When John Eustace stepped off the pitch at Swansea.com Stadium after Derby County’s 2-1 win on November 23, 2025, the smile didn’t just come from three points—it came from knowing his team was on the cusp of something real. Six wins in seven games. Eighteen points from a possible 21. A top-four spot in the EFL Championship. And yet, the conversation didn’t start with goals or standings. It started with a phone call.
Hope Amid Injury Blow
The injury to Tyrese Morris, the 23-year-old forward signed in the summer, hit hard. He went down in training on November 18, and while scans ruled out a season-ender, the club confirmed a ‘new injury blow’—a second setback in as many weeks. Eustace didn’t sugarcoat it. ‘We’ve lost two key guys in a short window,’ he said. ‘But Tyrese’s spirit? It’s contagious. He was in the dressing room before we left for Swansea, joking with the lads. That’s the kind of guy you build around.’ The twist? Morris isn’t the only one. Another summer signing, whose name hasn’t been officially disclosed, is also facing an uncertain future. ‘We’re evaluating options,’ Eustace admitted. ‘It’s not just about fitness. It’s about fit. We’ve got a plan.’The Machine Behind the Momentum
This isn’t luck. It’s execution. Derby County are scoring 1.86 goals per game and conceding just 0.94—among the best defensive records in the league. Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, 32, has been a revelation on the wing, while James Collins, 29, has rediscovered his goalscoring touch. But the real story? Joe Ward, 25, the unheralded forward who netted the winner in Swansea. He wasn’t even a starter in August. ‘We don’t buy stars,’ Eustace told reporters. ‘We buy characters. People who want to be here.’ That philosophy extends beyond the pitch. At the November 12 Fans’ Forum at Pride Park Stadium, CEO Stephen Pearce laid out the club’s tightrope walk: ambition without recklessness. ‘We’ve got significant amount of PNS HR,’ he said, referencing the club’s Player and Staff Resources system. ‘So people ask, why haven’t we spent more? Because we’re not just building for next season. We’re building for 2035.’Ownership, Sustainability, and the Long Game
Behind the scenes, Derby County’s majority owner, David Clowes, is in quiet negotiations to sell a controlling stake. No deal is done. But the message is clear: this isn’t a quick flip. The club’s financials are clean—EFL compliant, debt-light, academy-funded. Their partnership with Puma isn’t just about kits; it’s about branding that aligns with their values. ‘We don’t want flashy logos,’ Eustace noted. ‘We want pride.’ The Moor Farm Training Ground in Derby is where the future is forged. Three academy graduates started against Swansea. One of them, 18-year-old midfielder Leo Kavanagh, was on the bench. He’s the kind of player Clowes wants to see wearing the shirt in 2030.
The Road Ahead
Next up? Preston North End at Pride Park on November 29, 2025. Kickoff: 15:00 GMT. A win would make it seven wins in eight—a run not seen since the 2006-07 promotion campaign. But the bigger test? The East Midlands derby against Nottingham Forest on December 28, 2025, at the City Ground. That’s when the league takes notice. Derby’s last top-flight campaign was 2007. The memories are still raw for fans who remember the 1970s glory years—two league titles, an FA Cup. Now, with Eustace’s calm leadership, Clowes’ steady hand, and a squad that plays for each other, the dream feels closer than it has in nearly two decades.Why This Matters
This isn’t just about promotion. It’s about proving a model still works: smart recruitment, youth development, financial discipline. In an era of inflated wages and foreign takeovers, Derby County is showing you can compete without burning the house down. The fans know it. They’ve been coming back—27,412 average attendance this season. That’s not just noise. That’s belief.Frequently Asked Questions
How serious is Tyrese Morris’s injury, and when might he return?
Tyrese Morris suffered a hamstring strain during training on November 18, 2025, with initial scans ruling out a full tear. The club remains hopeful he won’t miss the rest of the season, with a projected return window of 6–8 weeks. He’s already participating in light rehab at Moor Farm and could feature in cup games by late December.
Why hasn’t Derby County spent more money despite their strong form?
Derby’s ownership, led by David Clowes, prioritizes long-term sustainability over short-term spending. The club operates under EFL Financial Fair Play rules and relies heavily on its academy. Spending is strategic—targeting players who fit the culture, not just the price tag. Eustace confirmed they’ve allocated funds for January, but only if the right profiles emerge.
What’s the significance of the upcoming match against Nottingham Forest?
The East Midlands derby against Nottingham Forest on December 28, 2025, is more than a local rivalry—it’s a statement game. Forest are currently in 2nd place, just one point ahead of Derby. A win would put Derby in direct contention for automatic promotion and ignite the fanbase like nothing else. The last time Derby beat Forest at the City Ground was in 2019.
Is David Clowes planning to sell the club soon?
Clowes is in talks with potential investors, but no agreement has been reached as of November 26, 2025. His priority is ensuring any new ownership aligns with Derby’s long-term vision—financial stability, youth development, and community roots. A sale isn’t imminent, but it’s likely within the next 12–18 months if the right partner emerges.
How does Derby’s current form compare to their past promotion campaigns?
Derby’s current run—18 points from 21—is their best 7-game stretch since 2006-07, when they won promotion to the Premier League. Back then, they finished with 91 points; this season, they’re on pace for 88–92. The key difference? This squad has more depth, better defense, and far less reliance on individual stars. It’s a more balanced, sustainable model.
What role does the academy play in Derby’s current success?
The Moor Farm Training Ground has produced five first-team regulars this season, including Joe Ward and Leo Kavanagh. The academy’s success is tied to a philosophy of patience—players are developed over 4–5 years, not rushed. This season, 32% of minutes played have come from academy graduates, the highest in the Championship since 2015.
