are lacking. Eustace needs to bring in wingers this summer to ensure that there is a threat on the flanks. Corey Blackett-Taylor has a point to prove this season, but he will have to keep his fitness up and avoid injury.
There is also a need for another left-back. Craig Forsyth has signed a new two-year deal, but with Callum Elder struggling to stay in the team in 2024/25, cover has to be found. But with still over seven weeks until the transfer window shuts, there is plenty of time to fix these issues.
