Jump to content

2011–12 Derby County F.C. season: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
m saints without dots, plus genfixes using AWB
Rescuing 52 sources. #IABot
Line 23: Line 23:
| nextseason = [[2012–13 Derby County F.C. season|2012–13]]
| nextseason = [[2012–13 Derby County F.C. season|2012–13]]
}}
}}
The '''2011–12 season''' was '''Derby County's''' 106th season in [[the Football League]] and their 113th overall in league football. It was their fourth consecutive season in the second tier following the [[2010–11 Derby County F.C. season|previous campaign]] and their 44th overall. Derby started the season well, winning their first 4 league games in August, which was also club's best league start since the 1905–06 season.<ref name="fourwins">{{Cite news| url =http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/story-13171283-detail/story.html| publisher =thisisderbyshire| title = Rams Make it Four out of Four| date = 20 August 2011}}</ref> However, the club were knocked out of the first round of [[Football League Cup|League Cup]] against [[Football League Two|League Two]] opposition for the third season in a row against [[Shrewsbury Town F.C.|Shrewsbury Town]]. Derby maintained their top 2 position in September, with the main highlight being a 2–1 win at local rivals [[Nottingham Forest F.C.|Nottingham Forest]], despite the fact that goalkeeper [[Frank Fielding]] gave away a penalty and was sent off after 67 seconds, [[Jeff Hendrick]]'s winner in the game was his first goal in senior football. October and November were disappointing with Derby picking up only 1 win and 5 points out of a possible 30 as Derby fell to 15th place in the league, with a 4–0 defeat at rivals [[Leicester City F.C.|Leicester City]] at the start of the month, starting the slump in form. In mid-October, [[Nigel Clough]] and his backroom staff signed new 3 1/2-year contracts.<ref name="signsdeal">{{cite web | title=Clough & Backroom Team Sign New Deals| publisher=dcfc.co.uk| url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2482766,00.html?| date = 17 October 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> Derby picked up form in December and January, losing only twice in 9 games, picking up 17 points as Derby ended the month 12th peaking at 8th in mid-January. February was another disappointing month, where they picked up on 1 point, scoring no goals with them club suffering their 2nd 4–0 defeat of the season to the hands of [[Southampton F.C.|Southampton]] by the end of the month, Derby were 15th in the table. From the start of April to mid march, Derby picked up 14 points out a possible 21 which lifted Derby to 11th in the table, 5 points off the play-offs with 4 games remaining, Derby manager [[Nigel Clough]] however ruled out a play-off place, wishing there was more the 4 games left as the club were showing great form.<ref name="beyondreach">{{cite web | title=Nigel Clough: The play-offs are just beyond our reach| publisher=thisisderbyshire| url=http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Nigel-Clough-play-offs-just-reach/story-15771123-detail/story.html| date = 10 April 2012}}</ref> However defeats to [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]] and [[Cardiff City F.C.|Cardiff City]] in 4 days ended the Derby's play-off chances. Derby finished the season 12th in the league, 11 points off the play-off players, with [[Nigel Clough]] being satisfied with the performances of the team, stating a lack of firepower as the reason why they fell short and a target to improve in 2012–13.<ref name="firepower">{{cite news| url =http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Clough-Final-key-place/story-15890617-detail/story.html| publisher = Derby Evening Telegraph| title =Clough: Final third is the key to a place in top six| date = 23 April 2012}}</ref> Derby ended the season with a win and a draw as they finished in 12th place on 64 points, 7 places and 15 points better off than the previous season, the club's first top half finish since promotion in 2007 and best league standing since relegation in 2008.
The '''2011–12 season''' was '''Derby County's''' 106th season in [[the Football League]] and their 113th overall in league football. It was their fourth consecutive season in the second tier following the [[2010–11 Derby County F.C. season|previous campaign]] and their 44th overall. Derby started the season well, winning their first 4 league games in August, which was also club's best league start since the 1905–06 season.<ref name="fourwins">{{Cite news| url =http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/story-13171283-detail/story.html| publisher =thisisderbyshire| title = Rams Make it Four out of Four| date = 20 August 2011}}</ref> However, the club were knocked out of the first round of [[Football League Cup|League Cup]] against [[Football League Two|League Two]] opposition for the third season in a row against [[Shrewsbury Town F.C.|Shrewsbury Town]]. Derby maintained their top 2 position in September, with the main highlight being a 2–1 win at local rivals [[Nottingham Forest F.C.|Nottingham Forest]], despite the fact that goalkeeper [[Frank Fielding]] gave away a penalty and was sent off after 67 seconds, [[Jeff Hendrick]]'s winner in the game was his first goal in senior football. October and November were disappointing with Derby picking up only 1 win and 5 points out of a possible 30 as Derby fell to 15th place in the league, with a 4–0 defeat at rivals [[Leicester City F.C.|Leicester City]] at the start of the month, starting the slump in form. In mid-October, [[Nigel Clough]] and his backroom staff signed new 3 1/2-year contracts.<ref name="signsdeal">{{cite web|title=Clough & Backroom Team Sign New Deals |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2482766,00.html? |date=17 October 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20111018110227/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2482766,00.html |archivedate=18 October 2011 }}</ref> Derby picked up form in December and January, losing only twice in 9 games, picking up 17 points as Derby ended the month 12th peaking at 8th in mid-January. February was another disappointing month, where they picked up on 1 point, scoring no goals with them club suffering their 2nd 4–0 defeat of the season to the hands of [[Southampton F.C.|Southampton]] by the end of the month, Derby were 15th in the table. From the start of April to mid march, Derby picked up 14 points out a possible 21 which lifted Derby to 11th in the table, 5 points off the play-offs with 4 games remaining, Derby manager [[Nigel Clough]] however ruled out a play-off place, wishing there was more the 4 games left as the club were showing great form.<ref name="beyondreach">{{cite web | title=Nigel Clough: The play-offs are just beyond our reach| publisher=thisisderbyshire| url=http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Nigel-Clough-play-offs-just-reach/story-15771123-detail/story.html| date = 10 April 2012}}</ref> However defeats to [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]] and [[Cardiff City F.C.|Cardiff City]] in 4 days ended the Derby's play-off chances. Derby finished the season 12th in the league, 11 points off the play-off players, with [[Nigel Clough]] being satisfied with the performances of the team, stating a lack of firepower as the reason why they fell short and a target to improve in 2012–13.<ref name="firepower">{{cite news| url =http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Clough-Final-key-place/story-15890617-detail/story.html| publisher = Derby Evening Telegraph| title =Clough: Final third is the key to a place in top six| date = 23 April 2012}}</ref> Derby ended the season with a win and a draw as they finished in 12th place on 64 points, 7 places and 15 points better off than the previous season, the club's first top half finish since promotion in 2007 and best league standing since relegation in 2008.


Derby's summer signings had mixed fortunes with [[Craig Bryson]], [[Jason Shackell]] & [[Frank Fielding]] all being in contention for the Player of the Year award.<ref name="POTY"/> Striker [[Theo Robinson]] was joint top scorer with [[Steve Davies (footballer born 1987)|Steve Davies]] on 12 goals and [[Jamie Ward]]'s form impressed enough to earn him a new contract. [[Tom Naylor]] also earned praise from [[Nigel Clough]] for his development and impressed when standing in for [[John Brayford]] at right-back. [[Nathan Tyson]], signed from local rivals Forest however failed to score in 24 appearances, [[Chris Maguire]] struggled to break into the first team and was loaned out to [[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]] for the final two months of the season. [[Chris Riggott]] rejoined the club on a one-year contract, but was released in December due to injuries. The club relied less on loan signings and more on the club's academy as [[Jeff Hendrick]], [[Mark O'Brien (footballer born 1992)|Mark O'Brien]], [[Callum Ball]], [[Mason Bennett]] and [[Will Hughes]] all broke into the first team, Bennett and Hughes making their debuts with Bennett setting a club record for youngest ever team player, making his first appearance against [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]] on 22 October 2011 at 15 years and 99 days old,<ref name="Bennettbreaksrecord">{{cite web| title = Teams news: Bennett to make Rams history at Boro| url =http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/story-13631868-detail/story.html?| publisher = thisisderbyshire| date = 22 October 2011}}</ref> beating [[Lee Holmes]]' record by 169 days.
Derby's summer signings had mixed fortunes with [[Craig Bryson]], [[Jason Shackell]] & [[Frank Fielding]] all being in contention for the Player of the Year award.<ref name="POTY"/> Striker [[Theo Robinson]] was joint top scorer with [[Steve Davies (footballer born 1987)|Steve Davies]] on 12 goals and [[Jamie Ward]]'s form impressed enough to earn him a new contract. [[Tom Naylor]] also earned praise from [[Nigel Clough]] for his development and impressed when standing in for [[John Brayford]] at right-back. [[Nathan Tyson]], signed from local rivals Forest however failed to score in 24 appearances, [[Chris Maguire]] struggled to break into the first team and was loaned out to [[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]] for the final two months of the season. [[Chris Riggott]] rejoined the club on a one-year contract, but was released in December due to injuries. The club relied less on loan signings and more on the club's academy as [[Jeff Hendrick]], [[Mark O'Brien (footballer born 1992)|Mark O'Brien]], [[Callum Ball]], [[Mason Bennett]] and [[Will Hughes]] all broke into the first team, Bennett and Hughes making their debuts with Bennett setting a club record for youngest ever team player, making his first appearance against [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]] on 22 October 2011 at 15 years and 99 days old,<ref name="Bennettbreaksrecord">{{cite web| title = Teams news: Bennett to make Rams history at Boro| url =http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/story-13631868-detail/story.html?| publisher = thisisderbyshire| date = 22 October 2011}}</ref> beating [[Lee Holmes]]' record by 169 days.
Line 29: Line 29:
The club's reserve side had a less successful year than in the two previous seasons, with the club missing out on the Central League title by one point from [[Sheffield United F.C.|Sheffield United]], as well as being beaten in the Derbyshire Senior Cup final by [[Buxton F.C.|Buxton]]. Derby also reached the final of the Central League Cup final against [[Manchester City F.C. Reserves and Academy|Manchester City Elite Development squad]].
The club's reserve side had a less successful year than in the two previous seasons, with the club missing out on the Central League title by one point from [[Sheffield United F.C.|Sheffield United]], as well as being beaten in the Derbyshire Senior Cup final by [[Buxton F.C.|Buxton]]. Derby also reached the final of the Central League Cup final against [[Manchester City F.C. Reserves and Academy|Manchester City Elite Development squad]].


The club recorded an average attendance of 26,020, down by exactly 3 from the previous campaign and still the third highest in the [[Football League Championship|Championship]] behind [[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham United]] and [[Southampton F.C.|Southampton]]. This was also the 14th best average attendance in the country, higher than the average gate of eight Premier League clubs. In October 2011, Derby County announced that they had submitted plans to Derby City Council for a £7 million development of land outside the stadium, which the club named "The Plaza @ Pride Park".<ref name="Plaza 2 statement">{{cite news| url =http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2468631,00.html| publisher = dcfc.co,uk| title = Press Release: The Plaza @ Pride Park| date = 3 October 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> The plans included five [[Coffeehouse|cafes]]/[[restaurant]]s, two [[convenience store]]s and 2,000 square metres of [[Office|office space]]. The plans were scaled down from the planned £20 million development proposed in 2007.<ref name="Plaza 2">{{cite news| url =http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-15147480| publisher = BBC News| title = Derby County submits plans for new Pride Park plaza| date = 3 October 2011}}</ref> Derby County CEO Tom Glick, said that the plans would help the club deal with the new Financial Fair Play regulations, due to be introduced in the [[The Football League|Football League]] from 2012, as revenue from the Plaza was intended to be reinvested back into the club.<ref name="Plaza 2 statement"/> The planned development also coincided with plans from the City Council to build a multi-use sports arena on the same site as the proposed Plaza.<ref name="Plaza 2"/> Derby City Council's Planning Control Committee gave planning permission for The Plaza @ Pride Pride Park development in January 2012,<ref name="2012 planning permission">{{cite news| url =http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/ThePlaza@PridePark/0,,10270~2570936,00.html| publisher = dcfc.co,uk| title = Council Gives Planning Consent| date = 13 January 2012}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> with Chief Executive Tom Glick stating the club had started looking for a development company to build the plaza.<ref name="2012 planning permission"/>
The club recorded an average attendance of 26,020, down by exactly 3 from the previous campaign and still the third highest in the [[Football League Championship|Championship]] behind [[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham United]] and [[Southampton F.C.|Southampton]]. This was also the 14th best average attendance in the country, higher than the average gate of eight Premier League clubs. In October 2011, Derby County announced that they had submitted plans to Derby City Council for a £7 million development of land outside the stadium, which the club named "The Plaza @ Pride Park".<ref name="Plaza 2 statement">{{cite news|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2468631,00.html |publisher=dcfc.co,uk |title=Press Release: The Plaza @ Pride Park |date=3 October 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20111005160452/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2468631,00.html |archivedate=5 October 2011 }}</ref> The plans included five [[Coffeehouse|cafes]]/[[restaurant]]s, two [[convenience store]]s and 2,000 square metres of [[Office|office space]]. The plans were scaled down from the planned £20 million development proposed in 2007.<ref name="Plaza 2">{{cite news| url =http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-15147480| publisher = BBC News| title = Derby County submits plans for new Pride Park plaza| date = 3 October 2011}}</ref> Derby County CEO Tom Glick, said that the plans would help the club deal with the new Financial Fair Play regulations, due to be introduced in the [[The Football League|Football League]] from 2012, as revenue from the Plaza was intended to be reinvested back into the club.<ref name="Plaza 2 statement"/> The planned development also coincided with plans from the City Council to build a multi-use sports arena on the same site as the proposed Plaza.<ref name="Plaza 2"/> Derby City Council's Planning Control Committee gave planning permission for The Plaza @ Pride Pride Park development in January 2012,<ref name="2012 planning permission">{{cite news|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/ThePlaza@PridePark/0,,10270~2570936,00.html |publisher=dcfc.co,uk |title=Council Gives Planning Consent |date=13 January 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20120115235033/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/ThePlaza@PridePark/0,,10270~2570936,00.html |archivedate=15 January 2012 }}</ref> with Chief Executive Tom Glick stating the club had started looking for a development company to build the plaza.<ref name="2012 planning permission"/>


==Team kit==
==Team kit==
The team kit for the 2011–12 season is produced by [[Adidas]] and sponsored by [[website]] buymobiles.net. The new home kit for was revealed on 4 June 2011.<ref name="hkannounce">{{cite web |author=''unknown'' |title=2011-12 Home Kit Unveiled |others=SUBTITLE:Getting Shirty – Pre-Order The New Shirt |work=dcfc.co.uk| url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2370594,00.html |date=4 June 2011 |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20110607040453/http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2370594,00.html |archivedate=7 June 2011 |accessdate=10 August 2013}}</ref> The away kit was revealed on 15 July 2011.<ref name="akannounce">{{cite web | title=Rams Reveal New Away Kit| publisher=dcfc.co.uk| url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2392848,00.html| date = 15 July 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref>
The team kit for the 2011–12 season is produced by [[Adidas]] and sponsored by [[website]] buymobiles.net. The new home kit for was revealed on 4 June 2011.<ref name="hkannounce">{{cite web |author=''unknown'' |title=2011-12 Home Kit Unveiled |others=SUBTITLE:Getting Shirty – Pre-Order The New Shirt |work=dcfc.co.uk| url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2370594,00.html |date=4 June 2011 |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20110607040453/http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2370594,00.html |archivedate=7 June 2011 |accessdate=10 August 2013}}</ref> The away kit was revealed on 15 July 2011.<ref name="akannounce">{{cite web|title=Rams Reveal New Away Kit |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2392848,00.html |date=15 July 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20110719113747/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2392848,00.html |archivedate=19 July 2011 }}</ref>
{| border="0"
{| border="0"
|
|
Line 71: Line 71:
In a post-match interview after a 2–0 defeat at home to [[Bristol City F.C.|Bristol City]] on 30 April 2011, Derby manager [[Nigel Clough]] stated that whilst talking with the fellow management staff during the game he had wondered "How many of those players out who started today we want out there on 6 August (and the answer is) not too many" and that he intended to bring in "6, 8, maybe 10" new players in the close season.<ref name=10newplayers>{{cite news| url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/13174355.stm| title =Derby County 0 - 2 Bristol City| date =30 April 2011 | work =BBC Sport}}</ref> Flying in the face of such talk was press speculation that Clough, fearing interference, would quit his position at Derby to return to [[Burton Albion F.C.|Burton Albion]].<ref name=quitspeculation>{{cite news| url =http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Derby-Nigel-Clough-considering-returning-to-Burton-Albion-in-summer-article730158.html#ixzz1L3NDTSTP| title =Clough considering return to Burton Albion in summer| date = 1 May 2011 | work =Mirror.co.uk}}</ref> The Rams ended the season in 19th, their lowest position on the league ladder in 5 years. The final tally of 49 points was the club's lowest ever from a 46-game season and their lowest in the second tier since [[1983-84 in English football#Second Division 3|1984]]. At the end of May, the club announced it had sold 16,200 Early Bird Season tickets for the following campaign, just 500 down from the same point last season.<ref name="earlybirdfigures">{{cite web | title=Rams' early bird boost as 16,200 fans sign up| publisher=thisisderbyshire| url=http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/sport/Rams-early-bird-boost-16-200-fans-sign/article-3566809-detail/article.html| date = 18 May 2011 }}</ref>
In a post-match interview after a 2–0 defeat at home to [[Bristol City F.C.|Bristol City]] on 30 April 2011, Derby manager [[Nigel Clough]] stated that whilst talking with the fellow management staff during the game he had wondered "How many of those players out who started today we want out there on 6 August (and the answer is) not too many" and that he intended to bring in "6, 8, maybe 10" new players in the close season.<ref name=10newplayers>{{cite news| url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/13174355.stm| title =Derby County 0 - 2 Bristol City| date =30 April 2011 | work =BBC Sport}}</ref> Flying in the face of such talk was press speculation that Clough, fearing interference, would quit his position at Derby to return to [[Burton Albion F.C.|Burton Albion]].<ref name=quitspeculation>{{cite news| url =http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Derby-Nigel-Clough-considering-returning-to-Burton-Albion-in-summer-article730158.html#ixzz1L3NDTSTP| title =Clough considering return to Burton Albion in summer| date = 1 May 2011 | work =Mirror.co.uk}}</ref> The Rams ended the season in 19th, their lowest position on the league ladder in 5 years. The final tally of 49 points was the club's lowest ever from a 46-game season and their lowest in the second tier since [[1983-84 in English football#Second Division 3|1984]]. At the end of May, the club announced it had sold 16,200 Early Bird Season tickets for the following campaign, just 500 down from the same point last season.<ref name="earlybirdfigures">{{cite web | title=Rams' early bird boost as 16,200 fans sign up| publisher=thisisderbyshire| url=http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/sport/Rams-early-bird-boost-16-200-fans-sign/article-3566809-detail/article.html| date = 18 May 2011 }}</ref>


Following the completion of the 2010–11 season, Derby announced their retained list for the 2011–12 campaign. Goalkeeping trio [[Saul Deeney]], [[Ross Atkins]] and [[James Severn]] were all given new deals to their expiring contracts, whilst [[Callum Ball]], Alex Witham, Aaron Cole and Chris Jones become first-year professionals after completing their scholarship programmes.<ref name=newdeal>{{cite news| url =http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2357692,00.html?| publisher =dcfc.co.uk| title =Derby Confirm Retained List| date = 11 May 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> The next month Ball also signed a new three-year contract, which extended his stay at the club until at least 2014.<ref name=ballnewdeal>{{cite news| url =http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/story-12971998-detail/story.html| publisher =thisisderbyshire.co.uk| title =Ball bags two after signing new contract with the Rams| date = 20 July 2011}}</ref> The club also confirmed the departures of [[Michael Boulding]], [[Chris Porter (footballer, born 1983)|Chris Porter]], [[Greg Mills (footballer)|Greg Mills]] and [[Arnaud Mendy]], alongside the retiring [[Robbie Savage]], as they would not be offered new deals,<ref name=newdeal/> and that loanees [[Brad Jones (footballer)|Brad Jones]], [[Daniel Ayala (footballer)|Daniel Ayala]] and [[Alberto Bueno]] would all return to their parent clubs.<ref name=newdeal/>
Following the completion of the 2010–11 season, Derby announced their retained list for the 2011–12 campaign. Goalkeeping trio [[Saul Deeney]], [[Ross Atkins]] and [[James Severn]] were all given new deals to their expiring contracts, whilst [[Callum Ball]], Alex Witham, Aaron Cole and Chris Jones become first-year professionals after completing their scholarship programmes.<ref name=newdeal>{{cite news|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2357692,00.html? |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |title=Derby Confirm Retained List |date=11 May 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20110513100550/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2357692,00.html |archivedate=13 May 2011 }}</ref> The next month Ball also signed a new three-year contract, which extended his stay at the club until at least 2014.<ref name=ballnewdeal>{{cite news| url =http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/story-12971998-detail/story.html| publisher =thisisderbyshire.co.uk| title =Ball bags two after signing new contract with the Rams| date = 20 July 2011}}</ref> The club also confirmed the departures of [[Michael Boulding]], [[Chris Porter (footballer, born 1983)|Chris Porter]], [[Greg Mills (footballer)|Greg Mills]] and [[Arnaud Mendy]], alongside the retiring [[Robbie Savage]], as they would not be offered new deals,<ref name=newdeal/> and that loanees [[Brad Jones (footballer)|Brad Jones]], [[Daniel Ayala (footballer)|Daniel Ayala]] and [[Alberto Bueno]] would all return to their parent clubs.<ref name=newdeal/>


The club quickly entered into the transfer market, tying up permanent deals for loanees [[Frank Fielding]], [[Jamie Ward]] and [[Theo Robinson]] within 48 hours of the end of the season, with Fielding signed for £400k<ref name="fee">{{cite web |date=30 May 2011 | title = Blackburn starlet making permanent Derby deal | url = http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Blackburn-transfer-news-England-Under-21-keeper-Frank-Fielding-is-to-leave-Rovers-for-Derby-in-a-400k-deal-article718586.html | publisher = Mirror Football | accessdate =6 June 2011}}</ref> and Ward and Robinson signing for undisclosed fees, rumoured to total £500k.<ref name=triosign>{{cite news| url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/13338390.stm| title = Derby County swoop for Fielding, Ward & Robinson| date = 9 May 2011 | work =BBC Sport}}</ref><ref name=£900krumoured>{{cite news| url =http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/sport/Trio-trigger-start-busy-summer-Rams/article-3536950-detail/article.html| title = Trio to trigger start of busy summer at Rams| date = 9 May 2011 | work =BBC Sport}}</ref> The first "new" capture of the summer came in the shape of [[Kilmarnock F.C.|Kilmarnock]] captain [[Craig Bryson]], who signed for £350k, rising to £450,000 after add-on clauses.<ref name="BrysonSigns">{{cite news| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13538511.stm| title = Derby sign Kilmarnock captain Craig Bryson| date = 9 June 2011 | work =BBC Sport}}</ref> Later that same month, Derby added two additional signings in the shape of [[Jason Shackell]] and [[Chris Maguire]]. [[Barnsley F.C.|Barnsley]] captain [[Jason Shackell]] was the club's biggest signing of the Summer Transfer window. After several unsuccessful offers,<ref name=shackellbid>{{cite news| url =http://www.teamtalk.com/barnsley/6946819/Rams-make-Shackell-approach?l| title =Rams make Shackell approach| date = 23 May 2011 | work =teamtalk}}</ref><ref name="ShackellBid2">{{cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11688_6990413,00.html|title=New Rams bid for Shackell|publisher=Sky Sports|date=15 June 2011}}</ref><ref name=shackellfreed>{{cite news| url = http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/barnsley/shackell_to_be_freed_if_it_aids_hill_s_oakwell_rebuilding_1_3443472| title = Shackell to be freed if it aids Hill's Oakwell rebuilding| date = 3 June 2011 | work =Yorkshire Post}}</ref> Derby had a bid in the region of £1m accepted<ref name="shackellaccepted">{{cite news|url=http://www.barnsley-chronicle.co.uk/sport/article/4135/shackell-goes-from-red-to-ram?|title=Shackell goes from Red to Ram|publisher=Barnsley Chronicle|date=17 June 2011}}</ref> and the player joined on a three-year contract.<ref name="ShackellSigns">{{cite news|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2379484,00.html|title=Derby Swoop For Shackell|publisher=dcfc.co.uk|date=21 June 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> [[Miles Addison]], who signed a contract extension until 2013 on the same day,<ref name="addisoncontract">{{cite web|title=Addison Extends His Derby Contract|publisher=dcfc.co.uk|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2379712,00.html|date=21 June 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> joined Barnsley on loan for six months as part of the deal.<ref name="AddisonLoan">{{cite news |title=Barnsley sign four players |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/barnsley/9521856.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=24 June 2011}}</ref> Another protracted transfer concerned [[Scotland national football team|Scottish international]] striker [[Chris Maguire]]. On 1 June, it was announced [[Chris Maguire]] would sign for the club on the expiration of his [[Aberdeen F.C.|Aberdeen]] contract after agreeing a three-year deal at [[Pride Park Stadium|Pride Park]].<ref name="MaguireSigns">{{cite web|url= http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/2290594?UserKey=#ixzz1O0cPy6MZ |title=Dons will reject Derby offer as Maguire signs|publisher=PressandJournal.co.uk |date=1 June 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> However, after Derby failed to match Aberdeen's £400,000 compensation claim, it was revealed that the final fee would be decided by a FIFA Tribunal.<ref name="MaguireSigns"/><ref name=macguirecomp>{{cite news| url =http://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/Article.aspx/2287912?UserKey=| title ='Aberdeen FC will take Maguire fight to FIFA'| date =30 May 2011 | work =Evening Express}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> However, after much discussion between the two clubs, on 29 June, two days before the expiry of his contract, Maguire's signing was formally announced, with the two clubs agreeing to a compensation in the region of £400,000.<ref name="MaguireFee">{{cite news |title=Derby County seal Chris Maguire deal with Aberdeen |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13944239.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=29 June 2011}}</ref>
The club quickly entered into the transfer market, tying up permanent deals for loanees [[Frank Fielding]], [[Jamie Ward]] and [[Theo Robinson]] within 48 hours of the end of the season, with Fielding signed for £400k<ref name="fee">{{cite web |date=30 May 2011 | title = Blackburn starlet making permanent Derby deal | url = http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Blackburn-transfer-news-England-Under-21-keeper-Frank-Fielding-is-to-leave-Rovers-for-Derby-in-a-400k-deal-article718586.html | publisher = Mirror Football | accessdate =6 June 2011}}</ref> and Ward and Robinson signing for undisclosed fees, rumoured to total £500k.<ref name=triosign>{{cite news| url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/13338390.stm| title = Derby County swoop for Fielding, Ward & Robinson| date = 9 May 2011 | work =BBC Sport}}</ref><ref name=£900krumoured>{{cite news| url =http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/sport/Trio-trigger-start-busy-summer-Rams/article-3536950-detail/article.html| title = Trio to trigger start of busy summer at Rams| date = 9 May 2011 | work =BBC Sport}}</ref> The first "new" capture of the summer came in the shape of [[Kilmarnock F.C.|Kilmarnock]] captain [[Craig Bryson]], who signed for £350k, rising to £450,000 after add-on clauses.<ref name="BrysonSigns">{{cite news| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13538511.stm| title = Derby sign Kilmarnock captain Craig Bryson| date = 9 June 2011 | work =BBC Sport}}</ref> Later that same month, Derby added two additional signings in the shape of [[Jason Shackell]] and [[Chris Maguire]]. [[Barnsley F.C.|Barnsley]] captain [[Jason Shackell]] was the club's biggest signing of the Summer Transfer window. After several unsuccessful offers,<ref name=shackellbid>{{cite news| url =http://www.teamtalk.com/barnsley/6946819/Rams-make-Shackell-approach?l| title =Rams make Shackell approach| date = 23 May 2011 | work =teamtalk}}</ref><ref name="ShackellBid2">{{cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11688_6990413,00.html|title=New Rams bid for Shackell|publisher=Sky Sports|date=15 June 2011}}</ref><ref name=shackellfreed>{{cite news| url = http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/barnsley/shackell_to_be_freed_if_it_aids_hill_s_oakwell_rebuilding_1_3443472| title = Shackell to be freed if it aids Hill's Oakwell rebuilding| date = 3 June 2011 | work =Yorkshire Post}}</ref> Derby had a bid in the region of £1m accepted<ref name="shackellaccepted">{{cite news|url=http://www.barnsley-chronicle.co.uk/sport/article/4135/shackell-goes-from-red-to-ram?|title=Shackell goes from Red to Ram|publisher=Barnsley Chronicle|date=17 June 2011}}</ref> and the player joined on a three-year contract.<ref name="ShackellSigns">{{cite news|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2379484,00.html |title=Derby Swoop For Shackell |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |date=21 June 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20110624060514/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2379484,00.html |archivedate=24 June 2011 }}</ref> [[Miles Addison]], who signed a contract extension until 2013 on the same day,<ref name="addisoncontract">{{cite web|title=Addison Extends His Derby Contract |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2379712,00.html |date=21 June 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20110624060611/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2379712,00.html |archivedate=24 June 2011 }}</ref> joined Barnsley on loan for six months as part of the deal.<ref name="AddisonLoan">{{cite news |title=Barnsley sign four players |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/barnsley/9521856.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=24 June 2011}}</ref> Another protracted transfer concerned [[Scotland national football team|Scottish international]] striker [[Chris Maguire]]. On 1 June, it was announced [[Chris Maguire]] would sign for the club on the expiration of his [[Aberdeen F.C.|Aberdeen]] contract after agreeing a three-year deal at [[Pride Park Stadium|Pride Park]].<ref name="MaguireSigns">{{cite web|url= http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/2290594?UserKey=#ixzz1O0cPy6MZ |title=Dons will reject Derby offer as Maguire signs|publisher=PressandJournal.co.uk |date=1 June 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> However, after Derby failed to match Aberdeen's £400,000 compensation claim, it was revealed that the final fee would be decided by a FIFA Tribunal.<ref name="MaguireSigns"/><ref name=macguirecomp>{{cite news|url=http://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/Article.aspx/2287912?UserKey= |title='Aberdeen FC will take Maguire fight to FIFA' |date=30 May 2011 |work=Evening Express |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20110726220515/http://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/Article.aspx/2287912?UserKey= |archivedate=26 July 2011 }}</ref> However, after much discussion between the two clubs, on 29 June, two days before the expiry of his contract, Maguire's signing was formally announced, with the two clubs agreeing to a compensation in the region of £400,000.<ref name="MaguireFee">{{cite news |title=Derby County seal Chris Maguire deal with Aberdeen |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13944239.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=29 June 2011}}</ref>


Despite capturing six new permanent signings by the end of June, Derby still hadn't finished rebuilding and added two more captures on 1 July. The most controversial was that of [[Nottingham Forest F.C.|Nottingham Forest]]'s [[Nathan Tyson]].<ref name=tysonlink>{{cite news| url =http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/sport/Forest-forward-Tyson-summer-radar/article-3566810-detail/article.html| title = Forest forward Tyson could be on summer radar| date = 18 May 2011 | work =thisis}}</ref> On 7 June, it was confirmed that [[Nathan Tyson]] was in contract talks with the club,<ref name="TysonTalks">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13683416.stm|title=Striker Nathan Tyson set for Derby County move|publisher=BBC Sport|date=7 June 2011}}</ref> despite a controversial incident where Tyson waved a Nottingham Forest flag in front of the Derby fans after the final whistle of the [[Derby County F.C.–Nottingham Forest F.C. rivalry|East Midlands derby]] match in August 2009, a game which Tyson scored in and Forest won 3–2.<ref name="FlagGame">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8215157.stm|title=Nottm Forest 3 - 2 Derby|publisher=BBC Sport|date=29 August 2009}}</ref> Tyson was hit with a two-game suspended ban and a £5,000 fine for the incident.<ref name="TysonFine">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8321207.stm|title=Forest and Derby fined for fracas|publisher=BBC Sport|date=22 October 2009}}</ref> Tyson was confirmed as a Derby County player on 13 June, signing a 3-year pre-contract agreement and formally joining on July 1.<ref name="TysonSigned">{{cite news|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2374852,00.html|title=Derby Swoop For Tyson|publisher=dcfc.co.uk|date=13 June 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> A less contentious signing came in the shape of [[Burton Albion F.C.|Burton Albion]] goalkeeper [[Adam Legzdins]], who joined from [[Football League Two|League Two]] club [[Burton Albion F.C.|Burton Albion]] on a three-year deal,<ref name="LegzdinsTransfer">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13960105.stm|title=Derby County sign Adam Legzdins from Burton Albion|publisher=BBC Sport|date=1 July 2011}}</ref> Clough stating that he would return to first choice goalkeeper [[Frank Fielding]].<ref name="LegzdinsTransfer"/> The close seasons final captures came late on.
Despite capturing six new permanent signings by the end of June, Derby still hadn't finished rebuilding and added two more captures on 1 July. The most controversial was that of [[Nottingham Forest F.C.|Nottingham Forest]]'s [[Nathan Tyson]].<ref name=tysonlink>{{cite news| url =http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/sport/Forest-forward-Tyson-summer-radar/article-3566810-detail/article.html| title = Forest forward Tyson could be on summer radar| date = 18 May 2011 | work =thisis}}</ref> On 7 June, it was confirmed that [[Nathan Tyson]] was in contract talks with the club,<ref name="TysonTalks">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13683416.stm|title=Striker Nathan Tyson set for Derby County move|publisher=BBC Sport|date=7 June 2011}}</ref> despite a controversial incident where Tyson waved a Nottingham Forest flag in front of the Derby fans after the final whistle of the [[Derby County F.C.–Nottingham Forest F.C. rivalry|East Midlands derby]] match in August 2009, a game which Tyson scored in and Forest won 3–2.<ref name="FlagGame">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8215157.stm|title=Nottm Forest 3 - 2 Derby|publisher=BBC Sport|date=29 August 2009}}</ref> Tyson was hit with a two-game suspended ban and a £5,000 fine for the incident.<ref name="TysonFine">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8321207.stm|title=Forest and Derby fined for fracas|publisher=BBC Sport|date=22 October 2009}}</ref> Tyson was confirmed as a Derby County player on 13 June, signing a 3-year pre-contract agreement and formally joining on July 1.<ref name="TysonSigned">{{cite news|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2374852,00.html |title=Derby Swoop For Tyson |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |date=13 June 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20110615120224/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2374852,00.html |archivedate=15 June 2011 }}</ref> A less contentious signing came in the shape of [[Burton Albion F.C.|Burton Albion]] goalkeeper [[Adam Legzdins]], who joined from [[Football League Two|League Two]] club [[Burton Albion F.C.|Burton Albion]] on a three-year deal,<ref name="LegzdinsTransfer">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13960105.stm|title=Derby County sign Adam Legzdins from Burton Albion|publisher=BBC Sport|date=1 July 2011}}</ref> Clough stating that he would return to first choice goalkeeper [[Frank Fielding]].<ref name="LegzdinsTransfer"/> The close seasons final captures came late on.


Former defender [[Chris Riggott]] was invited to train with the club in an attempt to regain fitness<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2384805,00.html|title=Back To Work | work=dcfc.co.uk | date=1 July 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> and impressed enough to earn a contract offer from the club, which he subsequently signed.<ref name=riggottdeal>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14405427.stm |publisher =BBC Sport| title=Defender Chris Riggott signs Derby County deal |date = 10 August 2011}}</ref> The other signing came in the form of a six-month loan deal for [[Hull City A.F.C.|Hull City]] defender [[Kevin Kilbane]], who would challenge [[Gareth Roberts (footballer)|Gareth Roberts]] for the club's left-back position.<ref name=kilbane>{{cite news| url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2407714,00.html |publisher =dcfc.co.uk |title=Derby Move To Sign Kilbane |date = 2 August 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref>
Former defender [[Chris Riggott]] was invited to train with the club in an attempt to regain fitness<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2384805,00.html |title=Back To Work |work=dcfc.co.uk |date=1 July 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20110703230121/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2384805,00.html |archivedate=3 July 2011 }}</ref> and impressed enough to earn a contract offer from the club, which he subsequently signed.<ref name=riggottdeal>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14405427.stm |publisher =BBC Sport| title=Defender Chris Riggott signs Derby County deal |date = 10 August 2011}}</ref> The other signing came in the form of a six-month loan deal for [[Hull City A.F.C.|Hull City]] defender [[Kevin Kilbane]], who would challenge [[Gareth Roberts (footballer)|Gareth Roberts]] for the club's left-back position.<ref name=kilbane>{{cite news| url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2407714,00.html |publisher =dcfc.co.uk |title=Derby Move To Sign Kilbane |date = 2 August 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref>


Uncompleted moved included a rejected £1.25m move for [[Leicester City F.C.|Leicester City]] striker [[Martyn Waghorn]] and an approach for [[Watford F.C.|Watford]] midfielder [[John Eustace]], who had had a loan spell at the club in 2009.<ref name=waghornagain>{{cite news| url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/13362447.stm?| title =Derby County chase John Eustace and Martyn Waghorn| date =12 May 2011 | work =BBC Sport}}</ref><ref name=RamsHuntEustace>{{cite news| url = http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Rams-hunt-Eustace/story-12947021-detail/story.html| title = Rams are still in the hunt for Eustace| date = 15 July 2011 | work = This is Derbyshire}}</ref> Rumoured targets included [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]] pair [[Kevin Phillips (footballer)|Kevin Phillips]] and [[Lee Bowyer]],<ref name=phillipsbid>{{cite news| url =http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/derby-chasing-birmingham-veteran-phillips-1594241?| title = Derby chasing Birmingham veteran Phillips| date = 26 April 2011 | work =Tribal Football}}</ref><ref name=bowyerhome>{{cite news| url =http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-News-Derby-County-will-offer-out-of-favour-Birmingham-midfielder-Lee-Bowyer-a-home-in-summer-article717521.html| title = Derby offer out of favour Bowyer new home| date = 26 March 2011 | work =Mirror Football}}</ref> and [[Adam Rooney]] of [[Inverness Caledonian Thistle F.C.|Inverness Caledonian Thistle]]<ref name=otherlinks>{{cite news| url =http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/sport/Robinson-learning-curve-Pride-Park-Rams-look-smooth-raw-edges/article-3561250-detail/article.html| title =Robinson on a learning curve at Pride Park as Rams look to smooth over his raw edges| date =17 May 2011 | work =thisisderbyshire.co.uk}}</ref> The start of July also saw a rumours of a move for former Forest midfielder [[Guy Moussi]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/transfer-news/Derby-make-last-ditch-offer-try-convince-Guy-Moussi-not-re-sign-Nottingham-Forest-article756478.html|title=Derby still chasing mighty Moussi | work=Daily Mirror | date=4 July 2011}}</ref> There were also rumours of an audacious swoop for [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] and [[England national football team|England]] striker [[Michael Owen]],<ref name=owenlink>{{cite news| url =http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/862216-michael-owen-set-for-derby-move-despite-interest-from-premier-league| title =Michael Owen 'set for Derby move' despite interest from Premier League | date = 4 May 2011 | work =Metro}}</ref> which Clough himself later dismissed as "silly season" speculation.
Uncompleted moved included a rejected £1.25m move for [[Leicester City F.C.|Leicester City]] striker [[Martyn Waghorn]] and an approach for [[Watford F.C.|Watford]] midfielder [[John Eustace]], who had had a loan spell at the club in 2009.<ref name=waghornagain>{{cite news| url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/13362447.stm?| title =Derby County chase John Eustace and Martyn Waghorn| date =12 May 2011 | work =BBC Sport}}</ref><ref name=RamsHuntEustace>{{cite news| url = http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Rams-hunt-Eustace/story-12947021-detail/story.html| title = Rams are still in the hunt for Eustace| date = 15 July 2011 | work = This is Derbyshire}}</ref> Rumoured targets included [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]] pair [[Kevin Phillips (footballer)|Kevin Phillips]] and [[Lee Bowyer]],<ref name=phillipsbid>{{cite news| url =http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/derby-chasing-birmingham-veteran-phillips-1594241?| title = Derby chasing Birmingham veteran Phillips| date = 26 April 2011 | work =Tribal Football}}</ref><ref name=bowyerhome>{{cite news| url =http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-News-Derby-County-will-offer-out-of-favour-Birmingham-midfielder-Lee-Bowyer-a-home-in-summer-article717521.html| title = Derby offer out of favour Bowyer new home| date = 26 March 2011 | work =Mirror Football}}</ref> and [[Adam Rooney]] of [[Inverness Caledonian Thistle F.C.|Inverness Caledonian Thistle]]<ref name=otherlinks>{{cite news| url =http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/sport/Robinson-learning-curve-Pride-Park-Rams-look-smooth-raw-edges/article-3561250-detail/article.html| title =Robinson on a learning curve at Pride Park as Rams look to smooth over his raw edges| date =17 May 2011 | work =thisisderbyshire.co.uk}}</ref> The start of July also saw a rumours of a move for former Forest midfielder [[Guy Moussi]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/transfer-news/Derby-make-last-ditch-offer-try-convince-Guy-Moussi-not-re-sign-Nottingham-Forest-article756478.html|title=Derby still chasing mighty Moussi | work=Daily Mirror | date=4 July 2011}}</ref> There were also rumours of an audacious swoop for [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] and [[England national football team|England]] striker [[Michael Owen]],<ref name=owenlink>{{cite news| url =http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/862216-michael-owen-set-for-derby-move-despite-interest-from-premier-league| title =Michael Owen 'set for Derby move' despite interest from Premier League | date = 4 May 2011 | work =Metro}}</ref> which Clough himself later dismissed as "silly season" speculation.


With the capture of ten players, there came the necessity of shifting out those not in the first team picture to balance the club's wage bill. The biggest sale, and the only one from which Derby received a fee, was [[Luke Varney]], who joined [[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]] for a fee of £750,000<ref name=VarneySale>{{cite news| url = http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/pompey/pompey-past/great-matches/cotterill_hails_double_swoop_1_2835257| title =Cotterill hails double swoop | date= 6 July 2011 | work =portsmouth.co.uk}}</ref> after lengthy speculation.<ref name=pompeyspecualation>{{cite news| url = http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/transfer-news/Portsmouth-set-to-replace-David-Nugent-with-Derby-striker-Blackpool-hero-Luke-Varney-article751178.html?| title =Pompey set to replace Nugent with Blackpool hero| date = 21 June 2011 | work =Mirror Football}}</ref> The only other permanent departure, not counting contract expirations, was [[Ben Pringle]]. Pringle was told he was free to find another club, despite being handed a new 18-month contract just 3 months earlier,<ref name="freetofindanotherclub">{{cite news| url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/13518532.stm?| publisher =bbc.co.uk/sport| title = Midfielder Ben Pringle free to leave Derby County| date = 23 May 2011 }}</ref> and subsequently agreed personal terms with [[Rotherham United F.C.|Rotherham United]].<ref name="rotherhammovepossible">{{cite news| url =http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/sport/PRINGLE-SET-ROTHERHAM-SWITCH/article-3624994-detail/article.html| publisher =thisisderbyshire.co.uk| title = Midfielder Pringle looks set to leave Derby County| date = 3 June 2011 }}</ref> signing for the club on a free transfer later the same day.<ref name="pringlerotherham">{{cite news| url =http://www.themillers.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10360~2370215,00.html | publisher =themillers.co.uk| title = Millers snap up Pringle| date = 3 June 2011 }}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> The only other departures saw goalkeeper [[Ross Atkins]] join [[Burton Albion F.C.|Burton Albion]] on a season-long loan move<ref name=atkinsloan>{{cite news| url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14347507.stm| publisher =BBC Sport| title =Burton take Derby keeper Ross Atkins on loan| date = 29 July 2011}}</ref> and another young goalkeeper, [[James Severn]] joined [[Eastwood Town F.C.|Eastwood Town]] until 1 January.<ref name=severneastwood>{{cite news|title=Severn Joins Eastwood On Loan|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2417846,00.html|accessdate=12 August 2011|newspaper=dcfc.co.uk|date=12 August 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> There was also rumour of an [[Aberdeen F.C.|Aberdeen]] move for [[Russell Anderson]] being accepted, but the player rejected the chance of a move, preferring to remain at Pride Park.<ref name="andersonstays">{{cite news| url =http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8669_6959517,00.html?| publisher =Football 365| title = ANDERSON REJECTS ABERDEEN RETURN| date = 30 May 2011 }}</ref>
With the capture of ten players, there came the necessity of shifting out those not in the first team picture to balance the club's wage bill. The biggest sale, and the only one from which Derby received a fee, was [[Luke Varney]], who joined [[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]] for a fee of £750,000<ref name=VarneySale>{{cite news| url = http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/pompey/pompey-past/great-matches/cotterill_hails_double_swoop_1_2835257| title =Cotterill hails double swoop | date= 6 July 2011 | work =portsmouth.co.uk}}</ref> after lengthy speculation.<ref name=pompeyspecualation>{{cite news| url = http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/transfer-news/Portsmouth-set-to-replace-David-Nugent-with-Derby-striker-Blackpool-hero-Luke-Varney-article751178.html?| title =Pompey set to replace Nugent with Blackpool hero| date = 21 June 2011 | work =Mirror Football}}</ref> The only other permanent departure, not counting contract expirations, was [[Ben Pringle]]. Pringle was told he was free to find another club, despite being handed a new 18-month contract just 3 months earlier,<ref name="freetofindanotherclub">{{cite news| url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/13518532.stm?| publisher =bbc.co.uk/sport| title = Midfielder Ben Pringle free to leave Derby County| date = 23 May 2011 }}</ref> and subsequently agreed personal terms with [[Rotherham United F.C.|Rotherham United]].<ref name="rotherhammovepossible">{{cite news| url =http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/sport/PRINGLE-SET-ROTHERHAM-SWITCH/article-3624994-detail/article.html| publisher =thisisderbyshire.co.uk| title = Midfielder Pringle looks set to leave Derby County| date = 3 June 2011 }}</ref> signing for the club on a free transfer later the same day.<ref name="pringlerotherham">{{cite news|url=http://www.themillers.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10360~2370215,00.html |publisher=themillers.co.uk |title=Millers snap up Pringle |date=3 June 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20111005105621/http://www.themillers.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10360~2370215,00.html |archivedate=5 October 2011 }}</ref> The only other departures saw goalkeeper [[Ross Atkins]] join [[Burton Albion F.C.|Burton Albion]] on a season-long loan move<ref name=atkinsloan>{{cite news| url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14347507.stm| publisher =BBC Sport| title =Burton take Derby keeper Ross Atkins on loan| date = 29 July 2011}}</ref> and another young goalkeeper, [[James Severn]] joined [[Eastwood Town F.C.|Eastwood Town]] until 1 January.<ref name=severneastwood>{{cite news|title=Severn Joins Eastwood On Loan|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2417846,00.html|accessdate=12 August 2011|newspaper=dcfc.co.uk|date=12 August 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> There was also rumour of an [[Aberdeen F.C.|Aberdeen]] move for [[Russell Anderson]] being accepted, but the player rejected the chance of a move, preferring to remain at Pride Park.<ref name="andersonstays">{{cite news| url =http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8669_6959517,00.html?| publisher =Football 365| title = ANDERSON REJECTS ABERDEEN RETURN| date = 30 May 2011 }}</ref>


The players and management team returned to pre-season training on 1 July, with former loanee goalkeeper [[Matt Duke]] and left back [[Danny Blanchett]] also joining training after being released by their respective clubs.<ref name="RiggotReturn">{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Riggott-handed-chance-Rams-return/story-12868038-detail/story.html|title=Riggott handed chance of Rams return|publisher=Derby Evening Telegraph|date=2 July 2011}}</ref> Striker [[Michael Boulding]], who had been released at the start of the season, also trained with the club during pre-season<ref name=nonewdeal>{{cite news |url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2394153,00.html |publisher=Derby County |title=Derby Confirm Line-Ups For Burton |date=16 July 2011 |accessdate=16 July 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> and former Notts County left winger [[Nathan Fox]] played 90 minutes during a pre-season friendly against Burton Albion.<ref name="XI">{{cite news | url = http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2403540,00.html | publisher = dcfc.co.uk | title = Burton Albion 2-1 Derby County XI | date = 27 July 2011 | accessdate = 27 July 2011 }}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref>
The players and management team returned to pre-season training on 1 July, with former loanee goalkeeper [[Matt Duke]] and left back [[Danny Blanchett]] also joining training after being released by their respective clubs.<ref name="RiggotReturn">{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Riggott-handed-chance-Rams-return/story-12868038-detail/story.html|title=Riggott handed chance of Rams return|publisher=Derby Evening Telegraph|date=2 July 2011}}</ref> Striker [[Michael Boulding]], who had been released at the start of the season, also trained with the club during pre-season<ref name=nonewdeal>{{cite news |url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2394153,00.html |publisher=Derby County |title=Derby Confirm Line-Ups For Burton |date=16 July 2011 |accessdate=16 July 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> and former Notts County left winger [[Nathan Fox]] played 90 minutes during a pre-season friendly against Burton Albion.<ref name="XI">{{cite news | url = http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2403540,00.html | publisher = dcfc.co.uk | title = Burton Albion 2-1 Derby County XI | date = 27 July 2011 | accessdate = 27 July 2011 }}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref>


===August===
===August===
Derby's first game of the 2011–12 season came at home to relegated [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]] and saw full debuts for Jason Shackell, Craig Bryson and Kevin Kilbane. Despite going a goal down, Derby struck back to claim a 2–1 victory, which included a debut goal for Shackell, who earned a spot in the Championship Team of the Week.<ref name="brumhometotw">{{Cite news| url =http://www.football-league.co.uk/staticFiles/84/8a/0,,10794~166532,00.pdf| publisher =footballleague.co.uk| title = 6th/7th Aug Team of the Week| date = 9 August 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> This was followed by consecutive 1–0 wins away to [[Watford F.C.|Watford]] and [[Blackpool F.C.|Blackpool]], with winning goals courtesy of Steve Davies, who earned a Team of the Week placing for his performance,<ref name="watfordawaytotw">{{Cite news| url =http://www.football-league.co.uk/staticFiles/26/8b/0,,10794~166694,00.pdf| publisher =footballleague.co.uk| title = 13th/14th Aug Team of the Week| date = 15 August 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> and Craig Bryson respectively. The run was the first time Derby had opened a campaign with a three-game winning streak since 1948 and the first time in the club's history it had been achieved with two away fixtures in the run.<ref name="recordstart">{{Cite news| url =http://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/football/derbycounty/fb_news.php?storyid=13712| publisher =Fans Network| title = The Road To Forest Littered With Records For Rams!| date = 20 August 2011}}</ref> The following match against [[Doncaster Rovers F.C.|Doncaster Rovers]] was the 300th league game at the [[Pride Park Stadium]] and saw Derby in with a chance of making their best start to a season in over 100 years if they could achieve a victory.<ref name="300up">{{Cite news| url =http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2424576,00.html| publisher =dcfc.co.uk| title = 300 Up At Pride Park| date = 19 August 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> In the result of the match ''The Rams'' cruised to a 3–0 victory, with Steve Davies getting his third in four games, Kevin Kilbane getting his first goal for the club and Ben Davies scoring his first of the campaign and earning a place in the Championship Team of the Week.<ref name="daviestotw">{{Cite news| url = http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2430388,00.html| publisher =dcfc.co.uk| title = Super Ben Named In 'Team Of The Week'| date = 22 August 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> The result lifted Derby to second in the embryonic 2011–12 table and saw the Rams open with four from four, the first time this had been achieved since the start of the 1905–06 season when the club recorded a club record five straight opening victories.<ref name="fourwins"/> Four days after the result, the club revealed that right back [[John Brayford]], who had played every minute of every game since his arrival at Pride Park one year earlier, had signed a new contract extending his stay at the club until the summer of 2014.<ref name="Brayfordnewdeal">{{Cite news| url = http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2430401,00.html| publisher =dcfc.co.uk| title = Brayford Commits His Future To Derby| date = 24 August 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> The visit of [[Burnley F.C.|Burnley]] was the final game before the international break and saw Derby crash to their first defeat of the season, as [[Theo Robinson]]'s equaliser turned out to be a mere consolation in a 2–1 home loss. Regardless of the defeat, Nigel Clough remained defiant, stating "I don't want this to diminish the start we've had. 12 points from 15 has been absolutely brilliant and the manner in which we've achieved them."<ref name="burnleydefeataftremath">{{Cite news| url = http://www.givemefootball.com/championship/clough-hails-rams-despite-setback| publisher =givmefootball| title = Clough hails Rams despite setback| date = 28 August 2011}}</ref>
Derby's first game of the 2011–12 season came at home to relegated [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]] and saw full debuts for Jason Shackell, Craig Bryson and Kevin Kilbane. Despite going a goal down, Derby struck back to claim a 2–1 victory, which included a debut goal for Shackell, who earned a spot in the Championship Team of the Week.<ref name="brumhometotw">{{Cite news|url=http://www.football-league.co.uk/staticFiles/84/8a/0,,10794~166532,00.pdf |publisher=footballleague.co.uk |title=6th/7th Aug Team of the Week |date=9 August 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20131109023712/http://www.football-league.co.uk/staticFiles/84/8a/0,,10794~166532,00.pdf |archivedate=9 November 2013 }}</ref> This was followed by consecutive 1–0 wins away to [[Watford F.C.|Watford]] and [[Blackpool F.C.|Blackpool]], with winning goals courtesy of Steve Davies, who earned a Team of the Week placing for his performance,<ref name="watfordawaytotw">{{Cite news|url=http://www.football-league.co.uk/staticFiles/26/8b/0,,10794~166694,00.pdf |publisher=footballleague.co.uk |title=13th/14th Aug Team of the Week |date=15 August 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20131109023716/http://www.football-league.co.uk/staticFiles/26/8b/0,,10794~166694,00.pdf |archivedate=9 November 2013 }}</ref> and Craig Bryson respectively. The run was the first time Derby had opened a campaign with a three-game winning streak since 1948 and the first time in the club's history it had been achieved with two away fixtures in the run.<ref name="recordstart">{{Cite news| url =http://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/football/derbycounty/fb_news.php?storyid=13712| publisher =Fans Network| title = The Road To Forest Littered With Records For Rams!| date = 20 August 2011}}</ref> The following match against [[Doncaster Rovers F.C.|Doncaster Rovers]] was the 300th league game at the [[Pride Park Stadium]] and saw Derby in with a chance of making their best start to a season in over 100 years if they could achieve a victory.<ref name="300up">{{Cite news| url =http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2424576,00.html| publisher =dcfc.co.uk| title = 300 Up At Pride Park| date = 19 August 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> In the result of the match ''The Rams'' cruised to a 3–0 victory, with Steve Davies getting his third in four games, Kevin Kilbane getting his first goal for the club and Ben Davies scoring his first of the campaign and earning a place in the Championship Team of the Week.<ref name="daviestotw">{{Cite news| url = http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2430388,00.html| publisher =dcfc.co.uk| title = Super Ben Named In 'Team Of The Week'| date = 22 August 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> The result lifted Derby to second in the embryonic 2011–12 table and saw the Rams open with four from four, the first time this had been achieved since the start of the 1905–06 season when the club recorded a club record five straight opening victories.<ref name="fourwins"/> Four days after the result, the club revealed that right back [[John Brayford]], who had played every minute of every game since his arrival at Pride Park one year earlier, had signed a new contract extending his stay at the club until the summer of 2014.<ref name="Brayfordnewdeal">{{Cite news| url = http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2430401,00.html| publisher =dcfc.co.uk| title = Brayford Commits His Future To Derby| date = 24 August 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> The visit of [[Burnley F.C.|Burnley]] was the final game before the international break and saw Derby crash to their first defeat of the season, as [[Theo Robinson]]'s equaliser turned out to be a mere consolation in a 2–1 home loss. Regardless of the defeat, Nigel Clough remained defiant, stating "I don't want this to diminish the start we've had. 12 points from 15 has been absolutely brilliant and the manner in which we've achieved them."<ref name="burnleydefeataftremath">{{Cite news| url = http://www.givemefootball.com/championship/clough-hails-rams-despite-setback| publisher =givmefootball| title = Clough hails Rams despite setback| date = 28 August 2011}}</ref>


With the international break stopping play, eyes moved to what the club would do prior to the closing of the Transfer Window on September 1, with the long term chase for a holding midfielder and an additional striker suggesting that the club's work in the transfer market had not yet finished. However, the club's only movement saw academy graduate [[Ryan Connolly]] join [[Scottish Football League First Division|Scottish First Division]] side [[Ayr United F.C.|Ayr United]] on loan until 31 December<ref name="connollyayrutdloan">{{cite web | title=Youngster Connolly Joins Ayr On Loan| publisher=dcfc.co.uk| url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2436216,00.html|date = 31 August 2011 }}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> and youth team winger Aaron Cole head out to Eastwood Town on a one-month deal.<ref name="coleeastwoodloan">{{cite web | title=Cole Heads To Eastwood On Loan| publisher=dcfc.co.uk| url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2437427,00.html|date = 31 August 2011 }}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> Glick explained the lack of activity with a statement via. the club's official website in which he said "We continue to make inquiries and calls in regards to strengthening the squad, but it may be that things happen when the loan window re-opens next week. We have been extremely active in our recruitment this summer - signing 10 players - and we very satisfied the quality and experience we have brought in. It is no secret that we expected, and needed, to move some players on during this window to balance the squad with the new intake, and that element has so far proved challenging. This means we are carrying players and wages that are not part of our plans for this campaign or beyond, and we need to rectify that. It is important not to abandon our philosophy of responsible governance of this Club; with the Financial Fair Play rules set to be introduced in the Football League in 2012, it makes it even more imperative."<ref name="nosignings">{{cite web | title=Glick On Transfer Window| publisher=dcfc.co.uk| url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2437249,00.html|date = 31 August 2011 }}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> One of the players thought to not be part of the club's plans was defender Dean Leacock, with media speculation that he was going to be offered a contract termination.<ref name="leacockrelease">{{cite web | title=Rams Set To Release Leacock| publisher=SKY Sports| url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_7140123,00.html|date = 31 August 2011 }}</ref> Other financial news saw it revealed amount of money Derby spent on agents' fees had fallen by almost £150,000 between July 2010 and July 2011, paying out £289,500 as opposed to £434,350 in the previous 12 months. The figure saw Derby tumble down the Championship Agent's Fees table to 18th, having topped it three years before. Thefigure was made up of 57 transactions, including 18 new registrations/transfers, eight updated contracts, 13 contracts cancelled and 18 loans.<ref name="agentsfees">{{Cite news| url = http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/story-13214962-detail/story.html| publisher =thisisderbyshire| title = Amount spent on agents' fees by Derby goes down| date = 27 August 2011}}</ref>
With the international break stopping play, eyes moved to what the club would do prior to the closing of the Transfer Window on September 1, with the long term chase for a holding midfielder and an additional striker suggesting that the club's work in the transfer market had not yet finished. However, the club's only movement saw academy graduate [[Ryan Connolly]] join [[Scottish Football League First Division|Scottish First Division]] side [[Ayr United F.C.|Ayr United]] on loan until 31 December<ref name="connollyayrutdloan">{{cite web | title=Youngster Connolly Joins Ayr On Loan| publisher=dcfc.co.uk| url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2436216,00.html|date = 31 August 2011 }}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> and youth team winger Aaron Cole head out to Eastwood Town on a one-month deal.<ref name="coleeastwoodloan">{{cite web | title=Cole Heads To Eastwood On Loan| publisher=dcfc.co.uk| url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2437427,00.html|date = 31 August 2011 }}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> Glick explained the lack of activity with a statement via. the club's official website in which he said "We continue to make inquiries and calls in regards to strengthening the squad, but it may be that things happen when the loan window re-opens next week. We have been extremely active in our recruitment this summer - signing 10 players - and we very satisfied the quality and experience we have brought in. It is no secret that we expected, and needed, to move some players on during this window to balance the squad with the new intake, and that element has so far proved challenging. This means we are carrying players and wages that are not part of our plans for this campaign or beyond, and we need to rectify that. It is important not to abandon our philosophy of responsible governance of this Club; with the Financial Fair Play rules set to be introduced in the Football League in 2012, it makes it even more imperative."<ref name="nosignings">{{cite web | title=Glick On Transfer Window| publisher=dcfc.co.uk| url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2437249,00.html|date = 31 August 2011 }}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> One of the players thought to not be part of the club's plans was defender Dean Leacock, with media speculation that he was going to be offered a contract termination.<ref name="leacockrelease">{{cite web | title=Rams Set To Release Leacock| publisher=SKY Sports| url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_7140123,00.html|date = 31 August 2011 }}</ref> Other financial news saw it revealed amount of money Derby spent on agents' fees had fallen by almost £150,000 between July 2010 and July 2011, paying out £289,500 as opposed to £434,350 in the previous 12 months. The figure saw Derby tumble down the Championship Agent's Fees table to 18th, having topped it three years before. Thefigure was made up of 57 transactions, including 18 new registrations/transfers, eight updated contracts, 13 contracts cancelled and 18 loans.<ref name="agentsfees">{{Cite news| url = http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/story-13214962-detail/story.html| publisher =thisisderbyshire| title = Amount spent on agents' fees by Derby goes down| date = 27 August 2011}}</ref>
Line 93: Line 93:
The international break saw a surprise call-up to the [[England national football team|England squad]] for Frankie Fielding following [[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham United]]'s [[Robert Green|Rob Green]]'s withdrawal through injury. Although Fielding was unused for the two [[UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying|Euro 2012 qualifiers]], he became the first Derby player in 11 years to have a role for England, since [[Seth Johnson]]'s appearance against [[Italy national football team|Italy]] in 2000.<ref name="fieldinginternational">{{cite news |title=Frank Enjoying England Experience|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2438924,00.html|newspaper=dcfc.co.uk |date=4 September 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> When Fielding returned to Derby he and his teammates resumed Championship action away to [[Coventry City F.C.|Coventry City]], where two second half goals condemned them to a second consecutive defeat, this time 2–0.
The international break saw a surprise call-up to the [[England national football team|England squad]] for Frankie Fielding following [[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham United]]'s [[Robert Green|Rob Green]]'s withdrawal through injury. Although Fielding was unused for the two [[UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying|Euro 2012 qualifiers]], he became the first Derby player in 11 years to have a role for England, since [[Seth Johnson]]'s appearance against [[Italy national football team|Italy]] in 2000.<ref name="fieldinginternational">{{cite news |title=Frank Enjoying England Experience|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2438924,00.html|newspaper=dcfc.co.uk |date=4 September 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> When Fielding returned to Derby he and his teammates resumed Championship action away to [[Coventry City F.C.|Coventry City]], where two second half goals condemned them to a second consecutive defeat, this time 2–0.


The day before the Coventry defeat it was announced that [[Nigel Clough]] had been nominated for the Championship Manager of the Month award, but lost out to [[Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.|Brighton & Hove Albion]]'s [[Gus Poyet]].<ref name="motmnom">{{cite news|title=NPOWER FOOTBALL LEAGUE MANAGER OF THE MONTH |url=http://www.leaguemanagers.com/news/news-6854.html |work=leaguemanagers.com |date=12 September 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20131029184823/http://www.leaguemanagers.com/news/news-6854.html |archivedate=29 October 2013 }}</ref> Prior to the game, Clough also spoke of his desire for patience and his commitment to bringing through youth at Derby.<ref name="youthfuture2">{{cite news |title=Clough: Youth crucial to Rams' future|url=http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/story-13268294-detail/story.html|newspaper=thisisderbyshire.co.uk|date=5 September 2011}}</ref> Reflecting on Clough's comments, the Derby Evening Telegraph stated "The conveyor belt at Derby has juddered and stalled at times and in many ways it has been rusted by constant changes within the Academy set up"<ref name="youthfuture1">{{cite news |title=O'Brien and Hendrick show that the Rams conveyor belt is starting to move again|url=http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/story-13268291-detail/story.html|newspaper=thisisderbyshire.co.uk|date=5 September 2011}}</ref> before highlighting past academy-graduates England international [[Tom Huddlestone]], Northern Ireland international [[Lee Camp (footballer)|Lee Camp]], Wales international [[Lewin Nyatanga]] and England U21 internationals [[Lee Grant]], [[Giles Barnes]] and [[Lee Holmes]] (all of whom were no longer with the club) as examples that the current youth set-up should aim to emulate.<ref name="youthfuture3">{{cite news |title=Huddlestone, Camp and Grant are just a few of the recent home-grown players to shine|url=http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/story-13268275-detail/story.html|newspaper=thisisderbyshire.co.uk|date=5 September 2011}}</ref> As if to prove that Derby's youth production was back on track, academy graduate [[Mark O'Brien (footballer born 1992)|Mark O'Brien]], who had played in every game of the new season despite being just 18 years old, signed a new four-year contract, extending his stay at the club until the summer of 2015.<ref name="ob4yrdeal">{{cite news |title=O'Brien Signs New Derby Deal |url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2448710,00.html |newspaper=dcfc.co.uk |date=13 September 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> On the same day, winger [[Dave Martin (footballer born 1985)|Dave Martin]] joined [[Walsall F.C.|Walsall]] on a months loan<ref name="martinwalsallloan">{{cite web | title=Martin Makes Saddlers Switch | publisher=dcfc.co.uk| url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2449524,00.html| date = 13 September 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> and the following week [[Stephen Bywater]] moved to [[Sheffield Wednesday F.C.|Sheffield Wednesday]] until the end of the year<ref name="bywaterloan">{{cite web|title=Bywater joins Sheffield Wednesday on loan |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2456575,00.html |date=20 September 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20110926081110/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2456575,00.html |archivedate=26 September 2011 }}</ref> with goalkeeping coach [[Martin Taylor (footballer born 1966)|Martin Taylor]] saying of Bywater "He's not in the squad at all. Nothing against Stephen because he's worked really hard but he doesn't figure in our plans. At his age he just needs to play games and get in the shop window."<ref name="notinplans">{{cite news|url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/15007467.stm|publisher =BBC Sport|title =Goalkeeper Stephen Bywater 'not in Derby County plans'|date = 21 September 2011}}</ref> There was also a link with [[Mansfield Town F.C.|Mansfield Town]]'s [[Tom Naylor]], who played for the reserves in a bid to earn a contract offer from the club,<ref name="naylortrial">{{cite web | title=Derby County monitor Mansfield Town's Tom Naylor| publisher=BBC Sport| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/14842285.stm| date = 9 September 2011}}</ref> and Clough laughed off [[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Bromwich Albion]]'s rumoured £3m interest in John Brayford, saying "Is that all, £3million?"<ref name="brayfordwbalink">{{cite web | title=Clough laughs off Brayford link| publisher=SKY Sports| url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,11698_7178458,00.html| date = 15 September 2011}}</ref>
The day before the Coventry defeat it was announced that [[Nigel Clough]] had been nominated for the Championship Manager of the Month award, but lost out to [[Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.|Brighton & Hove Albion]]'s [[Gus Poyet]].<ref name="motmnom">{{cite news |title=NPOWER FOOTBALL LEAGUE MANAGER OF THE MONTH
| url = http://www.leaguemanagers.com/news/news-6854.html|work=leaguemanagers.com |date=12 September 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> Prior to the game, Clough also spoke of his desire for patience and his commitment to bringing through youth at Derby.<ref name="youthfuture2">{{cite news |title=Clough: Youth crucial to Rams' future|url=http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/story-13268294-detail/story.html|newspaper=thisisderbyshire.co.uk|date=5 September 2011}}</ref> Reflecting on Clough's comments, the Derby Evening Telegraph stated "The conveyor belt at Derby has juddered and stalled at times and in many ways it has been rusted by constant changes within the Academy set up"<ref name="youthfuture1">{{cite news |title=O'Brien and Hendrick show that the Rams conveyor belt is starting to move again|url=http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/story-13268291-detail/story.html|newspaper=thisisderbyshire.co.uk|date=5 September 2011}}</ref> before highlighting past academy-graduates England international [[Tom Huddlestone]], Northern Ireland international [[Lee Camp (footballer)|Lee Camp]], Wales international [[Lewin Nyatanga]] and England U21 internationals [[Lee Grant]], [[Giles Barnes]] and [[Lee Holmes]] (all of whom were no longer with the club) as examples that the current youth set-up should aim to emulate.<ref name="youthfuture3">{{cite news |title=Huddlestone, Camp and Grant are just a few of the recent home-grown players to shine|url=http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/story-13268275-detail/story.html|newspaper=thisisderbyshire.co.uk|date=5 September 2011}}</ref> As if to prove that Derby's youth production was back on track, academy graduate [[Mark O'Brien (footballer born 1992)|Mark O'Brien]], who had played in every game of the new season despite being just 18 years old, signed a new four-year contract, extending his stay at the club until the summer of 2015.<ref name="ob4yrdeal">{{cite news |title=O'Brien Signs New Derby Deal |url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2448710,00.html |newspaper=dcfc.co.uk |date=13 September 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> On the same day, winger [[Dave Martin (footballer born 1985)|Dave Martin]] joined [[Walsall F.C.|Walsall]] on a months loan<ref name="martinwalsallloan">{{cite web | title=Martin Makes Saddlers Switch | publisher=dcfc.co.uk| url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2449524,00.html| date = 13 September 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> and the following week [[Stephen Bywater]] moved to [[Sheffield Wednesday F.C.|Sheffield Wednesday]] until the end of the year<ref name="bywaterloan">{{cite web | title=Bywater joins Sheffield Wednesday on loan| publisher=dcfc.co.uk| url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2456575,00.html| date = 20 September 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> with goalkeeping coach [[Martin Taylor (footballer born 1966)|Martin Taylor]] saying of Bywater "He's not in the squad at all. Nothing against Stephen because he's worked really hard but he doesn't figure in our plans. At his age he just needs to play games and get in the shop window."<ref name="notinplans">{{cite news|url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/15007467.stm|publisher =BBC Sport|title =Goalkeeper Stephen Bywater 'not in Derby County plans'|date = 21 September 2011}}</ref> There was also a link with [[Mansfield Town F.C.|Mansfield Town]]'s [[Tom Naylor]], who played for the reserves in a bid to earn a contract offer from the club,<ref name="naylortrial">{{cite web | title=Derby County monitor Mansfield Town's Tom Naylor| publisher=BBC Sport| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/14842285.stm| date = 9 September 2011}}</ref> and Clough laughed off [[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Bromwich Albion]]'s rumoured £3m interest in John Brayford, saying "Is that all, £3million?"<ref name="brayfordwbalink">{{cite web | title=Clough laughs off Brayford link| publisher=SKY Sports| url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,11698_7178458,00.html| date = 15 September 2011}}</ref>


17 September bought the first [[Derby County F.C.–Nottingham Forest F.C. rivalry|East Midlands derby]] of the season, as Derby travelled to the [[City Ground]] to face [[Nottingham Forest F.C.|Nottingham Forest]]. With midfielder [[James Bailey (footballer)|James Bailey]] injured in the week prior to the match, an ankle injury which ruled him out for three months.,<ref name="3monthlayoff">{{cite news |title=Injury setback for Derby County defender James Bailey|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/14973510.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date= 19 September 2011}}</ref> Derby unsuccessfully tried to sign former-Captain [[Matt Oakley]] on loan from [[Leicester City F.C.|Leicester City]] to bolster the midfield.<ref name="oakleymove">{{cite web | title=Leicester boss Eriksson says Oakley deal is news to him| publisher=thisisderbyshire| url=http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/story-13342558-detail/story.html| date = 15 September 2011}}</ref> The already contentious fixture saw tensions heightened by the news that [[Nathan Tyson]], who had injured himself in pre-season following his move to Derby from Forest, was finally available for selection for ''the Rams.''<ref name="Tysonfit">{{cite web | title=Rams patient over Tyson| publisher=Eat Sleep Sport| url=http://www.eatsleepsport.com/derby-county/rams-patient-over-tyson-1286567.html| date = 16 September 2011}}</ref> In the event of the match, Frank Fielding was sent off after just 66 seconds after bundling over Forest striker [[Ishmael Miller]] giving [[Adam Legzdins]] to make his first appearance for the club, with his first action being to pick [[Andy Reid (Irish footballer)|Andy Reid]]'s penalty out of the back of the net. However, [[Jamie Ward]]'s 29th-minute equaliser, a mazy run past three Forest defenders before he beat [[Lee Camp (footballer)|Lee Camp]] at his near post from the byline, saw the ten-man Derby side level at half-time. The second half saw [[Nathan Tyson]] come on for his Derby debut, but it was 19-year-old academy graduate [[Jeff Hendrick]], who like Mark O'Brien had broken into the first team after impressive performances and was named in the Championship Team of the Week on the back of his performance,<ref name="forestawaytotw">{{cite web | title=Hero Jeff named in Team of the Week| publisher=dcfc.co.uk| url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2456295,00.html| date = 20 September 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> who grabbed the headlines when he scored midway into the second half with his first professional goal and claimed Derby's third win at the [[City Ground]] in five attempts. The victory was followed with four points from the next two home games - a 3–0 thumping of [[Millwall F.C.|Millwall]] which saw [[John Brayford]], [[Ben Davies (footballer, born 1981)|Ben Davies]] and [[Jeff Hendrick]] named in the Championship's 'Team of the Week'<ref name="millwallhometotw">{{cite web | title=Trio rewarded with Team of the Week spots| publisher=dcfc.co.uk| url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2465381,00.html| date = 28 September 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> and a 1–1 draw with [[Barnsley F.C.|Barnsley]] - to take them into the automatic promotion spots. The results came in midst of discussion over Clough's contract - which was due to expire at the end of the season,<ref name="cloughcontract">{{cite web | title=Time for swift end to Clough contract issue for long-term good of Rams' future stability| publisher=thisisderbyshire.co.uk| url=http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/story-13411419-detail/story.html| date = 27 September 2011}}</ref> with Forest allegedly interested in securing their former-player's services.<ref name="cloughforestlink">{{cite web | title=Nigel Clough could follow in his fathers footsteps and become Nottingham Forest boss if Steve McClaren fails to turn things around | publisher=thepeople.co.uk| url=http://www.people.co.uk/sport/football/news/2011/09/25/nigel-clough-could-follow-in-his-fathers-footsteps-and-become-nottingham-forest-boss-if-steve-mcclaren-fails-to-turn-things-around-102039-23444085/| date = 25 September 2011}}</ref>
17 September bought the first [[Derby County F.C.–Nottingham Forest F.C. rivalry|East Midlands derby]] of the season, as Derby travelled to the [[City Ground]] to face [[Nottingham Forest F.C.|Nottingham Forest]]. With midfielder [[James Bailey (footballer)|James Bailey]] injured in the week prior to the match, an ankle injury which ruled him out for three months.,<ref name="3monthlayoff">{{cite news |title=Injury setback for Derby County defender James Bailey|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/14973510.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date= 19 September 2011}}</ref> Derby unsuccessfully tried to sign former-Captain [[Matt Oakley]] on loan from [[Leicester City F.C.|Leicester City]] to bolster the midfield.<ref name="oakleymove">{{cite web | title=Leicester boss Eriksson says Oakley deal is news to him| publisher=thisisderbyshire| url=http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/story-13342558-detail/story.html| date = 15 September 2011}}</ref> The already contentious fixture saw tensions heightened by the news that [[Nathan Tyson]], who had injured himself in pre-season following his move to Derby from Forest, was finally available for selection for ''the Rams.''<ref name="Tysonfit">{{cite web | title=Rams patient over Tyson| publisher=Eat Sleep Sport| url=http://www.eatsleepsport.com/derby-county/rams-patient-over-tyson-1286567.html| date = 16 September 2011}}</ref> In the event of the match, Frank Fielding was sent off after just 66 seconds after bundling over Forest striker [[Ishmael Miller]] giving [[Adam Legzdins]] to make his first appearance for the club, with his first action being to pick [[Andy Reid (Irish footballer)|Andy Reid]]'s penalty out of the back of the net. However, [[Jamie Ward]]'s 29th-minute equaliser, a mazy run past three Forest defenders before he beat [[Lee Camp (footballer)|Lee Camp]] at his near post from the byline, saw the ten-man Derby side level at half-time. The second half saw [[Nathan Tyson]] come on for his Derby debut, but it was 19-year-old academy graduate [[Jeff Hendrick]], who like Mark O'Brien had broken into the first team after impressive performances and was named in the Championship Team of the Week on the back of his performance,<ref name="forestawaytotw">{{cite web|title=Hero Jeff named in Team of the Week |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2456295,00.html |date=20 September 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20110924182056/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2456295,00.html |archivedate=24 September 2011 }}</ref> who grabbed the headlines when he scored midway into the second half with his first professional goal and claimed Derby's third win at the [[City Ground]] in five attempts. The victory was followed with four points from the next two home games - a 3–0 thumping of [[Millwall F.C.|Millwall]] which saw [[John Brayford]], [[Ben Davies (footballer, born 1981)|Ben Davies]] and [[Jeff Hendrick]] named in the Championship's 'Team of the Week'<ref name="millwallhometotw">{{cite web | title=Trio rewarded with Team of the Week spots| publisher=dcfc.co.uk| url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2465381,00.html| date = 28 September 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> and a 1–1 draw with [[Barnsley F.C.|Barnsley]] - to take them into the automatic promotion spots. The results came in midst of discussion over Clough's contract - which was due to expire at the end of the season,<ref name="cloughcontract">{{cite web | title=Time for swift end to Clough contract issue for long-term good of Rams' future stability| publisher=thisisderbyshire.co.uk| url=http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/story-13411419-detail/story.html| date = 27 September 2011}}</ref> with Forest allegedly interested in securing their former-player's services.<ref name="cloughforestlink">{{cite web | title=Nigel Clough could follow in his fathers footsteps and become Nottingham Forest boss if Steve McClaren fails to turn things around | publisher=thepeople.co.uk| url=http://www.people.co.uk/sport/football/news/2011/09/25/nigel-clough-could-follow-in-his-fathers-footsteps-and-become-nottingham-forest-boss-if-steve-mcclaren-fails-to-turn-things-around-102039-23444085/| date = 25 September 2011}}</ref>


===October===
===October===
The first game of October, and Derby's final game before the [[UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying#Qualifying group stage|international break]] saw Derby make the short trip to [[Leicester City F.C.|Leicester City]]. In the event of the game, Derby were on the end of a thumping 4–0 defeat, which included two goals in the final two minutes, but remained in third place in the table thanks to results elsewhere. It was the club's biggest defeat for almost exactly two years (after a 1–6 mauling at [[Cardiff City F.C.|Cardiff City]] on 29 September 2009) and left Clough asking supporters to not let the result "overshadow what has been a great start to the season for us."<ref name="overshadow">{{cite web | title=Don't let result overshadow our start to the season. | publisher=dcfc.co.uk| url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2464640,00.html?| date = 1 October 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> The heavy nature of the defeat, which was partially attributed to player exhaustion due to the constraints of a regular Championship season being placed on Derby's small squad, led to questions about potential investment over the next two weeks, with CEO Tom Glick stating that "we have our eye firmly on what it will take to get through the first half of the season before January and if we feel we're light, we'll make a move" before reaffirming that he didn't foresee any new signings ahead of the next game, at home to [[Southampton F.C.|Southampton]].<ref name="loansigningsNO">{{cite web | title=Rams consider loan options
The first game of October, and Derby's final game before the [[UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying#Qualifying group stage|international break]] saw Derby make the short trip to [[Leicester City F.C.|Leicester City]]. In the event of the game, Derby were on the end of a thumping 4–0 defeat, which included two goals in the final two minutes, but remained in third place in the table thanks to results elsewhere. It was the club's biggest defeat for almost exactly two years (after a 1–6 mauling at [[Cardiff City F.C.|Cardiff City]] on 29 September 2009) and left Clough asking supporters to not let the result "overshadow what has been a great start to the season for us."<ref name="overshadow">{{cite web|title=Don't let result overshadow our start to the season. |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2464640,00.html? |date=1 October 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20111003150606/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2464640,00.html |archivedate=3 October 2011 }}</ref> The heavy nature of the defeat, which was partially attributed to player exhaustion due to the constraints of a regular Championship season being placed on Derby's small squad, led to questions about potential investment over the next two weeks, with CEO Tom Glick stating that "we have our eye firmly on what it will take to get through the first half of the season before January and if we feel we're light, we'll make a move" before reaffirming that he didn't foresee any new signings ahead of the next game, at home to [[Southampton F.C.|Southampton]].<ref name="loansigningsNO">{{cite web | title=Rams consider loan options
| publisher = Sky Sports| url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_7220718,00.html?| date = 3 October 2011}}</ref> The club also made public its intention to offer a new contract to [[Jeff Hendrick]], who had enjoyed an excellent start to his first full season of professional football.<ref name="hendrickcontract">{{cite web | title=Hendrick in line for Rams deal
| publisher = Sky Sports| url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_7220718,00.html?| date = 3 October 2011}}</ref> The club also made public its intention to offer a new contract to [[Jeff Hendrick]], who had enjoyed an excellent start to his first full season of professional football.<ref name="hendrickcontract">{{cite web | title=Hendrick in line for Rams deal
| publisher = Sky Sports| url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_7223207,00.html?| date = 4 October 2011}}</ref> The international break allowed Derby the time to try to bring back some of the squads injured key players, with [[Chris Riggott]], [[Shaun Barker]], [[Paul Green (footballer born 1983)|Paul Green]] and [[Nathan Tyson]] all showing signs of nearing return to the first team picture.<ref name="barkergreen">{{cite web | title=Rams pair progressing | publisher=Sky Sports| url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_7229577,00.html?| date = 7 October 2011}}</ref><ref name="riggott">{{cite web | title=Riggott Return Excites Clough| publisher=dcfc.co.uk| url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2468668,00.html| date = 7 October 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> They was a further boost to the squad when [[Jason Shackell]] was nominated for [[Football League Championship Player of the Month|Championship Player of the Month]], though he lost out to [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]]'s [[Matthew Bates]].<ref name="shackellptm">{{cite web | title=Boro's Bates Pips Shackell To Award| publisher=dcfc.co.uk| url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2475043,00.html| date = 7 October 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref>
| publisher = Sky Sports| url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_7223207,00.html?| date = 4 October 2011}}</ref> The international break allowed Derby the time to try to bring back some of the squads injured key players, with [[Chris Riggott]], [[Shaun Barker]], [[Paul Green (footballer born 1983)|Paul Green]] and [[Nathan Tyson]] all showing signs of nearing return to the first team picture.<ref name="barkergreen">{{cite web | title=Rams pair progressing | publisher=Sky Sports| url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_7229577,00.html?| date = 7 October 2011}}</ref><ref name="riggott">{{cite web|title=Riggott Return Excites Clough |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2468668,00.html |date=7 October 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20111007233056/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2468668,00.html |archivedate=7 October 2011 }}</ref> They was a further boost to the squad when [[Jason Shackell]] was nominated for [[Football League Championship Player of the Month|Championship Player of the Month]], though he lost out to [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]]'s [[Matthew Bates]].<ref name="shackellptm">{{cite web|title=Boro's Bates Pips Shackell To Award |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2475043,00.html |date=7 October 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20111007222054/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2475043,00.html |archivedate=7 October 2011 }}</ref>


The return to league action saw a high profile fixture at home to league leaders [[Southampton F.C.|Southampton]], with a sell out crowd (the first of the season) making the match the fourth highest attended of the day in English football. [[Theo Robinson]]'s 3rd-minute strike saw Derby open the scoring in an eventual 1–1 draw, though they owed much to an inspired performance from [[Frank Fielding]] for keeping them in the game.<ref name="fieldingsoton">{{cite web | title=Fielding denies Saints victory| publisher=football365| url=http://www.football365.com/match/3407782/report?| date = 15 October 2011}}</ref> The draw came despite the absence of [[John Brayford]], who missed his first match since joining Derby 15 months previously after picking up an injury in training,<ref name="CloughsotonHome">{{cite web | title=Clough pleased with Derby character| publisher=BBC Football| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/15323820.stm| date = 15 October 2011}}</ref> and top-scorer Steve Davies' early exit after picking up an eye injury.<ref name="Davies injurySHOCK!!">{{cite web | title=Injury Setback For Rams Star Davies| publisher=dcfc.co.uk|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2483186,00.html?| date = 15 October 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> With the Brayford ruled out for six weeks and Davies for twelve,<ref name="12weeksout">{{cite web | title=Steve: How skull injury almost ended my career| publisher=thisisderbyshire| url=http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/story-13620688-detail/story.html?| date = 21 October 2011}}</ref> Derby cast their eye over the emergency loan market<ref name="loanmarketsoton">{{cite web | title=Rams eye loan market after double injury blow| publisher=thisisderbyshire| url=http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/story-13580292-detail/story.html?| date = 17 October 2011}}</ref> and confirmed they have enquired about [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]]'s [[James Perch]] though Newcastle denied the request as the player was providing defensive cover.<ref name="loanmarketsoton"/> Two days after the game it was announced [[Nigel Clough]], alongside his backroom staff, had signed new 3 1/2-year deals at Derby to take them through until summer 2015.<ref name="signsdeal"/> The following day, Derby let the lead slip twice as they drew 2–2 at [[Reading F.C.|Reading]] and lost 2–0 at [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]] the following weekend to drop to 6th in the table, their lowest position of the table, and stretch their winless streak to five games. The Middlesbrough game was notable for featuring the debut of the highly touted [[Mason Bennett]], who set a club record for youngest ever team player, making his first appearance at 15 years and 99 days old.<ref name="Bennettbreaksrecord"/> The final game of October saw Derby rise to fifth in the table and finally ending their winless streak by grabbing their first win in 6 with a 3–1 win over [[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]], with strikes from [[Craig Bryson]] and [[Jamie Ward]] sandwiching [[Chris Maguire]]'s first league goal for the club on his first league start in an acclaimed performance. Craig Bryson's performance earned him a place in the Championship Team of the Week.<ref name="brysontotw1">{{cite web| title = Bryson In Championship 'Team Of The Week'| url =http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2501091,00.html?| publisher = dcfc.co.uk| date = 1 November 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> and Mason Bennett also made his first home appearance, coming on in the second half. The match saw injuries to [[Theo Robinson]] (hamstring), [[Mark O'Brien (footballer born 1992)|Mark O'Brien]] (shoulder) and [[Chris Maguire]] (broken nose) to add to eight other injured first team players ([[Shaun Barker]], [[John Brayford]], [[Steve Davies (footballer born 1987)|Steven Davies]], [[Saul Deeney]], [[Nathan Tyson]], [[James Bailey (footballer)|James Bailey]], [[Paul Green (footballer born 1983)|Paul Green]] and [[Chris Riggott]]).<ref name="injuriespompey">{{cite web| title = Rams are counting cost of victory| url =http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/story-13712588-detail/story.html?| publisher = thisisderbyshire| date = 31 October 2011}}</ref> With eleven senior players unavailable, the club admitted it "might" consider entering the loan market,<ref name="injuriespompey"/> though Clough later stated "We are trying to find the solutions from within the squad", suggesting that their frequent use of the loan market in previous seasons had had a destabilizing effect on the squads of the time.<ref name="noloans">{{cite web| title = No Rams raids, insists Clough| url =http://www.football365.com/championship/7285254/No-Rams-raids-insists-Clough?| publisher = Sky Sports| date = 1 November 2011}}</ref>
The return to league action saw a high profile fixture at home to league leaders [[Southampton F.C.|Southampton]], with a sell out crowd (the first of the season) making the match the fourth highest attended of the day in English football. [[Theo Robinson]]'s 3rd-minute strike saw Derby open the scoring in an eventual 1–1 draw, though they owed much to an inspired performance from [[Frank Fielding]] for keeping them in the game.<ref name="fieldingsoton">{{cite web | title=Fielding denies Saints victory| publisher=football365| url=http://www.football365.com/match/3407782/report?| date = 15 October 2011}}</ref> The draw came despite the absence of [[John Brayford]], who missed his first match since joining Derby 15 months previously after picking up an injury in training,<ref name="CloughsotonHome">{{cite web | title=Clough pleased with Derby character| publisher=BBC Football| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/15323820.stm| date = 15 October 2011}}</ref> and top-scorer Steve Davies' early exit after picking up an eye injury.<ref name="Davies injurySHOCK!!">{{cite web|title=Injury Setback For Rams Star Davies |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2483186,00.html? |date=15 October 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20111017141255/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2483186,00.html |archivedate=17 October 2011 }}</ref> With the Brayford ruled out for six weeks and Davies for twelve,<ref name="12weeksout">{{cite web | title=Steve: How skull injury almost ended my career| publisher=thisisderbyshire| url=http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/story-13620688-detail/story.html?| date = 21 October 2011}}</ref> Derby cast their eye over the emergency loan market<ref name="loanmarketsoton">{{cite web | title=Rams eye loan market after double injury blow| publisher=thisisderbyshire| url=http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/story-13580292-detail/story.html?| date = 17 October 2011}}</ref> and confirmed they have enquired about [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]]'s [[James Perch]] though Newcastle denied the request as the player was providing defensive cover.<ref name="loanmarketsoton"/> Two days after the game it was announced [[Nigel Clough]], alongside his backroom staff, had signed new 3 1/2-year deals at Derby to take them through until summer 2015.<ref name="signsdeal"/> The following day, Derby let the lead slip twice as they drew 2–2 at [[Reading F.C.|Reading]] and lost 2–0 at [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]] the following weekend to drop to 6th in the table, their lowest position of the table, and stretch their winless streak to five games. The Middlesbrough game was notable for featuring the debut of the highly touted [[Mason Bennett]], who set a club record for youngest ever team player, making his first appearance at 15 years and 99 days old.<ref name="Bennettbreaksrecord"/> The final game of October saw Derby rise to fifth in the table and finally ending their winless streak by grabbing their first win in 6 with a 3–1 win over [[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]], with strikes from [[Craig Bryson]] and [[Jamie Ward]] sandwiching [[Chris Maguire]]'s first league goal for the club on his first league start in an acclaimed performance. Craig Bryson's performance earned him a place in the Championship Team of the Week.<ref name="brysontotw1">{{cite web|title=Bryson In Championship 'Team Of The Week' |url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2501091,00.html? |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |date=1 November 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20111102162041/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2501091,00.html |archivedate=2 November 2011 }}</ref> and Mason Bennett also made his first home appearance, coming on in the second half. The match saw injuries to [[Theo Robinson]] (hamstring), [[Mark O'Brien (footballer born 1992)|Mark O'Brien]] (shoulder) and [[Chris Maguire]] (broken nose) to add to eight other injured first team players ([[Shaun Barker]], [[John Brayford]], [[Steve Davies (footballer born 1987)|Steven Davies]], [[Saul Deeney]], [[Nathan Tyson]], [[James Bailey (footballer)|James Bailey]], [[Paul Green (footballer born 1983)|Paul Green]] and [[Chris Riggott]]).<ref name="injuriespompey">{{cite web| title = Rams are counting cost of victory| url =http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/story-13712588-detail/story.html?| publisher = thisisderbyshire| date = 31 October 2011}}</ref> With eleven senior players unavailable, the club admitted it "might" consider entering the loan market,<ref name="injuriespompey"/> though Clough later stated "We are trying to find the solutions from within the squad", suggesting that their frequent use of the loan market in previous seasons had had a destabilizing effect on the squads of the time.<ref name="noloans">{{cite web| title = No Rams raids, insists Clough| url =http://www.football365.com/championship/7285254/No-Rams-raids-insists-Clough?| publisher = Sky Sports| date = 1 November 2011}}</ref>


Away from the pitch, Derby County announced that they had submitted plans to Derby City Council for a £7 million development of land outside the stadium, which the club named "The Plaza @ Pride Park".<ref name="Plaza 2 statement"/> The plans included five [[Coffeehouse|cafes]]/[[restaurant]]s, two [[convenience store]]s and 2,000 square metres of [[Office|office space]]. The plans were scaled down from the planned £20 million pound development proposed in 2007.<ref name="Plaza 2"/> Derby County CEO Tom Glick, said that the plans would help the club deal with the new Financial Fair Play regulations, due to be introduced in the [[The Football League|Football League]] from 2012, as revenue from the Plaza was intended to be reinvested back into the club.<ref name="Plaza 2 statement"/> The planned development also coincided with plans from the City Council to build a multi-use sports arena on the same site as the proposed Plaza.<ref name="Plaza 2"/>
Away from the pitch, Derby County announced that they had submitted plans to Derby City Council for a £7 million development of land outside the stadium, which the club named "The Plaza @ Pride Park".<ref name="Plaza 2 statement"/> The plans included five [[Coffeehouse|cafes]]/[[restaurant]]s, two [[convenience store]]s and 2,000 square metres of [[Office|office space]]. The plans were scaled down from the planned £20 million pound development proposed in 2007.<ref name="Plaza 2"/> Derby County CEO Tom Glick, said that the plans would help the club deal with the new Financial Fair Play regulations, due to be introduced in the [[The Football League|Football League]] from 2012, as revenue from the Plaza was intended to be reinvested back into the club.<ref name="Plaza 2 statement"/> The planned development also coincided with plans from the City Council to build a multi-use sports arena on the same site as the proposed Plaza.<ref name="Plaza 2"/>


===November===
===November===
The first match of the month saw Derby crash to a 3–0 defeat at home to [[Cardiff City F.C.|Cardiff City]], their biggest home defeat for 22 months, and drop out of the playoff for the positions for the first time in the season. [[Russell Anderson]] added to the club's injury problems by going off with a damaged hamstring.<ref name="andersoninjury">{{cite web | title=Rams count walking wounded| publisher=Club Call| url=http://www.clubcall.com/derby-county/rams-count-walking-wounded-1328619.html?|date = 4 November 2011}}</ref> Despite Derby's numerous injury issues. Clough insisted loans weren't needed<ref name="loansnotneeded">{{cite web | title=Derby loan signings not needed despite injuries - Clough| publisher=dcfc.co.uk| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/d/derby_county/9631854.stm?|date = 4 November 2011}}</ref> and instead loaned out midfielder [[Stephen Pearson]] to fellow Championship side [[Bristol City F.C.|Bristol City]] until 2 January.<ref name="pearsonbristolcityloan">{{cite web | title=Pearson Heads Out On Loan| publisher=dcfc.co.uk| url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2504335,00.html|date = 4 November 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> The last match before the November international break saw Derby race into a 2–0 lead away to [[Peterborough United F.C.|Peterborough United]], courtesy of a [[Theo Robinson]] brace, before losing 3–2 thanks to a stoppage time winner and slipping to a season low of 8th in the table. The winning goal was a bone of contention for Clough, whose post match criticism of referee Iain Williamson was strong enough to earn him a £2,000 fine from the FA.<ref name="finedagain">{{cite web | title=Clough fined for comments| publisher=derbycounty-mad.co.uk| url=http://www.derbycounty-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/clough_fined_for_comments_713019/index.shtml?| date = 15 November 2011}}</ref> Speaking after the defeat, Clough stated that the recent results (one win from eight) had clouded the seasons positives, such as the "emergence of (the) youngsters".<ref name="progress">{{cite web | title=Boss: Defeats have clouded our progress this season| publisher=thisisderbyshire| url=http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/story-13797474-detail/story.html?|date = 9 November 2011}}</ref> The match saw [[Will Hughes]] make his debut as a late substitute at the age of just 16, meaning Derby finished the game with five [[Derby County F.C.#Moor Farm|Academy graduate players]] aged 19-or-under on the pitch ([[Jeff Hendrick]], [[Mark O'Brien (footballer born 1992)|Mark O'Brien]] having started and [[Mason Bennett]], [[Callum Ball]] and Hughes appearing as substitutes).
The first match of the month saw Derby crash to a 3–0 defeat at home to [[Cardiff City F.C.|Cardiff City]], their biggest home defeat for 22 months, and drop out of the playoff for the positions for the first time in the season. [[Russell Anderson]] added to the club's injury problems by going off with a damaged hamstring.<ref name="andersoninjury">{{cite web | title=Rams count walking wounded| publisher=Club Call| url=http://www.clubcall.com/derby-county/rams-count-walking-wounded-1328619.html?|date = 4 November 2011}}</ref> Despite Derby's numerous injury issues. Clough insisted loans weren't needed<ref name="loansnotneeded">{{cite web | title=Derby loan signings not needed despite injuries - Clough| publisher=dcfc.co.uk| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/d/derby_county/9631854.stm?|date = 4 November 2011}}</ref> and instead loaned out midfielder [[Stephen Pearson]] to fellow Championship side [[Bristol City F.C.|Bristol City]] until 2 January.<ref name="pearsonbristolcityloan">{{cite web|title=Pearson Heads Out On Loan |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2504335,00.html |date=4 November 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20111105122147/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2504335,00.html |archivedate=5 November 2011 }}</ref> The last match before the November international break saw Derby race into a 2–0 lead away to [[Peterborough United F.C.|Peterborough United]], courtesy of a [[Theo Robinson]] brace, before losing 3–2 thanks to a stoppage time winner and slipping to a season low of 8th in the table. The winning goal was a bone of contention for Clough, whose post match criticism of referee Iain Williamson was strong enough to earn him a £2,000 fine from the FA.<ref name="finedagain">{{cite web | title=Clough fined for comments| publisher=derbycounty-mad.co.uk| url=http://www.derbycounty-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/clough_fined_for_comments_713019/index.shtml?| date = 15 November 2011}}</ref> Speaking after the defeat, Clough stated that the recent results (one win from eight) had clouded the seasons positives, such as the "emergence of (the) youngsters".<ref name="progress">{{cite web | title=Boss: Defeats have clouded our progress this season| publisher=thisisderbyshire| url=http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/story-13797474-detail/story.html?|date = 9 November 2011}}</ref> The match saw [[Will Hughes]] make his debut as a late substitute at the age of just 16, meaning Derby finished the game with five [[Derby County F.C.#Moor Farm|Academy graduate players]] aged 19-or-under on the pitch ([[Jeff Hendrick]], [[Mark O'Brien (footballer born 1992)|Mark O'Brien]] having started and [[Mason Bennett]], [[Callum Ball]] and Hughes appearing as substitutes).


During the international break Derby added to the squad, with the loan signing of [[Mansfield Town F.C.|Mansfield Town]] defender [[Tom Naylor]]<ref name="Naylorloan">{{cite web | title=Rams Sign Naylor On Loan| publisher=dcfc.co.uk| url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2516549,00.html?|date = 15 November 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> and trials for defender [[Daniel Lafferty (footballer)|Daniel Lafferty]] and forward Edwin Gyasi.<ref name="trailistsnovember">{{cite web | title=Naylor is due in on loan ahead of permanent deal| publisher=thisiderbyshire| url=http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/story-13852704-detail/story.html?|date = 15 November 2011}}</ref> The first game after the break, at home to [[Hull City A.F.C.|Hull City]], also saw the return to the squad of [[Shaun Barker]], [[Paul Green (footballer born 1983)|Paul Green]] and [[John Brayford]].,<ref name="injuredreturning">{{cite web | title=Awesome Foursome Set For Rams Return!!| publisher=RamZone| url=http://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/football/derbycounty/fb_news.php?storyid=14780|date = 15 November 2011}}</ref> though it was not enough to prevent ''The Rams'' crash to their third straight defeat as the visitors ran out 2–0 winners. The result meant Derby had won just one of the last 9 fixtures, slumping from 2nd to 9th in the table, though Clough dismissed the poor form as "not a concern".<ref name="notaconcern">{{cite web | title=Derby County form not a concern| publisher=BBC Sport| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/15807518.stm|date = 19 November 2011}}</ref> The game also saw top-scorer [[Theo Robinson]] go off with a hamstring injury in the first 15 minutes, an injury which saw the club begin to scour the loan market for a replacement striker ahead of the emergency loan window's closure the following Thursday.<ref name="robboinjuryloan">{{cite web | title=Clough targets loan forward| publisher=football365| url=http://www.football365.com/championship/7323826/Clough-targets-loan-forward?|date = 22 November 2011}}</ref>
During the international break Derby added to the squad, with the loan signing of [[Mansfield Town F.C.|Mansfield Town]] defender [[Tom Naylor]]<ref name="Naylorloan">{{cite web|title=Rams Sign Naylor On Loan |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2516549,00.html? |date=15 November 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20111116203610/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2516549,00.html |archivedate=16 November 2011 }}</ref> and trials for defender [[Daniel Lafferty (footballer)|Daniel Lafferty]] and forward Edwin Gyasi.<ref name="trailistsnovember">{{cite web | title=Naylor is due in on loan ahead of permanent deal| publisher=thisiderbyshire| url=http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/story-13852704-detail/story.html?|date = 15 November 2011}}</ref> The first game after the break, at home to [[Hull City A.F.C.|Hull City]], also saw the return to the squad of [[Shaun Barker]], [[Paul Green (footballer born 1983)|Paul Green]] and [[John Brayford]].,<ref name="injuredreturning">{{cite web | title=Awesome Foursome Set For Rams Return!!| publisher=RamZone| url=http://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/football/derbycounty/fb_news.php?storyid=14780|date = 15 November 2011}}</ref> though it was not enough to prevent ''The Rams'' crash to their third straight defeat as the visitors ran out 2–0 winners. The result meant Derby had won just one of the last 9 fixtures, slumping from 2nd to 9th in the table, though Clough dismissed the poor form as "not a concern".<ref name="notaconcern">{{cite web | title=Derby County form not a concern| publisher=BBC Sport| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/15807518.stm|date = 19 November 2011}}</ref> The game also saw top-scorer [[Theo Robinson]] go off with a hamstring injury in the first 15 minutes, an injury which saw the club begin to scour the loan market for a replacement striker ahead of the emergency loan window's closure the following Thursday.<ref name="robboinjuryloan">{{cite web | title=Clough targets loan forward| publisher=football365| url=http://www.football365.com/championship/7323826/Clough-targets-loan-forward?|date = 22 November 2011}}</ref>
On the day that the emergency loan window closed, [[Ipswich Town F.C.|Ipswich Town]]'s [[Tamás Priskin]] joined ''The Rams'' on a five-week deal, with youth team winger Aaron Cole going out on loan to [[Conference National]] side [[Stockport County F.C.|Stockport County]] on a similar deal.<ref name="emergencywindowdeals">{{cite web | title=Jewell: Priskin playing for his future during loan spell| publisher=thisisderbyshire| url=http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/story-13951549-detail/story.html?|date = 25 November 2011}}</ref> Priskin scored on his debut to give Derby the lead at [[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham United]] but ''The Rams'' eventually fell to a 3–1 defeat to slip to 15th in the table on the back of a fourth consecutive defeat. This was followed by a 1–0 defeat at home to [[Brighton and Hove Albion F.C.|Brighton and Hove Albion]], which was a fifth straight defeat and meant that November yielded no points and just three goals.
On the day that the emergency loan window closed, [[Ipswich Town F.C.|Ipswich Town]]'s [[Tamás Priskin]] joined ''The Rams'' on a five-week deal, with youth team winger Aaron Cole going out on loan to [[Conference National]] side [[Stockport County F.C.|Stockport County]] on a similar deal.<ref name="emergencywindowdeals">{{cite web | title=Jewell: Priskin playing for his future during loan spell| publisher=thisisderbyshire| url=http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/story-13951549-detail/story.html?|date = 25 November 2011}}</ref> Priskin scored on his debut to give Derby the lead at [[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham United]] but ''The Rams'' eventually fell to a 3–1 defeat to slip to 15th in the table on the back of a fourth consecutive defeat. This was followed by a 1–0 defeat at home to [[Brighton and Hove Albion F.C.|Brighton and Hove Albion]], which was a fifth straight defeat and meant that November yielded no points and just three goals.


===December===
===December===
Derby's first fixture of December saw them earn their 5,000th league point in their history,<ref name="5000points">{{cite web | title=Rams 4999 not out| publisher=Derby County Mad| url=http://www.derbycounty-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/rams_4999_not_out_716080/index.shtml?|date = 2 December 2011}}</ref> as a [[Paddy McCarthy]] own goal helped earn the club a 1–1 draw away to [[Crystal Palace F.C.|Crystal Palace]] and earn ''The Rams'' their first point in six games. A week later they followed it with a first win since October, as [[Callum Ball]]'s first senior goal say Derby turn a 1–0 deficit into a 2–1 victory at home to [[Bristol City F.C.|Bristol City]]. The match was sandwiched by two contracting pieces of contract news - the day before the game it was announced midfielder [[Jeff Hendrick]] had committed to the until 2015,<ref name="hendrickcontractnew">{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/story-14101415-detail/story.html?|publisher=thisisderbyshire|title=Midfield man Hendrick pens new deal to stay at Rams|date=10 December 2011}}</ref> whereas two days after it was announced [[Russell Anderson]]'s injury plagued two years at the club had been ended when his contract was cancelled by mutual consent.<ref name="contractcancelled">{{cite news|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2543077,00.html?|publisher=dcfc.co.uk|title=Anderson Leaves Derby|date=12 December 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> There was also strong rumours that [[Stephen Bywater]] would make his loan move to [[Sheffield Wednesday F.C.|Sheffield Wednesday]] permanent.<ref name="bywatertogo">{{cite news|url=http://www.derbycounty-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/bywater_may_make_loan_move_permanent_717525/index.shtml?|publisher=footymad|title=Bywater may make loan move permanent|date=10 December 2011}}</ref> On 22 December, Chris Riggott's contract was terminated by mutual consent, a move which formally went ahead on 1 January.<ref name="riggotdepartue">{{Cite news |url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2553352,00.html|title=Riggot Departs By Mutal Consent | work=dcfc.co.uk | date=22 December 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> The Bristol City victory was followed by a 1–0 defeat away to [[Ipswich Town F.C.|Ipswich Town]]. now managed by Clough's predecessor [[Paul Jewell]], and a [[boxing day]] victory over [[Leeds United A.F.C.|Leeds United]], to take Derby to 31 points at the half-way stage of the season - 1 point ahead of the same stage previous season. The Leeds game saw [[Nathan Tyson]] make his first start for Derby, five months after joining the club following a succession of groin problems. Ahead of the final game of the year, a home fixture against second placed [[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham]], and with the club's wage bill restricting Derby's potential in the transfer market Clough revealed his intention to move on no less than six players in the upcoming transfer window, with [[Stephen Pearson]] ([[Bristol City F.C.|Bristol City]]), [[Stephen Bywater]] ([[Sheffield Wednesday F.C.|Sheffield Wednesday]]), [[Dean Leacock]], [[Dave Martin (footballer born 1985)|David Martin]], [[Lee Croft]] and [[Tomasz Cywka]], all of whom were entering the final six months of their contracts, seemingly on their way out.<ref name="januarysales2012">{{cite news|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7399118/?|publisher=SKY Sports|title=Clough eyes Derby departures|date=28 December 2011}}</ref> Bywater was the first to leave following the cancellation of his contract by mutual consent.<ref name="bywaterdeparture">{{cite web | title=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2562147,00.html| publisher=dcfc.co.uk| url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2562147,00.html| date = 31 December 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> The Rams rounded off 2012 with a 2–1 home victory over second placed [[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham United]] which saw [[Callum Ball]] and [[Paul Green (footballer born 1983)|Paul Green]], with his first goal in over a year, give Derby a 2–0 lead within 10 minutes. It was only the second time in the last ten years that Derby had finished the year with maximum points and saw them rise to 10th in the table, just two points from the play off positions.
Derby's first fixture of December saw them earn their 5,000th league point in their history,<ref name="5000points">{{cite web | title=Rams 4999 not out| publisher=Derby County Mad| url=http://www.derbycounty-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/rams_4999_not_out_716080/index.shtml?|date = 2 December 2011}}</ref> as a [[Paddy McCarthy]] own goal helped earn the club a 1–1 draw away to [[Crystal Palace F.C.|Crystal Palace]] and earn ''The Rams'' their first point in six games. A week later they followed it with a first win since October, as [[Callum Ball]]'s first senior goal say Derby turn a 1–0 deficit into a 2–1 victory at home to [[Bristol City F.C.|Bristol City]]. The match was sandwiched by two contracting pieces of contract news - the day before the game it was announced midfielder [[Jeff Hendrick]] had committed to the until 2015,<ref name="hendrickcontractnew">{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/story-14101415-detail/story.html?|publisher=thisisderbyshire|title=Midfield man Hendrick pens new deal to stay at Rams|date=10 December 2011}}</ref> whereas two days after it was announced [[Russell Anderson]]'s injury plagued two years at the club had been ended when his contract was cancelled by mutual consent.<ref name="contractcancelled">{{cite news|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2543077,00.html? |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |title=Anderson Leaves Derby |date=12 December 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20120107051750/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2543077,00.html |archivedate=7 January 2012 }}</ref> There was also strong rumours that [[Stephen Bywater]] would make his loan move to [[Sheffield Wednesday F.C.|Sheffield Wednesday]] permanent.<ref name="bywatertogo">{{cite news|url=http://www.derbycounty-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/bywater_may_make_loan_move_permanent_717525/index.shtml?|publisher=footymad|title=Bywater may make loan move permanent|date=10 December 2011}}</ref> On 22 December, Chris Riggott's contract was terminated by mutual consent, a move which formally went ahead on 1 January.<ref name="riggotdepartue">{{Cite news|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2553352,00.html |title=Riggot Departs By Mutal Consent |work=dcfc.co.uk |date=22 December 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20120110094454/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2553352,00.html |archivedate=10 January 2012 }}</ref> The Bristol City victory was followed by a 1–0 defeat away to [[Ipswich Town F.C.|Ipswich Town]]. now managed by Clough's predecessor [[Paul Jewell]], and a [[boxing day]] victory over [[Leeds United A.F.C.|Leeds United]], to take Derby to 31 points at the half-way stage of the season - 1 point ahead of the same stage previous season. The Leeds game saw [[Nathan Tyson]] make his first start for Derby, five months after joining the club following a succession of groin problems. Ahead of the final game of the year, a home fixture against second placed [[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham]], and with the club's wage bill restricting Derby's potential in the transfer market Clough revealed his intention to move on no less than six players in the upcoming transfer window, with [[Stephen Pearson]] ([[Bristol City F.C.|Bristol City]]), [[Stephen Bywater]] ([[Sheffield Wednesday F.C.|Sheffield Wednesday]]), [[Dean Leacock]], [[Dave Martin (footballer born 1985)|David Martin]], [[Lee Croft]] and [[Tomasz Cywka]], all of whom were entering the final six months of their contracts, seemingly on their way out.<ref name="januarysales2012">{{cite news|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7399118/?|publisher=SKY Sports|title=Clough eyes Derby departures|date=28 December 2011}}</ref> Bywater was the first to leave following the cancellation of his contract by mutual consent.<ref name="bywaterdeparture">{{cite web|title=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2562147,00.html |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2562147,00.html |date=31 December 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20120109044213/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2562147,00.html |archivedate=9 January 2012 }}</ref> The Rams rounded off 2012 with a 2–1 home victory over second placed [[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham United]] which saw [[Callum Ball]] and [[Paul Green (footballer born 1983)|Paul Green]], with his first goal in over a year, give Derby a 2–0 lead within 10 minutes. It was only the second time in the last ten years that Derby had finished the year with maximum points and saw them rise to 10th in the table, just two points from the play off positions.


===January===
===January===
The club opened the season with a 1–0 victory away at [[Hull City A.F.C.|Hull City]], courtesy of a [[Theo Robinson]] goal. It meant that Derby became the only side in English football to take a full 9 points from the festive fixtures and was the first time Derby had achieved the feat for 16 years.<ref name="100%xmas">{{cite web | title=Tidings of comfort and joy as Derby enjoy best Christmas for 16 years| publisher=thisisderbyshire| url=http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/story-14323277-detail/story.html|date = 4 January 2012}}</ref> The win was followed by 1–0 home victories over [[Crystal Palace F.C.|Crystal Palace]] (in the FA Cup 3rd Round) and [[Coventry City F.C.|Coventry City]] in the league, to take ''The Rams'' to five consecutive victories in all competitions, their best run of form of the season. The winning run ended with a 2–0 FA Cup defeat to [[Stoke City F.C.|Stoke City]] and then subsequent results of a 0–0 draw at [[Burnley F.C.|Burnley]] and a 3–2 midweek defeat at [[Barnsley F.C.|Barnsley]].
The club opened the season with a 1–0 victory away at [[Hull City A.F.C.|Hull City]], courtesy of a [[Theo Robinson]] goal. It meant that Derby became the only side in English football to take a full 9 points from the festive fixtures and was the first time Derby had achieved the feat for 16 years.<ref name="100%xmas">{{cite web | title=Tidings of comfort and joy as Derby enjoy best Christmas for 16 years| publisher=thisisderbyshire| url=http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/story-14323277-detail/story.html|date = 4 January 2012}}</ref> The win was followed by 1–0 home victories over [[Crystal Palace F.C.|Crystal Palace]] (in the FA Cup 3rd Round) and [[Coventry City F.C.|Coventry City]] in the league, to take ''The Rams'' to five consecutive victories in all competitions, their best run of form of the season. The winning run ended with a 2–0 FA Cup defeat to [[Stoke City F.C.|Stoke City]] and then subsequent results of a 0–0 draw at [[Burnley F.C.|Burnley]] and a 3–2 midweek defeat at [[Barnsley F.C.|Barnsley]].


With the opening of the transfer window, Derby made permanent [[Tom Naylor]]'s loan move from [[Mansfield Town F.C.|Mansfield Town]] on a three-year deal,<ref name="naylorperm">{{cite web | title=Derby County seal Tom Naylor deal from Mansfield Town| publisher=BBC Sport| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16384179.stm|date = 2 January 2012}}</ref> and signed [[Sunderland A.F.C.|Sunderland]] striker [[Ryan Noble]] on a month's loan for a second time; Noble having also had a loan spell at the club in the [[2010–11 Derby County F.C. season|previous campaign]].<ref name="nobleloan">{{cite web | title=Derby Move To Loan Striker Noble| publisher=dcfc.co.uk| url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2579165,00.html|date = 18 January 2012}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]] midfielder [[Tom Carroll (English footballer)|Tom Carroll]] joined the club on loan until the end of the season.<ref name="carrollloan">{{cite web | title=Spurs Youngster Carroll Arrives On Loan| publisher=dcfc.co.uk| url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2591586,00.html|date = 30 January 2012}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> These were the only three incoming transfers, though several players left the club; [[Dave Martin (footballer born 1985)|Dave Martin]] joined [[Southend United F.C.|Southend United]] for an undisclosed fee<ref name="MartinSale">{{cite web | title=Martin Joins Southend United| publisher=dcfc.co.uk| url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2565084,00.html| date =4 January 2012 }}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> and [[Stephen Pearson]] and [[Dean Leacock]] both had their contracts terminated by mutual consent, allowing them to join [[Bristol City F.C.|Bristol City]] and [[Leyton Orient F.C.|Leyton Orient]] respectively.<ref name="pearsonexit">{{cite news|url =http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2568108,00.html|publisher =dcfc.co.uk|title =Pearson Leaves By Mutal Agreement |date = 6 January 2012}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref><ref name="LeacockDeparture">{{cite news| url =http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2575846,00.html| publisher = dcfc.co.uk| title = Leacock Leaves After Agreeing To Cancel Contract| date = 14 January 2012}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> [[Tomasz Cywka]] saw a transfer back to [[Poland]] fall through (which later turned out to be [[Ekstraklasa]] leaders [[Śląsk Wrocław]]<ref name="cywkadeparture">{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16739194.stm| publisher=BBC Sport| title=Reading sign Derby's Tomasz Cywka on free transfer |date = 26 January 2012}}</ref>), with Clough indicating that the player could leave as his contract was up in the summer and there was no intention of offering him a new deal.<ref name="cywkafree">{{cite web | title=Derby striker Tomasz Cywka available on free transfer| publisher=BBC Sport| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16634548.stm|date = 19 January 2012}}</ref> Cywka eventually joined [[Reading F.C.|Reading]] on a free transfer.<ref name="cywkadeparture"/> In addition, [[Lee Croft]] joined [[Scottish Premier League]] side [[St Johnstone F.C.|St Johnstone]] until the end of the season<ref name="croftloan">{{cite web | title=Lee Croft and Jack Compton join St Johnstone on loan| publisher=BBC Sport| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16615872.stm|date = 18 January 2012}}</ref> whilst [[Miles Addison]] and Aaron Cole extended their loans at [[Barnsley F.C.|Barnsley]] and [[Stockport County F.C.|Stockport County]] respectively by one month.<ref name="addisonbarnsleyextension">{{cite web | title=Addison Addison Extends Barnsley Loan | publisher=dcfc.co.uk| url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2562994,00.html| date = 2 January 2012 }}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref><ref name="coleextension">{{cite web | title=Stockport County extend Aaron Cole loan from Derby| publisher=BBC Sport| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16401940.stm| date =3 January 2012 }}</ref>
With the opening of the transfer window, Derby made permanent [[Tom Naylor]]'s loan move from [[Mansfield Town F.C.|Mansfield Town]] on a three-year deal,<ref name="naylorperm">{{cite web | title=Derby County seal Tom Naylor deal from Mansfield Town| publisher=BBC Sport| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16384179.stm|date = 2 January 2012}}</ref> and signed [[Sunderland A.F.C.|Sunderland]] striker [[Ryan Noble]] on a month's loan for a second time; Noble having also had a loan spell at the club in the [[2010–11 Derby County F.C. season|previous campaign]].<ref name="nobleloan">{{cite web|title=Derby Move To Loan Striker Noble |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2579165,00.html |date=18 January 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20120120022448/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2579165,00.html |archivedate=20 January 2012 }}</ref> [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]] midfielder [[Tom Carroll (English footballer)|Tom Carroll]] joined the club on loan until the end of the season.<ref name="carrollloan">{{cite web|title=Spurs Youngster Carroll Arrives On Loan |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2591586,00.html |date=30 January 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20120201225950/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2591586,00.html |archivedate=1 February 2012 }}</ref> These were the only three incoming transfers, though several players left the club; [[Dave Martin (footballer born 1985)|Dave Martin]] joined [[Southend United F.C.|Southend United]] for an undisclosed fee<ref name="MartinSale">{{cite web | title=Martin Joins Southend United| publisher=dcfc.co.uk| url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2565084,00.html| date =4 January 2012 }}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> and [[Stephen Pearson]] and [[Dean Leacock]] both had their contracts terminated by mutual consent, allowing them to join [[Bristol City F.C.|Bristol City]] and [[Leyton Orient F.C.|Leyton Orient]] respectively.<ref name="pearsonexit">{{cite news|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2568108,00.html |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |title=Pearson Leaves By Mutal Agreement |date=6 January 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20120108054737/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2568108,00.html |archivedate=8 January 2012 }}</ref><ref name="LeacockDeparture">{{cite news|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2575846,00.html |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |title=Leacock Leaves After Agreeing To Cancel Contract |date=14 January 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20120117083925/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2575846,00.html |archivedate=17 January 2012 }}</ref> [[Tomasz Cywka]] saw a transfer back to [[Poland]] fall through (which later turned out to be [[Ekstraklasa]] leaders [[Śląsk Wrocław]]<ref name="cywkadeparture">{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16739194.stm| publisher=BBC Sport| title=Reading sign Derby's Tomasz Cywka on free transfer |date = 26 January 2012}}</ref>), with Clough indicating that the player could leave as his contract was up in the summer and there was no intention of offering him a new deal.<ref name="cywkafree">{{cite web | title=Derby striker Tomasz Cywka available on free transfer| publisher=BBC Sport| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16634548.stm|date = 19 January 2012}}</ref> Cywka eventually joined [[Reading F.C.|Reading]] on a free transfer.<ref name="cywkadeparture"/> In addition, [[Lee Croft]] joined [[Scottish Premier League]] side [[St Johnstone F.C.|St Johnstone]] until the end of the season<ref name="croftloan">{{cite web | title=Lee Croft and Jack Compton join St Johnstone on loan| publisher=BBC Sport| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16615872.stm|date = 18 January 2012}}</ref> whilst [[Miles Addison]] and Aaron Cole extended their loans at [[Barnsley F.C.|Barnsley]] and [[Stockport County F.C.|Stockport County]] respectively by one month.<ref name="addisonbarnsleyextension">{{cite web | title=Addison Addison Extends Barnsley Loan | publisher=dcfc.co.uk| url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2562994,00.html| date = 2 January 2012 }}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref><ref name="coleextension">{{cite web | title=Stockport County extend Aaron Cole loan from Derby| publisher=BBC Sport| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16401940.stm| date =3 January 2012 }}</ref>


Away from the pitch, Derby City Council's Planning Control Committee gave planning permission for The Plaza @ Pride Pride Park devlelopment,<ref name="2012 planning permission"/> with Chief Executive Tom Glick stating the club had started looking for a development company to build the plaza.<ref name="2012 planning permission"/>
Away from the pitch, Derby City Council's Planning Control Committee gave planning permission for The Plaza @ Pride Pride Park devlelopment,<ref name="2012 planning permission"/> with Chief Executive Tom Glick stating the club had started looking for a development company to build the plaza.<ref name="2012 planning permission"/>
Line 133: Line 132:
A day after the game, Barker was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a dislocated kneecap.<ref name="kneecap">{{cite news| url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17368735| publisher =BBC Sport| title = Derby County's Shaun Barker ruled out for the season| date = 14 March 2012}}</ref> However, on 22 March after further scans in hospital, Barker was facing a 16-month recovery from his injury, (ruling him out of the entire 2012–13 season) after rupturing his [[Medial collateral ligament|medial]], [[Anterior cruciate ligament|anterior cruciate]] and [[posterior cruciate ligament]]s. Barker also had a {{frac|3|1|2}} hour operation to remove damage to the [[patellar ligament]], Barker will also wear a brace to the first 8 weeks to help protect the dislocated knee.<ref name="16 months">{{cite news| url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17625425| publisher =BBC Sport| title = Derby captain Shaun Barker facing 16 month recovery| date = 22 March 2012}}</ref> Barker remains optimistic for a full recovery.<ref name="Barkercertain">{{cite news| url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17550516| publisher =BBC Sport| title = Derby County's Shaun Barker certain of full recovery| date = 30 March 2012}}</ref> Derby picked up their first away win since 2 January as they beat [[Doncaster Rovers F.C.|Doncaster Rovers]] 2–1 with goals from [[Theo Robinson]] and a first goal for Derby from [[Gareth Roberts (footballer)|Gareth Roberts]], [[El Hadji Diouf]] scored a consolation goal. Derby lost 2–0 to [[Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.|Brighton & Hove Albion]] with goals from [[Iñigo Calderón]] and [[Ashley Barnes]]. Derby ended the month with a 3–2 win against [[Crystal Palace F.C.|Crystal Palace]] with goals from [[Steve Davies (footballer born 1987)|Steve Davies]], [[Jeff Hendrick]] and a [[Theo Robinson]] penalty put Derby in a 3–0 lead after 49 minutes, Palace scored two late consolation goal from [[Chris Martin (footballer born 1988)|Chris Martin]] and [[Darren Ambrose]]. Derby ended the months with a 1–1 draw at [[Bristol City F.C.|Bristol City]] with a first half [[Craig Bryson]] goal cancelled out by [[Brett Pitman]] goal in the second half. Derby ended the month in 13th in the table, 7 points off the play-offs and 19 points clear of relegation.
A day after the game, Barker was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a dislocated kneecap.<ref name="kneecap">{{cite news| url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17368735| publisher =BBC Sport| title = Derby County's Shaun Barker ruled out for the season| date = 14 March 2012}}</ref> However, on 22 March after further scans in hospital, Barker was facing a 16-month recovery from his injury, (ruling him out of the entire 2012–13 season) after rupturing his [[Medial collateral ligament|medial]], [[Anterior cruciate ligament|anterior cruciate]] and [[posterior cruciate ligament]]s. Barker also had a {{frac|3|1|2}} hour operation to remove damage to the [[patellar ligament]], Barker will also wear a brace to the first 8 weeks to help protect the dislocated knee.<ref name="16 months">{{cite news| url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17625425| publisher =BBC Sport| title = Derby captain Shaun Barker facing 16 month recovery| date = 22 March 2012}}</ref> Barker remains optimistic for a full recovery.<ref name="Barkercertain">{{cite news| url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17550516| publisher =BBC Sport| title = Derby County's Shaun Barker certain of full recovery| date = 30 March 2012}}</ref> Derby picked up their first away win since 2 January as they beat [[Doncaster Rovers F.C.|Doncaster Rovers]] 2–1 with goals from [[Theo Robinson]] and a first goal for Derby from [[Gareth Roberts (footballer)|Gareth Roberts]], [[El Hadji Diouf]] scored a consolation goal. Derby lost 2–0 to [[Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.|Brighton & Hove Albion]] with goals from [[Iñigo Calderón]] and [[Ashley Barnes]]. Derby ended the month with a 3–2 win against [[Crystal Palace F.C.|Crystal Palace]] with goals from [[Steve Davies (footballer born 1987)|Steve Davies]], [[Jeff Hendrick]] and a [[Theo Robinson]] penalty put Derby in a 3–0 lead after 49 minutes, Palace scored two late consolation goal from [[Chris Martin (footballer born 1988)|Chris Martin]] and [[Darren Ambrose]]. Derby ended the months with a 1–1 draw at [[Bristol City F.C.|Bristol City]] with a first half [[Craig Bryson]] goal cancelled out by [[Brett Pitman]] goal in the second half. Derby ended the month in 13th in the table, 7 points off the play-offs and 19 points clear of relegation.


[[Chris Maguire]] joined Championship strugglers [[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]] on a month-long emergency loan.<ref name="MaguireLoan">{{cite web|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2642280,00.html|title=Maguire Joins Portsmouth On Loan|publisher=dcfc.co.uk |date=9 March 2012}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> Goalkeeper [[Adam Legzdins]] rejoined former club [[Burton Albion F.C.|Burton Albion]] on a month's loan.<ref name="LegzdinsLoan">{{cite web|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2682565,00.html|title=Legzdins Makes Burton Loan Return|publisher=dcfc.co.uk |date=20 March 2012}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref>
[[Chris Maguire]] joined Championship strugglers [[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]] on a month-long emergency loan.<ref name="MaguireLoan">{{cite web|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2642280,00.html|title=Maguire Joins Portsmouth On Loan|publisher=dcfc.co.uk |date=9 March 2012}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> Goalkeeper [[Adam Legzdins]] rejoined former club [[Burton Albion F.C.|Burton Albion]] on a month's loan.<ref name="LegzdinsLoan">{{cite web|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2682565,00.html |title=Legzdins Makes Burton Loan Return |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |date=20 March 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20120322223936/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2682565,00.html |archivedate=22 March 2012 }}</ref>


===April===
===April===
Derby started April with a 0–0 draw at home to [[Ipswich Town F.C.|Ipswich Town]], before taking on [[Leeds United A.F.C.|Leeds United]] at [[Elland Road]] two days later, Leeds were down to ten men as [[Michael Brown (footballer, born 1977)|Michael Brown]] was given a straight red card in 25 minutes after a stomach-high tackle on [[Theo Robinson]], goals from [[Craig Bryson]] after 32 minutes and [[Steve Davies (footballer born 1987)|Steve Davies]] after 66 minutes were enough to beat the Yorkshire side 2–0, Derby 7th consecutive win v Leeds and their 3rd consecutive league double. This result moved Derby up to 11th in the table, 5 points off the play-offs with 4 games remaining, Derby manager [[Nigel Clough]] however ruled out a play-off place, wishing there was more the 4 games left as the club picked up 14 points from a possible 21.<ref name="beyondreach"/> A 1–0 defeat from a late [[Curtis Main]] winner against [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]] and a 2–0 defeat at [[Cardiff City F.C.|Cardiff City]] with goal from [[Joe Mason]] and a goal from defender [[Mark Hudson (footballer born 1982)|Mark Hudson]] from his own half, mathematically ended Derby's play-off chances and ensured Derby will stay in the Championship for a 5th consecutive seasons as Derby dropped to 14th in the table, 8 points off the play-offs with two games to play. [[John Brayford]] made his first team return in the game, replacing the injured [[Tom Naylor]] at half time who picked up a tight hamstring, [[Jamie Ward]] was also replaced early in the second half with a dead leg.<ref name="wardnaylorinjury">{{cite news | title=Rams Waits On Duo's Fitness| publisher=dcfc.co.uk| url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2739297,00.html|date = 18 April 2012}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> Ward was fit to start the next against, a visit to [[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]] whilst Naylor was not in the matchday squad, [[John Brayford]] made his first start in two months. Derby took the lead in the 41st minute, with [[Jake Buxton]] scoring his second goal of the season. At half time goalkeeper [[Frank Fielding]] was substituted off with a groin injury to be replaced by [[Adam Legzdins]] who returned from his loan spell at [[Burton Albion F.C.|Burton Albion]] earlier in the week, playing only one game after picking up a hip injury after a 1–0 defeat against [[Northampton Town F.C.|Northampton Town]] in March.<ref name="wardnaylorinjury">{{cite news | title=Legzdins back with Rams| publisher=Eurosport Yahoo| url=http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/17042012/63/legzdins-rams.html|date = 17 April 2012}}</ref> In the second half, former Rams striker [[Luke Varney]] scored an eqaulising goal in the 74th minute. On the 78th minute, [[Steve Davies (footballer born 1987)|Steve Davies]] scored a penalty to give Derby a 2–1 lead, which is how the game ended as Portsmouth were relegated to [[Football League One|League One]]. Academy graduates [[Mason Bennett]] & [[Will Hughes]] were both given runouts as second-half substitutes. Ahead of the final game of the season at home to [[Peterborough United F.C.|Peterborough United]], midfielders [[Craig Bryson]] & [[Jeff Hendrick]] were awarded the club's [[Derby County F.C.#The Jack Stamps Trophy (Player of the Year)|Jack Stamps Player of the Year]] & Sammy Crooks Young Player of the Year respectively.<ref name="POTY"/> [[Will Hughes]] given his first start in the game, with youth team players [[Mason Bennett]], [[Josh Lelan]] & [[Kwame Thomas]] named on the substitutes bench, which featured no goalkeeper as [[Adam Legzdins]] made only his second start of the season, standing in for the injured Fielding. [[Jamie Ward]] missed out due to a thigh injury.<ref name="pborosquad">{{cite web | title=Team News: DCFC Vs Peterborough United| publisher=dcfc.co.uk| url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2749195,00.html| date = 28 April 2012}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> Derby drew the game 1–1 through a 21st minute [[Theo Robinson]] goal, with [[David Ball (footballer)|David Ball]] equalising in the 82nd minute for Peterborough. This result lead Derby to finish 12th in the league, their best league finish since relegation in 2008 and their first top half finish and best points haul since promotion in 2007. [[Steve Davies (footballer born 1987)|Steve Davies]] and [[Theo Robinson]] finished the season joint top goal scorers on 12 goals.
Derby started April with a 0–0 draw at home to [[Ipswich Town F.C.|Ipswich Town]], before taking on [[Leeds United A.F.C.|Leeds United]] at [[Elland Road]] two days later, Leeds were down to ten men as [[Michael Brown (footballer, born 1977)|Michael Brown]] was given a straight red card in 25 minutes after a stomach-high tackle on [[Theo Robinson]], goals from [[Craig Bryson]] after 32 minutes and [[Steve Davies (footballer born 1987)|Steve Davies]] after 66 minutes were enough to beat the Yorkshire side 2–0, Derby 7th consecutive win v Leeds and their 3rd consecutive league double. This result moved Derby up to 11th in the table, 5 points off the play-offs with 4 games remaining, Derby manager [[Nigel Clough]] however ruled out a play-off place, wishing there was more the 4 games left as the club picked up 14 points from a possible 21.<ref name="beyondreach"/> A 1–0 defeat from a late [[Curtis Main]] winner against [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]] and a 2–0 defeat at [[Cardiff City F.C.|Cardiff City]] with goal from [[Joe Mason]] and a goal from defender [[Mark Hudson (footballer born 1982)|Mark Hudson]] from his own half, mathematically ended Derby's play-off chances and ensured Derby will stay in the Championship for a 5th consecutive seasons as Derby dropped to 14th in the table, 8 points off the play-offs with two games to play. [[John Brayford]] made his first team return in the game, replacing the injured [[Tom Naylor]] at half time who picked up a tight hamstring, [[Jamie Ward]] was also replaced early in the second half with a dead leg.<ref name="wardnaylorinjury">{{cite news | title=Rams Waits On Duo's Fitness| publisher=dcfc.co.uk| url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2739297,00.html|date = 18 April 2012}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> Ward was fit to start the next against, a visit to [[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]] whilst Naylor was not in the matchday squad, [[John Brayford]] made his first start in two months. Derby took the lead in the 41st minute, with [[Jake Buxton]] scoring his second goal of the season. At half time goalkeeper [[Frank Fielding]] was substituted off with a groin injury to be replaced by [[Adam Legzdins]] who returned from his loan spell at [[Burton Albion F.C.|Burton Albion]] earlier in the week, playing only one game after picking up a hip injury after a 1–0 defeat against [[Northampton Town F.C.|Northampton Town]] in March.<ref name="wardnaylorinjury">{{cite news | title=Legzdins back with Rams| publisher=Eurosport Yahoo| url=http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/17042012/63/legzdins-rams.html|date = 17 April 2012}}</ref> In the second half, former Rams striker [[Luke Varney]] scored an eqaulising goal in the 74th minute. On the 78th minute, [[Steve Davies (footballer born 1987)|Steve Davies]] scored a penalty to give Derby a 2–1 lead, which is how the game ended as Portsmouth were relegated to [[Football League One|League One]]. Academy graduates [[Mason Bennett]] & [[Will Hughes]] were both given runouts as second-half substitutes. Ahead of the final game of the season at home to [[Peterborough United F.C.|Peterborough United]], midfielders [[Craig Bryson]] & [[Jeff Hendrick]] were awarded the club's [[Derby County F.C.#The Jack Stamps Trophy (Player of the Year)|Jack Stamps Player of the Year]] & Sammy Crooks Young Player of the Year respectively.<ref name="POTY"/> [[Will Hughes]] given his first start in the game, with youth team players [[Mason Bennett]], [[Josh Lelan]] & [[Kwame Thomas]] named on the substitutes bench, which featured no goalkeeper as [[Adam Legzdins]] made only his second start of the season, standing in for the injured Fielding. [[Jamie Ward]] missed out due to a thigh injury.<ref name="pborosquad">{{cite web|title=Team News: DCFC Vs Peterborough United |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2749195,00.html |date=28 April 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20120429163831/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2749195,00.html |archivedate=29 April 2012 }}</ref> Derby drew the game 1–1 through a 21st minute [[Theo Robinson]] goal, with [[David Ball (footballer)|David Ball]] equalising in the 82nd minute for Peterborough. This result lead Derby to finish 12th in the league, their best league finish since relegation in 2008 and their first top half finish and best points haul since promotion in 2007. [[Steve Davies (footballer born 1987)|Steve Davies]] and [[Theo Robinson]] finished the season joint top goal scorers on 12 goals.


Derby began contract negotiations with players approaching the end of their contracts, [[Jake Buxton]] and [[Gareth Roberts (footballer)|Gareth Roberts]] signed new contract to the length of two years and one year respectively. .<ref>{{cite web | title=Buxton and Roberts sign new Derby County contracts | publisher=BBC Sport| url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17729317| date = 16 April 2012 }}</ref> The club have also been in contract talks with [[Paul Green (footballer born 1983)|Paul Green]] with club giving Green until April 2012 to respond.<ref name="quickanswer">{{cite news| url =http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/CLUB-SEEK-QUICK-ANSWER-GREEN-OFFER-NEW-CONTRACT/story-15828944-detail/story.html| publisher =Derby Telegraph| title =Club seek a quick answer from Paul Green over offer of new contract| date = 16 April 2012}}</ref> [[Leeds United A.F.C.|Leeds United]] were reportedly interested in Green,<ref name="greenproud">{{cite news| url =http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Paul-Green-proud-recovery-injury-prepares-return/story-15838364-detail/story.html| publisher =Derby Telegraph| title =Paul Green proud of recovery from serious injury as he prepares for return trip to South Wales| date = 17 April 2012}}</ref> an offer that Green rejected which means the player will leave the club in the summer.<ref name="contractrejection">{{cite web | title=Paul Green to leave Derby County after rejecting new contract| publisher=BBC Football| url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17788418| date = 20 April 2012}}</ref> Derby manager [[Nigel Clough]] responded to the news by dropping Green for the matchday squad in the penultimate game against [[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]], with 17-year-old academy winger [[Will Hughes]] taking his place in the matchday squad.<ref name="castnet">{{cite news| url =http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Clough-cast-net-Green-turns-offer/story-15866524-detail/story.html| publisher =Derby Telegraph| title =Clough to cast net after Green turns down offer| date = 20 April 2012}}</ref> Rams coach [[Johnny Metgod]] stated that the club were also in contract talks with [[Jamie Ward]] whose deal ends in summer 2013,<ref name="ward talke">{{cite news| url =http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Paul-Green-Jamie-Ward-set-offered-new-contracts/story-15724085-detail/story.html| publisher =Derby Telegraph| title =Paul Green and Jamie Ward set to be offered new contracts with Derby County| date = 5 April 2012}}</ref> Ward signed a new two-year contract on 19 April, with an option for a further year which will extended his stay at Derby until at least the summer of 2014.<ref name=wardcontract>{{cite news|title=Derby County give forward Jamie Ward new two-year contract|publisher=BBC Sport|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17760391|date=19 April 2012}}</ref> [[Lee Croft]] and [[Miles Addison]], both with one year left on the their contract, have been told that they are free to leave the club in the summer.<ref>{{cite web | title=Addison & Croft set to leave Derby County in summer| publisher=BBC Sport| url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17732249|date = 16 April 2012}}</ref> [[Chris Maguire]]'s loan at Portsmouth was extended until the end of the season.<ref name="MaguireLoanExtension">{{cite web|url= http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/LatestNews/news/Maguire-Extends-Stay-3307.aspx |title=Maguire Extends Stay|publisher=Portsmouth F.C.|date=4 April 2012}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref> Surgeon Dr Andrew Williams said in April 2012 that he was happy with the progress that captain [[Shaun Barker]] had made in his injury recovery after his first check-up, with Barker expected to be in a leg brace and crutches for at least 12 weeks. Barker has also spent 6 hours a day in a Kneehab XP, which Barker calls a "machine of death" the machine helps re-build [[Quadriceps femoris muscle|quadriceps muscles]] through set spells of contraction and relaxation. Barker has also spent time in an ice machine.<ref name=barkersurjuryrecovery>{{cite news| url =http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/story-15862501-detail/story.html| title =Skipper gets the thumbs up from surgeon| date =19 April 2012 | work =Thisisderbyshire}}</ref>
Derby began contract negotiations with players approaching the end of their contracts, [[Jake Buxton]] and [[Gareth Roberts (footballer)|Gareth Roberts]] signed new contract to the length of two years and one year respectively. .<ref>{{cite web | title=Buxton and Roberts sign new Derby County contracts | publisher=BBC Sport| url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17729317| date = 16 April 2012 }}</ref> The club have also been in contract talks with [[Paul Green (footballer born 1983)|Paul Green]] with club giving Green until April 2012 to respond.<ref name="quickanswer">{{cite news| url =http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/CLUB-SEEK-QUICK-ANSWER-GREEN-OFFER-NEW-CONTRACT/story-15828944-detail/story.html| publisher =Derby Telegraph| title =Club seek a quick answer from Paul Green over offer of new contract| date = 16 April 2012}}</ref> [[Leeds United A.F.C.|Leeds United]] were reportedly interested in Green,<ref name="greenproud">{{cite news| url =http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Paul-Green-proud-recovery-injury-prepares-return/story-15838364-detail/story.html| publisher =Derby Telegraph| title =Paul Green proud of recovery from serious injury as he prepares for return trip to South Wales| date = 17 April 2012}}</ref> an offer that Green rejected which means the player will leave the club in the summer.<ref name="contractrejection">{{cite web | title=Paul Green to leave Derby County after rejecting new contract| publisher=BBC Football| url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17788418| date = 20 April 2012}}</ref> Derby manager [[Nigel Clough]] responded to the news by dropping Green for the matchday squad in the penultimate game against [[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]], with 17-year-old academy winger [[Will Hughes]] taking his place in the matchday squad.<ref name="castnet">{{cite news| url =http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Clough-cast-net-Green-turns-offer/story-15866524-detail/story.html| publisher =Derby Telegraph| title =Clough to cast net after Green turns down offer| date = 20 April 2012}}</ref> Rams coach [[Johnny Metgod]] stated that the club were also in contract talks with [[Jamie Ward]] whose deal ends in summer 2013,<ref name="ward talke">{{cite news| url =http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Paul-Green-Jamie-Ward-set-offered-new-contracts/story-15724085-detail/story.html| publisher =Derby Telegraph| title =Paul Green and Jamie Ward set to be offered new contracts with Derby County| date = 5 April 2012}}</ref> Ward signed a new two-year contract on 19 April, with an option for a further year which will extended his stay at Derby until at least the summer of 2014.<ref name=wardcontract>{{cite news|title=Derby County give forward Jamie Ward new two-year contract|publisher=BBC Sport|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17760391|date=19 April 2012}}</ref> [[Lee Croft]] and [[Miles Addison]], both with one year left on the their contract, have been told that they are free to leave the club in the summer.<ref>{{cite web | title=Addison & Croft set to leave Derby County in summer| publisher=BBC Sport| url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17732249|date = 16 April 2012}}</ref> [[Chris Maguire]]'s loan at Portsmouth was extended until the end of the season.<ref name="MaguireLoanExtension">{{cite web|url=http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/LatestNews/news/Maguire-Extends-Stay-3307.aspx |title=Maguire Extends Stay |publisher=Portsmouth F.C. |date=4 April 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20120409044608/http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk:80/LatestNews/news/Maguire-Extends-Stay-3307.aspx |archivedate=9 April 2012 }}</ref> Surgeon Dr Andrew Williams said in April 2012 that he was happy with the progress that captain [[Shaun Barker]] had made in his injury recovery after his first check-up, with Barker expected to be in a leg brace and crutches for at least 12 weeks. Barker has also spent 6 hours a day in a Kneehab XP, which Barker calls a "machine of death" the machine helps re-build [[Quadriceps femoris muscle|quadriceps muscles]] through set spells of contraction and relaxation. Barker has also spent time in an ice machine.<ref name=barkersurjuryrecovery>{{cite news| url =http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/story-15862501-detail/story.html| title =Skipper gets the thumbs up from surgeon| date =19 April 2012 | work =Thisisderbyshire}}</ref>


At the end of the month, ''the Rams'' finally ended their interest in appointing a [[director of football]],<ref name=enddirector>{{cite news|title=Derby County end interest in appointing director of football|publisher=BBC Sport|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17847501|date=25 April 2012}}</ref> something the club had been considering since May 2011.<ref name=transfersupremo>{{cite news|title=Derby County look to appoint transfer supremo|publisher=BBC Sport|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/13453577|date=19 May 2011}}</ref> The club also confirmed their interest in 20-year-old [[Northampton Town F.C.|Northampton Town]] winger [[Michael Jacobs (footballer)|Michael Jacobs]], who is out of contract at the end of the season.<ref name=michaeljacobs>{{cite news|title=Derby County keen on Northampton winger Michael Jacobs|publisher=BBC Sport|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/disability-sport/17858104|date=26 April 2012}}</ref>
At the end of the month, ''the Rams'' finally ended their interest in appointing a [[director of football]],<ref name=enddirector>{{cite news|title=Derby County end interest in appointing director of football|publisher=BBC Sport|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17847501|date=25 April 2012}}</ref> something the club had been considering since May 2011.<ref name=transfersupremo>{{cite news|title=Derby County look to appoint transfer supremo|publisher=BBC Sport|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/13453577|date=19 May 2011}}</ref> The club also confirmed their interest in 20-year-old [[Northampton Town F.C.|Northampton Town]] winger [[Michael Jacobs (footballer)|Michael Jacobs]], who is out of contract at the end of the season.<ref name=michaeljacobs>{{cite news|title=Derby County keen on Northampton winger Michael Jacobs|publisher=BBC Sport|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/disability-sport/17858104|date=26 April 2012}}</ref>
Line 171: Line 170:
|[[Crewe Alexandra F.C.|Crewe Alexandra]]
|[[Crewe Alexandra F.C.|Crewe Alexandra]]
|19 May 2010
|19 May 2010
|Undisclosed<ref name="signsforDerby">{{cite web | title=Derby Land Brayford & Bailey| publisher=dcfc.co.uk| url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2053956,00.html?| date = 19 May 2010 }}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref>
|Undisclosed<ref name="signsforDerby">{{cite web|title=Derby Land Brayford & Bailey |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2053956,00.html? |date=19 May 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20100522105048/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2053956,00.html |archivedate=22 May 2010 }}</ref>
|73/1
|73/1
|1
|1
Line 221: Line 220:
|[[Tranmere Rovers F.C.|Tranmere Rovers]]
|[[Tranmere Rovers F.C.|Tranmere Rovers]]
|12 June 2008
|12 June 2008
|£275k, rising to £725k<ref name=DaviesSigns>{{cite news| url =http://www.dcfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~1327183,00.html | publisher = dcfc.co.uk| title = Davies Joins Jewell Revolution| date = 12 June 2008}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref>
|£275k, rising to £725k<ref name=DaviesSigns>{{cite news|url=http://www.dcfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~1327183,00.html |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |title=Davies Joins Jewell Revolution |date=12 June 2008 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20081010224342/http://www.dcfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~1327183,00.html |archivedate=10 October 2008 }}</ref>
|55/39
|55/39
|23
|23
Line 301: Line 300:
|[[Notts County F.C.|Notts County]]
|[[Notts County F.C.|Notts County]]
|20 January 2011
|20 January 2011
|£350k<ref name=bdaviessigns>{{cite web | title=Derby sign midfielder Davies|publisher=dcfc.co.uk| url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2271348,00.html| date = 20 January 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref>
|£350k<ref name=bdaviessigns>{{cite web|title=Derby sign midfielder Davies |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2271348,00.html |date=20 January 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20110122220437/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2271348,00.html |archivedate=22 January 2011 }}</ref>
|41/8
|41/8
|2
|2
Line 331: Line 330:
|Unattached
|Unattached
|25 June 2009
|25 June 2009
|Free<ref name="LeeCroftsigns">{{Cite web| title=Winger Croft completes free transfer to Rams| publisher=therams.co.uk | url=http://therams.co.uk/stories/derby-county-winger-croft-completes-free-transfer-to-rams| date = 25 June 2009 }}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref>
|Free<ref name="LeeCroftsigns">{{Cite web|title=Winger Croft completes free transfer to Rams |publisher=therams.co.uk |url=http://therams.co.uk/stories/derby-county-winger-croft-completes-free-transfer-to-rams |date=25 June 2009 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20090628074620/http://therams.co.uk:80/stories/derby-county-winger-croft-completes-free-transfer-to-rams |archivedate=28 June 2009 }}</ref>
|20/10
|20/10
|1
|1
Line 341: Line 340:
|Trainee
|Trainee
|2 May 2010
|2 May 2010
|N/A<ref name=Hendrickprofile>{{cite news| url =http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/FirstTeamProfilesDetail/0,,10270~51283,00.html?| publisher = dcfc.co.uk| title = Jeff Hendrick| date = 2 May 2010}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref>
|N/A<ref name=Hendrickprofile>{{cite news|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/FirstTeamProfilesDetail/0,,10270~51283,00.html? |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |title=Jeff Hendrick |date=2 May 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20110623130254/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/FirstTeamProfilesDetail/0,,10270~51283,00.html |archivedate=23 June 2011 }}</ref>
|39/8
|39/8
|3
|3
Line 361: Line 360:
|Trainee
|Trainee
|2 Jan 2009
|2 Jan 2009
|N/A<ref name=BallPlayerProfile>{{cite news| url =http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/FirstTeamProfilesDetail/0,,10270~50382,00.html| publisher = dcfc.co.uk| title = Callum Ball| date = 2 January 2010}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref>
|N/A<ref name=BallPlayerProfile>{{cite news|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/FirstTeamProfilesDetail/0,,10270~50382,00.html |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |title=Callum Ball |date=2 January 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20110623130437/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/FirstTeamProfilesDetail/0,,10270~50382,00.html |archivedate=23 June 2011 }}</ref>
|14/17
|14/17
|3
|3
Line 371: Line 370:
|Trainee
|Trainee
|1 July 2011
|1 July 2011
|N/A<ref name=JonesProfile>{{cite news|url = http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/FirstTeamProfilesDetail/0,,10270~56761,00.html| publisher = dcfc.co.uk| title = Chris Jones| date = 9 August 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref>
|N/A<ref name=JonesProfile>{{cite news|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/FirstTeamProfilesDetail/0,,10270~56761,00.html |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |title=Chris Jones |date=9 August 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20110924172022/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/FirstTeamProfilesDetail/0,,10270~56761,00.html |archivedate=24 September 2011 }}</ref>
|0
|0
|0
|0
Line 381: Line 380:
|Trainee
|Trainee
|1 July 2011
|1 July 2011
|N/A<ref name="Bennett Player Profile">{{cite news| url =http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/FirstTeamProfilesDetail/0,,10270~56762,00.html| publisher = dcfc.co.uk| title = Mason Bennett| date = 9 August 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref>
|N/A<ref name="Bennett Player Profile">{{cite news|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/FirstTeamProfilesDetail/0,,10270~56762,00.html |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |title=Mason Bennett |date=9 August 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20110924172029/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/FirstTeamProfilesDetail/0,,10270~56762,00.html |archivedate=24 September 2011 }}</ref>
|2/9
|2/9
|0
|0
Line 391: Line 390:
|Trainee
|Trainee
|1 July 2011
|1 July 2011
|N/A<ref name="Hughes Player Profile">{{cite news| url =http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/FirstTeamProfilesDetail/0,,10270~58789,00.html| publisher = dcfc.co.uk| title = Will Hughes| date = 5 November 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref>
|N/A<ref name="Hughes Player Profile">{{cite news|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/FirstTeamProfilesDetail/0,,10270~58789,00.html |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |title=Will Hughes |date=5 November 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20111109174208/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/FirstTeamProfilesDetail/0,,10270~58789,00.html |archivedate=9 November 2011 }}</ref>
|1/2
|1/2
|0
|0
Line 401: Line 400:
|Trainee
|Trainee
|28 April 2012
|28 April 2012
|N/A<ref name="Lelan Player Profile">{{cite news|url =http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/FirstTeamProfilesDetail/0,,10270~60413,00.html | publisher = dcfc.co.uk| title = Josh Lelan| date = 28 April 2012}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref>
|N/A<ref name="Lelan Player Profile">{{cite news|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/FirstTeamProfilesDetail/0,,10270~60413,00.html |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |title=Josh Lelan |date=28 April 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20120513081040/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/FirstTeamProfilesDetail/0,,10270~60413,00.html |archivedate=13 May 2012 }}</ref>
|0
|0
|0
|0
Line 431: Line 430:
|Trainee
|Trainee
|1 July 2009
|1 July 2009
|N/A<ref name="Severn Player Profile">{{cite news| url =http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/FirstTeamProfilesDetail/0,,10270~50968,00.html| publisher = dcfc.co.uk| title = James Severn| date =}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref>
|N/A<ref name="Severn Player Profile">{{cite news|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/FirstTeamProfilesDetail/0,,10270~50968,00.html |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |title=James Severn |date= |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20110423090116/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/FirstTeamProfilesDetail/0,,10270~50968,00.html |archivedate=23 April 2011 }}</ref>
|0/1
|0/1
|0
|0
Line 441: Line 440:
|Trainee
|Trainee
|1 Jan 2010
|1 Jan 2010
|N/A<ref name=RyanConnollylPlayerProfile>{{Cite news| url =http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/FirstTeamProfilesDetail/0,,10270~50745,00.html?| publisher = dcfc.co.uk| title = Ryan Connolly| date = 13 February 2010}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref>
|N/A<ref name=RyanConnollylPlayerProfile>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/FirstTeamProfilesDetail/0,,10270~50745,00.html? |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |title=Ryan Connolly |date=13 February 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20110623130442/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/FirstTeamProfilesDetail/0,,10270~50745,00.html |archivedate=23 June 2011 }}</ref>
|0/1
|0/1
|0
|0
Line 451: Line 450:
|Trainee
|Trainee
|31 March 2012
|31 March 2012
|N/A<ref name=ThomasProfile>{{cite news|url = http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/FirstTeamProfilesDetail/0,,10270~60288,00.html| publisher = dcfc.co.uk| title = Kwame Thoas| date = 31 March 2012}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref>
|N/A<ref name=ThomasProfile>{{cite news|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/FirstTeamProfilesDetail/0,,10270~60288,00.html |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |title=Kwame Thoas |date=31 March 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20120418010037/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/FirstTeamProfilesDetail/0,,10270~60288,00.html |archivedate=18 April 2012 }}</ref>
|0
|0
|0
|0
Line 471: Line 470:
|Trainee
|Trainee
|1 July 2009
|1 July 2009
|N/A<ref name="Atkins Player Profile">{{cite news| url =http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/FirstTeamProfilesDetail/0,,10270~49460,00.html| publisher = dcfc.co.uk| title = Ross Atkins| date = 9 November 2009}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref>
|N/A<ref name="Atkins Player Profile">{{cite news|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/FirstTeamProfilesDetail/0,,10270~49460,00.html |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |title=Ross Atkins |date=9 November 2009 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20120421091241/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/FirstTeamProfilesDetail/0,,10270~49460,00.html |archivedate=21 April 2012 }}</ref>
|1
|1
|0
|0
Line 697: Line 696:
|Trainee
|Trainee
|1 July 2009
|1 July 2009
|N/A<ref name="Mendy Player Profile">{{cite news| url =http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/FirstTeamProfilesDetail/0,,10270~48100,00.html| publisher = dcfc.co.uk| title =Arnaud Mendy| date = 9 November 2009}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref>
|N/A<ref name="Mendy Player Profile">{{cite news|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/FirstTeamProfilesDetail/0,,10270~48100,00.html |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |title=Arnaud Mendy |date=9 November 2009 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20110423090257/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/FirstTeamProfilesDetail/0,,10270~48100,00.html |archivedate=23 April 2011 }}</ref>
|0/1
|0/1
|0
|0
Line 710: Line 709:
|Trainee
|Trainee
|1 July 2009
|1 July 2009
|N/A<ref name="Mills Player Profile">{{cite news| url =http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/FirstTeamProfilesDetail/0,,10270~49425,00.html| publisher = dcfc.co.uk| title = Greg Mills| date = 9 November 2009}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref>
|N/A<ref name="Mills Player Profile">{{cite news|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/FirstTeamProfilesDetail/0,,10270~49425,00.html |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |title=Greg Mills |date=9 November 2009 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20110423090302/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/FirstTeamProfilesDetail/0,,10270~49425,00.html |archivedate=23 April 2011 }}</ref>
|0/2
|0/2
|0
|0
Line 749: Line 748:
|[[Free agent (football)|Unattached]]
|[[Free agent (football)|Unattached]]
|15 January 2010
|15 January 2010
|Free<ref name="RussellSigns">{{cite news| url = http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~1933311,00.html| publisher = dcfc.co.uk| title =Anderson Ready For The Challenge| date = 15 January 2010}}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref>
|Free<ref name="RussellSigns">{{cite news|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~1933311,00.html |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |title=Anderson Ready For The Challenge |date=15 January 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20100323230707/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~1933311,00.html |archivedate=23 March 2010 }}</ref>
|18/16
|18/16
|1
|1
Line 788: Line 787:
|[[Millwall F.C.|Millwall]]
|[[Millwall F.C.|Millwall]]
|1 June 2010
|1 June 2010
|Free<ref name="MartinSigns">{{cite web | title=Martin makes permanent Rams move| publisher=dcfc.co.uk| url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2062906,00.html?| date = 1 June 2010 }}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref>
|Free<ref name="MartinSigns">{{cite web|title=Martin makes permanent Rams move |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2062906,00.html? |date=1 June 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20120915040841/http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2062906,00.html |archivedate=15 September 2012 }}</ref>
|2/11
|2/11
|1
|1
Line 828: Line 827:
|[[Wigan Athletic F.C.|Wigan Athletic]]
|[[Wigan Athletic F.C.|Wigan Athletic]]
|1 July 2010
|1 July 2010
|Free<ref name="cywkasigns">{{cite web | title=Rams move to bring in Cywka| publisher=dcfc.co.uk| url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2058217,00.html?| date = 24 May 2010 }}{{dead link|date=May 2015}}</ref>
|Free<ref name="cywkasigns">{{cite web|title=Rams move to bring in Cywka |publisher=dcfc.co.uk |url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2058217,00.html? |date=24 May 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20100819214111/http://www.dcfc.co.uk:80/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2058217,00.html |archivedate=19 August 2010 }}</ref>
|29/18
|29/18
|5
|5

Revision as of 23:21, 25 February 2016

Derby County F.C.
2011–12 season
ChairmanAndrew Appleby
ManagerNigel Clough
Championship12th
Jack Stamps TrophyCraig Bryson[1]
FA CupFourth Round
League CupFirst Round
Top goalscorerLeague: Steve Davies (12)
All: Steve Davies/Theo Robinson (12)
Highest home attendance33,010 vs. Southampton, Championship (15 October 2011)
, Leeds United, Championship (26 December 2011) and Nottingham Forest, Championship (13 March 2012)
Lowest home attendance7,073 v Shrewsbury Town, League Cup (9 August 2011)
Average home league attendance26,020

The 2011–12 season was Derby County's 106th season in the Football League and their 113th overall in league football. It was their fourth consecutive season in the second tier following the previous campaign and their 44th overall. Derby started the season well, winning their first 4 league games in August, which was also club's best league start since the 1905–06 season.[2] However, the club were knocked out of the first round of League Cup against League Two opposition for the third season in a row against Shrewsbury Town. Derby maintained their top 2 position in September, with the main highlight being a 2–1 win at local rivals Nottingham Forest, despite the fact that goalkeeper Frank Fielding gave away a penalty and was sent off after 67 seconds, Jeff Hendrick's winner in the game was his first goal in senior football. October and November were disappointing with Derby picking up only 1 win and 5 points out of a possible 30 as Derby fell to 15th place in the league, with a 4–0 defeat at rivals Leicester City at the start of the month, starting the slump in form. In mid-October, Nigel Clough and his backroom staff signed new 3 1/2-year contracts.[3] Derby picked up form in December and January, losing only twice in 9 games, picking up 17 points as Derby ended the month 12th peaking at 8th in mid-January. February was another disappointing month, where they picked up on 1 point, scoring no goals with them club suffering their 2nd 4–0 defeat of the season to the hands of Southampton by the end of the month, Derby were 15th in the table. From the start of April to mid march, Derby picked up 14 points out a possible 21 which lifted Derby to 11th in the table, 5 points off the play-offs with 4 games remaining, Derby manager Nigel Clough however ruled out a play-off place, wishing there was more the 4 games left as the club were showing great form.[4] However defeats to Middlesbrough and Cardiff City in 4 days ended the Derby's play-off chances. Derby finished the season 12th in the league, 11 points off the play-off players, with Nigel Clough being satisfied with the performances of the team, stating a lack of firepower as the reason why they fell short and a target to improve in 2012–13.[5] Derby ended the season with a win and a draw as they finished in 12th place on 64 points, 7 places and 15 points better off than the previous season, the club's first top half finish since promotion in 2007 and best league standing since relegation in 2008.

Derby's summer signings had mixed fortunes with Craig Bryson, Jason Shackell & Frank Fielding all being in contention for the Player of the Year award.[1] Striker Theo Robinson was joint top scorer with Steve Davies on 12 goals and Jamie Ward's form impressed enough to earn him a new contract. Tom Naylor also earned praise from Nigel Clough for his development and impressed when standing in for John Brayford at right-back. Nathan Tyson, signed from local rivals Forest however failed to score in 24 appearances, Chris Maguire struggled to break into the first team and was loaned out to Portsmouth for the final two months of the season. Chris Riggott rejoined the club on a one-year contract, but was released in December due to injuries. The club relied less on loan signings and more on the club's academy as Jeff Hendrick, Mark O'Brien, Callum Ball, Mason Bennett and Will Hughes all broke into the first team, Bennett and Hughes making their debuts with Bennett setting a club record for youngest ever team player, making his first appearance against Middlesbrough on 22 October 2011 at 15 years and 99 days old,[6] beating Lee Holmes' record by 169 days.

The club's reserve side had a less successful year than in the two previous seasons, with the club missing out on the Central League title by one point from Sheffield United, as well as being beaten in the Derbyshire Senior Cup final by Buxton. Derby also reached the final of the Central League Cup final against Manchester City Elite Development squad.

The club recorded an average attendance of 26,020, down by exactly 3 from the previous campaign and still the third highest in the Championship behind West Ham United and Southampton. This was also the 14th best average attendance in the country, higher than the average gate of eight Premier League clubs. In October 2011, Derby County announced that they had submitted plans to Derby City Council for a £7 million development of land outside the stadium, which the club named "The Plaza @ Pride Park".[7] The plans included five cafes/restaurants, two convenience stores and 2,000 square metres of office space. The plans were scaled down from the planned £20 million development proposed in 2007.[8] Derby County CEO Tom Glick, said that the plans would help the club deal with the new Financial Fair Play regulations, due to be introduced in the Football League from 2012, as revenue from the Plaza was intended to be reinvested back into the club.[7] The planned development also coincided with plans from the City Council to build a multi-use sports arena on the same site as the proposed Plaza.[8] Derby City Council's Planning Control Committee gave planning permission for The Plaza @ Pride Pride Park development in January 2012,[9] with Chief Executive Tom Glick stating the club had started looking for a development company to build the plaza.[9]

Team kit

The team kit for the 2011–12 season is produced by Adidas and sponsored by website buymobiles.net. The new home kit for was revealed on 4 June 2011.[10] The away kit was revealed on 15 July 2011.[11]

Home colours
Away colours

Review

Pre-season

In a post-match interview after a 2–0 defeat at home to Bristol City on 30 April 2011, Derby manager Nigel Clough stated that whilst talking with the fellow management staff during the game he had wondered "How many of those players out who started today we want out there on 6 August (and the answer is) not too many" and that he intended to bring in "6, 8, maybe 10" new players in the close season.[12] Flying in the face of such talk was press speculation that Clough, fearing interference, would quit his position at Derby to return to Burton Albion.[13] The Rams ended the season in 19th, their lowest position on the league ladder in 5 years. The final tally of 49 points was the club's lowest ever from a 46-game season and their lowest in the second tier since 1984. At the end of May, the club announced it had sold 16,200 Early Bird Season tickets for the following campaign, just 500 down from the same point last season.[14]

Following the completion of the 2010–11 season, Derby announced their retained list for the 2011–12 campaign. Goalkeeping trio Saul Deeney, Ross Atkins and James Severn were all given new deals to their expiring contracts, whilst Callum Ball, Alex Witham, Aaron Cole and Chris Jones become first-year professionals after completing their scholarship programmes.[15] The next month Ball also signed a new three-year contract, which extended his stay at the club until at least 2014.[16] The club also confirmed the departures of Michael Boulding, Chris Porter, Greg Mills and Arnaud Mendy, alongside the retiring Robbie Savage, as they would not be offered new deals,[15] and that loanees Brad Jones, Daniel Ayala and Alberto Bueno would all return to their parent clubs.[15]

The club quickly entered into the transfer market, tying up permanent deals for loanees Frank Fielding, Jamie Ward and Theo Robinson within 48 hours of the end of the season, with Fielding signed for £400k[17] and Ward and Robinson signing for undisclosed fees, rumoured to total £500k.[18][19] The first "new" capture of the summer came in the shape of Kilmarnock captain Craig Bryson, who signed for £350k, rising to £450,000 after add-on clauses.[20] Later that same month, Derby added two additional signings in the shape of Jason Shackell and Chris Maguire. Barnsley captain Jason Shackell was the club's biggest signing of the Summer Transfer window. After several unsuccessful offers,[21][22][23] Derby had a bid in the region of £1m accepted[24] and the player joined on a three-year contract.[25] Miles Addison, who signed a contract extension until 2013 on the same day,[26] joined Barnsley on loan for six months as part of the deal.[27] Another protracted transfer concerned Scottish international striker Chris Maguire. On 1 June, it was announced Chris Maguire would sign for the club on the expiration of his Aberdeen contract after agreeing a three-year deal at Pride Park.[28] However, after Derby failed to match Aberdeen's £400,000 compensation claim, it was revealed that the final fee would be decided by a FIFA Tribunal.[28][29] However, after much discussion between the two clubs, on 29 June, two days before the expiry of his contract, Maguire's signing was formally announced, with the two clubs agreeing to a compensation in the region of £400,000.[30]

Despite capturing six new permanent signings by the end of June, Derby still hadn't finished rebuilding and added two more captures on 1 July. The most controversial was that of Nottingham Forest's Nathan Tyson.[31] On 7 June, it was confirmed that Nathan Tyson was in contract talks with the club,[32] despite a controversial incident where Tyson waved a Nottingham Forest flag in front of the Derby fans after the final whistle of the East Midlands derby match in August 2009, a game which Tyson scored in and Forest won 3–2.[33] Tyson was hit with a two-game suspended ban and a £5,000 fine for the incident.[34] Tyson was confirmed as a Derby County player on 13 June, signing a 3-year pre-contract agreement and formally joining on July 1.[35] A less contentious signing came in the shape of Burton Albion goalkeeper Adam Legzdins, who joined from League Two club Burton Albion on a three-year deal,[36] Clough stating that he would return to first choice goalkeeper Frank Fielding.[36] The close seasons final captures came late on.

Former defender Chris Riggott was invited to train with the club in an attempt to regain fitness[37] and impressed enough to earn a contract offer from the club, which he subsequently signed.[38] The other signing came in the form of a six-month loan deal for Hull City defender Kevin Kilbane, who would challenge Gareth Roberts for the club's left-back position.[39]

Uncompleted moved included a rejected £1.25m move for Leicester City striker Martyn Waghorn and an approach for Watford midfielder John Eustace, who had had a loan spell at the club in 2009.[40][41] Rumoured targets included Birmingham City pair Kevin Phillips and Lee Bowyer,[42][43] and Adam Rooney of Inverness Caledonian Thistle[44] The start of July also saw a rumours of a move for former Forest midfielder Guy Moussi.[45] There were also rumours of an audacious swoop for Manchester United and England striker Michael Owen,[46] which Clough himself later dismissed as "silly season" speculation.

With the capture of ten players, there came the necessity of shifting out those not in the first team picture to balance the club's wage bill. The biggest sale, and the only one from which Derby received a fee, was Luke Varney, who joined Portsmouth for a fee of £750,000[47] after lengthy speculation.[48] The only other permanent departure, not counting contract expirations, was Ben Pringle. Pringle was told he was free to find another club, despite being handed a new 18-month contract just 3 months earlier,[49] and subsequently agreed personal terms with Rotherham United.[50] signing for the club on a free transfer later the same day.[51] The only other departures saw goalkeeper Ross Atkins join Burton Albion on a season-long loan move[52] and another young goalkeeper, James Severn joined Eastwood Town until 1 January.[53] There was also rumour of an Aberdeen move for Russell Anderson being accepted, but the player rejected the chance of a move, preferring to remain at Pride Park.[54]

The players and management team returned to pre-season training on 1 July, with former loanee goalkeeper Matt Duke and left back Danny Blanchett also joining training after being released by their respective clubs.[55] Striker Michael Boulding, who had been released at the start of the season, also trained with the club during pre-season[56] and former Notts County left winger Nathan Fox played 90 minutes during a pre-season friendly against Burton Albion.[57]

August

Derby's first game of the 2011–12 season came at home to relegated Birmingham City and saw full debuts for Jason Shackell, Craig Bryson and Kevin Kilbane. Despite going a goal down, Derby struck back to claim a 2–1 victory, which included a debut goal for Shackell, who earned a spot in the Championship Team of the Week.[58] This was followed by consecutive 1–0 wins away to Watford and Blackpool, with winning goals courtesy of Steve Davies, who earned a Team of the Week placing for his performance,[59] and Craig Bryson respectively. The run was the first time Derby had opened a campaign with a three-game winning streak since 1948 and the first time in the club's history it had been achieved with two away fixtures in the run.[60] The following match against Doncaster Rovers was the 300th league game at the Pride Park Stadium and saw Derby in with a chance of making their best start to a season in over 100 years if they could achieve a victory.[61] In the result of the match The Rams cruised to a 3–0 victory, with Steve Davies getting his third in four games, Kevin Kilbane getting his first goal for the club and Ben Davies scoring his first of the campaign and earning a place in the Championship Team of the Week.[62] The result lifted Derby to second in the embryonic 2011–12 table and saw the Rams open with four from four, the first time this had been achieved since the start of the 1905–06 season when the club recorded a club record five straight opening victories.[2] Four days after the result, the club revealed that right back John Brayford, who had played every minute of every game since his arrival at Pride Park one year earlier, had signed a new contract extending his stay at the club until the summer of 2014.[63] The visit of Burnley was the final game before the international break and saw Derby crash to their first defeat of the season, as Theo Robinson's equaliser turned out to be a mere consolation in a 2–1 home loss. Regardless of the defeat, Nigel Clough remained defiant, stating "I don't want this to diminish the start we've had. 12 points from 15 has been absolutely brilliant and the manner in which we've achieved them."[64]

With the international break stopping play, eyes moved to what the club would do prior to the closing of the Transfer Window on September 1, with the long term chase for a holding midfielder and an additional striker suggesting that the club's work in the transfer market had not yet finished. However, the club's only movement saw academy graduate Ryan Connolly join Scottish First Division side Ayr United on loan until 31 December[65] and youth team winger Aaron Cole head out to Eastwood Town on a one-month deal.[66] Glick explained the lack of activity with a statement via. the club's official website in which he said "We continue to make inquiries and calls in regards to strengthening the squad, but it may be that things happen when the loan window re-opens next week. We have been extremely active in our recruitment this summer - signing 10 players - and we very satisfied the quality and experience we have brought in. It is no secret that we expected, and needed, to move some players on during this window to balance the squad with the new intake, and that element has so far proved challenging. This means we are carrying players and wages that are not part of our plans for this campaign or beyond, and we need to rectify that. It is important not to abandon our philosophy of responsible governance of this Club; with the Financial Fair Play rules set to be introduced in the Football League in 2012, it makes it even more imperative."[67] One of the players thought to not be part of the club's plans was defender Dean Leacock, with media speculation that he was going to be offered a contract termination.[68] Other financial news saw it revealed amount of money Derby spent on agents' fees had fallen by almost £150,000 between July 2010 and July 2011, paying out £289,500 as opposed to £434,350 in the previous 12 months. The figure saw Derby tumble down the Championship Agent's Fees table to 18th, having topped it three years before. Thefigure was made up of 57 transactions, including 18 new registrations/transfers, eight updated contracts, 13 contracts cancelled and 18 loans.[69]

September

The international break saw a surprise call-up to the England squad for Frankie Fielding following West Ham United's Rob Green's withdrawal through injury. Although Fielding was unused for the two Euro 2012 qualifiers, he became the first Derby player in 11 years to have a role for England, since Seth Johnson's appearance against Italy in 2000.[70] When Fielding returned to Derby he and his teammates resumed Championship action away to Coventry City, where two second half goals condemned them to a second consecutive defeat, this time 2–0.

The day before the Coventry defeat it was announced that Nigel Clough had been nominated for the Championship Manager of the Month award, but lost out to Brighton & Hove Albion's Gus Poyet.[71] Prior to the game, Clough also spoke of his desire for patience and his commitment to bringing through youth at Derby.[72] Reflecting on Clough's comments, the Derby Evening Telegraph stated "The conveyor belt at Derby has juddered and stalled at times and in many ways it has been rusted by constant changes within the Academy set up"[73] before highlighting past academy-graduates England international Tom Huddlestone, Northern Ireland international Lee Camp, Wales international Lewin Nyatanga and England U21 internationals Lee Grant, Giles Barnes and Lee Holmes (all of whom were no longer with the club) as examples that the current youth set-up should aim to emulate.[74] As if to prove that Derby's youth production was back on track, academy graduate Mark O'Brien, who had played in every game of the new season despite being just 18 years old, signed a new four-year contract, extending his stay at the club until the summer of 2015.[75] On the same day, winger Dave Martin joined Walsall on a months loan[76] and the following week Stephen Bywater moved to Sheffield Wednesday until the end of the year[77] with goalkeeping coach Martin Taylor saying of Bywater "He's not in the squad at all. Nothing against Stephen because he's worked really hard but he doesn't figure in our plans. At his age he just needs to play games and get in the shop window."[78] There was also a link with Mansfield Town's Tom Naylor, who played for the reserves in a bid to earn a contract offer from the club,[79] and Clough laughed off West Bromwich Albion's rumoured £3m interest in John Brayford, saying "Is that all, £3million?"[80]

17 September bought the first East Midlands derby of the season, as Derby travelled to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest. With midfielder James Bailey injured in the week prior to the match, an ankle injury which ruled him out for three months.,[81] Derby unsuccessfully tried to sign former-Captain Matt Oakley on loan from Leicester City to bolster the midfield.[82] The already contentious fixture saw tensions heightened by the news that Nathan Tyson, who had injured himself in pre-season following his move to Derby from Forest, was finally available for selection for the Rams.[83] In the event of the match, Frank Fielding was sent off after just 66 seconds after bundling over Forest striker Ishmael Miller giving Adam Legzdins to make his first appearance for the club, with his first action being to pick Andy Reid's penalty out of the back of the net. However, Jamie Ward's 29th-minute equaliser, a mazy run past three Forest defenders before he beat Lee Camp at his near post from the byline, saw the ten-man Derby side level at half-time. The second half saw Nathan Tyson come on for his Derby debut, but it was 19-year-old academy graduate Jeff Hendrick, who like Mark O'Brien had broken into the first team after impressive performances and was named in the Championship Team of the Week on the back of his performance,[84] who grabbed the headlines when he scored midway into the second half with his first professional goal and claimed Derby's third win at the City Ground in five attempts. The victory was followed with four points from the next two home games - a 3–0 thumping of Millwall which saw John Brayford, Ben Davies and Jeff Hendrick named in the Championship's 'Team of the Week'[85] and a 1–1 draw with Barnsley - to take them into the automatic promotion spots. The results came in midst of discussion over Clough's contract - which was due to expire at the end of the season,[86] with Forest allegedly interested in securing their former-player's services.[87]

October

The first game of October, and Derby's final game before the international break saw Derby make the short trip to Leicester City. In the event of the game, Derby were on the end of a thumping 4–0 defeat, which included two goals in the final two minutes, but remained in third place in the table thanks to results elsewhere. It was the club's biggest defeat for almost exactly two years (after a 1–6 mauling at Cardiff City on 29 September 2009) and left Clough asking supporters to not let the result "overshadow what has been a great start to the season for us."[88] The heavy nature of the defeat, which was partially attributed to player exhaustion due to the constraints of a regular Championship season being placed on Derby's small squad, led to questions about potential investment over the next two weeks, with CEO Tom Glick stating that "we have our eye firmly on what it will take to get through the first half of the season before January and if we feel we're light, we'll make a move" before reaffirming that he didn't foresee any new signings ahead of the next game, at home to Southampton.[89] The club also made public its intention to offer a new contract to Jeff Hendrick, who had enjoyed an excellent start to his first full season of professional football.[90] The international break allowed Derby the time to try to bring back some of the squads injured key players, with Chris Riggott, Shaun Barker, Paul Green and Nathan Tyson all showing signs of nearing return to the first team picture.[91][92] They was a further boost to the squad when Jason Shackell was nominated for Championship Player of the Month, though he lost out to Middlesbrough's Matthew Bates.[93]

The return to league action saw a high profile fixture at home to league leaders Southampton, with a sell out crowd (the first of the season) making the match the fourth highest attended of the day in English football. Theo Robinson's 3rd-minute strike saw Derby open the scoring in an eventual 1–1 draw, though they owed much to an inspired performance from Frank Fielding for keeping them in the game.[94] The draw came despite the absence of John Brayford, who missed his first match since joining Derby 15 months previously after picking up an injury in training,[95] and top-scorer Steve Davies' early exit after picking up an eye injury.[96] With the Brayford ruled out for six weeks and Davies for twelve,[97] Derby cast their eye over the emergency loan market[98] and confirmed they have enquired about Newcastle United's James Perch though Newcastle denied the request as the player was providing defensive cover.[98] Two days after the game it was announced Nigel Clough, alongside his backroom staff, had signed new 3 1/2-year deals at Derby to take them through until summer 2015.[3] The following day, Derby let the lead slip twice as they drew 2–2 at Reading and lost 2–0 at Middlesbrough the following weekend to drop to 6th in the table, their lowest position of the table, and stretch their winless streak to five games. The Middlesbrough game was notable for featuring the debut of the highly touted Mason Bennett, who set a club record for youngest ever team player, making his first appearance at 15 years and 99 days old.[6] The final game of October saw Derby rise to fifth in the table and finally ending their winless streak by grabbing their first win in 6 with a 3–1 win over Portsmouth, with strikes from Craig Bryson and Jamie Ward sandwiching Chris Maguire's first league goal for the club on his first league start in an acclaimed performance. Craig Bryson's performance earned him a place in the Championship Team of the Week.[99] and Mason Bennett also made his first home appearance, coming on in the second half. The match saw injuries to Theo Robinson (hamstring), Mark O'Brien (shoulder) and Chris Maguire (broken nose) to add to eight other injured first team players (Shaun Barker, John Brayford, Steven Davies, Saul Deeney, Nathan Tyson, James Bailey, Paul Green and Chris Riggott).[100] With eleven senior players unavailable, the club admitted it "might" consider entering the loan market,[100] though Clough later stated "We are trying to find the solutions from within the squad", suggesting that their frequent use of the loan market in previous seasons had had a destabilizing effect on the squads of the time.[101]

Away from the pitch, Derby County announced that they had submitted plans to Derby City Council for a £7 million development of land outside the stadium, which the club named "The Plaza @ Pride Park".[7] The plans included five cafes/restaurants, two convenience stores and 2,000 square metres of office space. The plans were scaled down from the planned £20 million pound development proposed in 2007.[8] Derby County CEO Tom Glick, said that the plans would help the club deal with the new Financial Fair Play regulations, due to be introduced in the Football League from 2012, as revenue from the Plaza was intended to be reinvested back into the club.[7] The planned development also coincided with plans from the City Council to build a multi-use sports arena on the same site as the proposed Plaza.[8]

November

The first match of the month saw Derby crash to a 3–0 defeat at home to Cardiff City, their biggest home defeat for 22 months, and drop out of the playoff for the positions for the first time in the season. Russell Anderson added to the club's injury problems by going off with a damaged hamstring.[102] Despite Derby's numerous injury issues. Clough insisted loans weren't needed[103] and instead loaned out midfielder Stephen Pearson to fellow Championship side Bristol City until 2 January.[104] The last match before the November international break saw Derby race into a 2–0 lead away to Peterborough United, courtesy of a Theo Robinson brace, before losing 3–2 thanks to a stoppage time winner and slipping to a season low of 8th in the table. The winning goal was a bone of contention for Clough, whose post match criticism of referee Iain Williamson was strong enough to earn him a £2,000 fine from the FA.[105] Speaking after the defeat, Clough stated that the recent results (one win from eight) had clouded the seasons positives, such as the "emergence of (the) youngsters".[106] The match saw Will Hughes make his debut as a late substitute at the age of just 16, meaning Derby finished the game with five Academy graduate players aged 19-or-under on the pitch (Jeff Hendrick, Mark O'Brien having started and Mason Bennett, Callum Ball and Hughes appearing as substitutes).

During the international break Derby added to the squad, with the loan signing of Mansfield Town defender Tom Naylor[107] and trials for defender Daniel Lafferty and forward Edwin Gyasi.[108] The first game after the break, at home to Hull City, also saw the return to the squad of Shaun Barker, Paul Green and John Brayford.,[109] though it was not enough to prevent The Rams crash to their third straight defeat as the visitors ran out 2–0 winners. The result meant Derby had won just one of the last 9 fixtures, slumping from 2nd to 9th in the table, though Clough dismissed the poor form as "not a concern".[110] The game also saw top-scorer Theo Robinson go off with a hamstring injury in the first 15 minutes, an injury which saw the club begin to scour the loan market for a replacement striker ahead of the emergency loan window's closure the following Thursday.[111] On the day that the emergency loan window closed, Ipswich Town's Tamás Priskin joined The Rams on a five-week deal, with youth team winger Aaron Cole going out on loan to Conference National side Stockport County on a similar deal.[112] Priskin scored on his debut to give Derby the lead at West Ham United but The Rams eventually fell to a 3–1 defeat to slip to 15th in the table on the back of a fourth consecutive defeat. This was followed by a 1–0 defeat at home to Brighton and Hove Albion, which was a fifth straight defeat and meant that November yielded no points and just three goals.

December

Derby's first fixture of December saw them earn their 5,000th league point in their history,[113] as a Paddy McCarthy own goal helped earn the club a 1–1 draw away to Crystal Palace and earn The Rams their first point in six games. A week later they followed it with a first win since October, as Callum Ball's first senior goal say Derby turn a 1–0 deficit into a 2–1 victory at home to Bristol City. The match was sandwiched by two contracting pieces of contract news - the day before the game it was announced midfielder Jeff Hendrick had committed to the until 2015,[114] whereas two days after it was announced Russell Anderson's injury plagued two years at the club had been ended when his contract was cancelled by mutual consent.[115] There was also strong rumours that Stephen Bywater would make his loan move to Sheffield Wednesday permanent.[116] On 22 December, Chris Riggott's contract was terminated by mutual consent, a move which formally went ahead on 1 January.[117] The Bristol City victory was followed by a 1–0 defeat away to Ipswich Town. now managed by Clough's predecessor Paul Jewell, and a boxing day victory over Leeds United, to take Derby to 31 points at the half-way stage of the season - 1 point ahead of the same stage previous season. The Leeds game saw Nathan Tyson make his first start for Derby, five months after joining the club following a succession of groin problems. Ahead of the final game of the year, a home fixture against second placed West Ham, and with the club's wage bill restricting Derby's potential in the transfer market Clough revealed his intention to move on no less than six players in the upcoming transfer window, with Stephen Pearson (Bristol City), Stephen Bywater (Sheffield Wednesday), Dean Leacock, David Martin, Lee Croft and Tomasz Cywka, all of whom were entering the final six months of their contracts, seemingly on their way out.[118] Bywater was the first to leave following the cancellation of his contract by mutual consent.[119] The Rams rounded off 2012 with a 2–1 home victory over second placed West Ham United which saw Callum Ball and Paul Green, with his first goal in over a year, give Derby a 2–0 lead within 10 minutes. It was only the second time in the last ten years that Derby had finished the year with maximum points and saw them rise to 10th in the table, just two points from the play off positions.

January

The club opened the season with a 1–0 victory away at Hull City, courtesy of a Theo Robinson goal. It meant that Derby became the only side in English football to take a full 9 points from the festive fixtures and was the first time Derby had achieved the feat for 16 years.[120] The win was followed by 1–0 home victories over Crystal Palace (in the FA Cup 3rd Round) and Coventry City in the league, to take The Rams to five consecutive victories in all competitions, their best run of form of the season. The winning run ended with a 2–0 FA Cup defeat to Stoke City and then subsequent results of a 0–0 draw at Burnley and a 3–2 midweek defeat at Barnsley.

With the opening of the transfer window, Derby made permanent Tom Naylor's loan move from Mansfield Town on a three-year deal,[121] and signed Sunderland striker Ryan Noble on a month's loan for a second time; Noble having also had a loan spell at the club in the previous campaign.[122] Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Tom Carroll joined the club on loan until the end of the season.[123] These were the only three incoming transfers, though several players left the club; Dave Martin joined Southend United for an undisclosed fee[124] and Stephen Pearson and Dean Leacock both had their contracts terminated by mutual consent, allowing them to join Bristol City and Leyton Orient respectively.[125][126] Tomasz Cywka saw a transfer back to Poland fall through (which later turned out to be Ekstraklasa leaders Śląsk Wrocław[127]), with Clough indicating that the player could leave as his contract was up in the summer and there was no intention of offering him a new deal.[128] Cywka eventually joined Reading on a free transfer.[127] In addition, Lee Croft joined Scottish Premier League side St Johnstone until the end of the season[129] whilst Miles Addison and Aaron Cole extended their loans at Barnsley and Stockport County respectively by one month.[130][131]

Away from the pitch, Derby City Council's Planning Control Committee gave planning permission for The Plaza @ Pride Pride Park devlelopment,[9] with Chief Executive Tom Glick stating the club had started looking for a development company to build the plaza.[9]

February

Derby were set to being the month local rivals Nottingham Forest, however the game was postponed due to heavy snow.[132] The club's form in February was disappointing, with club picking up only one point in a 0–0 draw against Millwall, a 61st minute Noel Hunt goal ensured a 1–0 defeat to Reading, this was Derby's first home defeat since losing 1–0 against Brighton & Hove Albion in November, the club suffered their joint worst result at Southampton where Derby lost 4–0 to goals from Jos Hooiveld, Aaron Martin, Adam Lallana and Tadanari Lee. Right-back John Brayford picked up a thigh injury in the game, which ruled him out for at least 6 weeks.[133] Derby ended the month with on further defeat at home to local rivals Leicester City, a Neil Danns goal was the difference between the sides. This poor form dropped Derby from 12th in the league at start of month to 15th at the end of the month, with the gap to the play-off place increasing from 4 to 9.

Defender Miles Addison back from a loan spell at Barnsley, joined Bournemouth on loan until the end of the season.[134]

March

Derby began the month at 3rd placed Birmingham City, a team who have lost only one home game this season, Derby were 2–0 down after 57 minutes with goals from Erik Huseklepp and Marlon King, Ben Davies made his first appearance in the first team in 2 months as a 59th-minute substitute replacing Nathan Tyson and he made an immediate impact, creating a goal for Steve Davies (the first goal since his return) 2 minutes later, with Theo Robinson grabbing an equaliser in the 66th minute, the game finished 2–2 as Derby's winless run extended to a season record 7 games. Derby got their first win 7 weeks as Derby beat play-off chasing Blackpool 2–1, Derby went behind from a Tom Ince goal, before Steve Davies scored twice in his first start since his return from injury, the performance from Davies in the game got praise from Derby coach Andy Garner[135] and Blackpool manager Ian Holloway.[136] Derby lost 2–1 at home to Watford, with Derby being 2–0 down after 15 minutes with goals from Sean Murray and Troy Deeney, with Steve Davies getting his fourth goal in a week with a consolation goal. Derby played local rivals Nottingham Forest in a re-arranged fixture from February, in the 80th minute defender Shaun Barker was involved in a collision with Forest striker Marcus Tudgay and Derby goalkeeper Frank Fielding and after a 6 minute in the game was substituted and rushed off to hospital with a suspected broken leg.[137] In stoppage time Marcus Tudgay was sent off after a tackle with Steve Davies, 4 minutes in stoppage time Jake Buxton scored a late winner, which ensured Derby's first league double over Forest in 40 years as Derby won 1–0.[138]

A day after the game, Barker was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a dislocated kneecap.[139] However, on 22 March after further scans in hospital, Barker was facing a 16-month recovery from his injury, (ruling him out of the entire 2012–13 season) after rupturing his medial, anterior cruciate and posterior cruciate ligaments. Barker also had a 3+12 hour operation to remove damage to the patellar ligament, Barker will also wear a brace to the first 8 weeks to help protect the dislocated knee.[140] Barker remains optimistic for a full recovery.[141] Derby picked up their first away win since 2 January as they beat Doncaster Rovers 2–1 with goals from Theo Robinson and a first goal for Derby from Gareth Roberts, El Hadji Diouf scored a consolation goal. Derby lost 2–0 to Brighton & Hove Albion with goals from Iñigo Calderón and Ashley Barnes. Derby ended the month with a 3–2 win against Crystal Palace with goals from Steve Davies, Jeff Hendrick and a Theo Robinson penalty put Derby in a 3–0 lead after 49 minutes, Palace scored two late consolation goal from Chris Martin and Darren Ambrose. Derby ended the months with a 1–1 draw at Bristol City with a first half Craig Bryson goal cancelled out by Brett Pitman goal in the second half. Derby ended the month in 13th in the table, 7 points off the play-offs and 19 points clear of relegation.

Chris Maguire joined Championship strugglers Portsmouth on a month-long emergency loan.[142] Goalkeeper Adam Legzdins rejoined former club Burton Albion on a month's loan.[143]

April

Derby started April with a 0–0 draw at home to Ipswich Town, before taking on Leeds United at Elland Road two days later, Leeds were down to ten men as Michael Brown was given a straight red card in 25 minutes after a stomach-high tackle on Theo Robinson, goals from Craig Bryson after 32 minutes and Steve Davies after 66 minutes were enough to beat the Yorkshire side 2–0, Derby 7th consecutive win v Leeds and their 3rd consecutive league double. This result moved Derby up to 11th in the table, 5 points off the play-offs with 4 games remaining, Derby manager Nigel Clough however ruled out a play-off place, wishing there was more the 4 games left as the club picked up 14 points from a possible 21.[4] A 1–0 defeat from a late Curtis Main winner against Middlesbrough and a 2–0 defeat at Cardiff City with goal from Joe Mason and a goal from defender Mark Hudson from his own half, mathematically ended Derby's play-off chances and ensured Derby will stay in the Championship for a 5th consecutive seasons as Derby dropped to 14th in the table, 8 points off the play-offs with two games to play. John Brayford made his first team return in the game, replacing the injured Tom Naylor at half time who picked up a tight hamstring, Jamie Ward was also replaced early in the second half with a dead leg.[144] Ward was fit to start the next against, a visit to Portsmouth whilst Naylor was not in the matchday squad, John Brayford made his first start in two months. Derby took the lead in the 41st minute, with Jake Buxton scoring his second goal of the season. At half time goalkeeper Frank Fielding was substituted off with a groin injury to be replaced by Adam Legzdins who returned from his loan spell at Burton Albion earlier in the week, playing only one game after picking up a hip injury after a 1–0 defeat against Northampton Town in March.[144] In the second half, former Rams striker Luke Varney scored an eqaulising goal in the 74th minute. On the 78th minute, Steve Davies scored a penalty to give Derby a 2–1 lead, which is how the game ended as Portsmouth were relegated to League One. Academy graduates Mason Bennett & Will Hughes were both given runouts as second-half substitutes. Ahead of the final game of the season at home to Peterborough United, midfielders Craig Bryson & Jeff Hendrick were awarded the club's Jack Stamps Player of the Year & Sammy Crooks Young Player of the Year respectively.[1] Will Hughes given his first start in the game, with youth team players Mason Bennett, Josh Lelan & Kwame Thomas named on the substitutes bench, which featured no goalkeeper as Adam Legzdins made only his second start of the season, standing in for the injured Fielding. Jamie Ward missed out due to a thigh injury.[145] Derby drew the game 1–1 through a 21st minute Theo Robinson goal, with David Ball equalising in the 82nd minute for Peterborough. This result lead Derby to finish 12th in the league, their best league finish since relegation in 2008 and their first top half finish and best points haul since promotion in 2007. Steve Davies and Theo Robinson finished the season joint top goal scorers on 12 goals.

Derby began contract negotiations with players approaching the end of their contracts, Jake Buxton and Gareth Roberts signed new contract to the length of two years and one year respectively. .[146] The club have also been in contract talks with Paul Green with club giving Green until April 2012 to respond.[147] Leeds United were reportedly interested in Green,[148] an offer that Green rejected which means the player will leave the club in the summer.[149] Derby manager Nigel Clough responded to the news by dropping Green for the matchday squad in the penultimate game against Portsmouth, with 17-year-old academy winger Will Hughes taking his place in the matchday squad.[150] Rams coach Johnny Metgod stated that the club were also in contract talks with Jamie Ward whose deal ends in summer 2013,[151] Ward signed a new two-year contract on 19 April, with an option for a further year which will extended his stay at Derby until at least the summer of 2014.[152] Lee Croft and Miles Addison, both with one year left on the their contract, have been told that they are free to leave the club in the summer.[153] Chris Maguire's loan at Portsmouth was extended until the end of the season.[154] Surgeon Dr Andrew Williams said in April 2012 that he was happy with the progress that captain Shaun Barker had made in his injury recovery after his first check-up, with Barker expected to be in a leg brace and crutches for at least 12 weeks. Barker has also spent 6 hours a day in a Kneehab XP, which Barker calls a "machine of death" the machine helps re-build quadriceps muscles through set spells of contraction and relaxation. Barker has also spent time in an ice machine.[155]

At the end of the month, the Rams finally ended their interest in appointing a director of football,[156] something the club had been considering since May 2011.[157] The club also confirmed their interest in 20-year-old Northampton Town winger Michael Jacobs, who is out of contract at the end of the season.[158]

End of Season squad

Player Country Squad
Number
Position Signed From Date Fee Paid Total Derby
Appearances
Total Derby
Goals
Frank Fielding England 1 Goalkeeper Blackburn Rovers 9 May 2011 £400k[17] 63 0
John Brayford England 2 Defender Crewe Alexandra 19 May 2010 Undisclosed[159] 73/1 1
Gareth Roberts Wales 3 Defender Doncaster Rovers 1 July 2010 Free[160] 66/6 1
Craig Bryson Scotland 4 Midfielder Kilmarnock 6 June 2011 £350k, rising to £450k[20] 46 6
Shaun Barker England 5 Defender Blackpool 15 July 2009 £900k[161] 100/5 6
Jason Shackell England 6 Defender Barnsley 21 June 2011 £750k, rising to £1m[25] 49 1
Steve Davies England 7 Forward Tranmere Rovers 12 June 2008 £275k, rising to £725k[162] 55/39 23
Nathan Tyson England 9 Forward Nottingham Forest 1 July 2011 Free[35] 13/11 0
Jamie Ward Northern Ireland 10 Forward Sheffield United 9 May 2011 Undisclosed[18] 50/2 9
Chris Maguire Scotland 11 Forward Aberdeen 29 June 2011 £400k[30] 3/5 2
Adam Legzdins England 13 Goalkeeper Burton Albion 1 July 2011 Undisclosed[36] 2/2 0
Conor Doyle United States 14 Forward Creighton University 6 August 2010 Free[163] 6/14 0
James Bailey England 16 Midfielder Crewe Alexandra 19 May 2010 Undisclosed[159] 53/9 1
Jake Buxton England 17 Defender Burton Albion 1 July 2009 Free[164] 36/12 3
Ben Davies England 18 Midfielder Notts County 20 January 2011 £350k[165] 41/8 2
Tom Carroll England 19 Midfielder Tottenham Hotspur 30 January 2012 Loan[123] 8/4 1
Theo Robinson England 21 Forward Millwall 1 July 2011 Unidisclosed[18] 37/17 14
Lee Croft England 22 Midfielder Unattached 25 June 2009 Free[166] 20/10 1
Jeff Hendrick Republic of Ireland 23 Midfielder Trainee 2 May 2010 N/A[167] 39/8 3
Mark O'Brien Republic of Ireland 24 Defender Trainee 1 July 2009 N/A[168] 16/8 0
Callum Ball England 25 Forward Trainee 2 Jan 2009 N/A[169] 14/17 3
Chris Jones England 27 Defender Trainee 1 July 2011 N/A[170] 0 0
Mason Bennett England 28 Forward Trainee 1 July 2011 N/A[171] 2/9 0
Will Hughes England 29 Midfielder Trainee 1 July 2011 N/A[172] 1/2 0
Josh Lelan England 30 Defender Trainee 28 April 2012 N/A[173] 0 0
Tom Naylor England 31 Defender Mansfield Town 2 January 2012 Undisclosed[121] 8/1 0
Paul Green Republic of Ireland 32 Midfielder Doncaster Rovers 1 July 2008 Free[174] 139/4 13
James Severn England 33 Goalkeeper Trainee 1 July 2009 N/A[175] 0/1 0
Ryan Connolly Republic of Ireland 34 Midfielder Trainee 1 Jan 2010 N/A[176] 0/1 0
Kwame Thomas England 35 Forward Trainee 31 March 2012 N/A[177] 0 0
Miles Addison England Defender Trainee 1 July 2005 N/A[178] 64/14 5
Ross Atkins England Goalkeeper Trainee 1 July 2009 N/A[179] 1 0
Saul Deeney Republic of Ireland Goalkeeper Unattached 31 July 2009 Free[180] 2/1 0

Transfers

In

Permanent
Player Country Squad
number
Position Signed From Date Fee Paid
Frank Fielding England 1 Goalkeeper Blackburn Rovers 9 May 2011 £400k[17]
Jamie Ward Northern Ireland 10 Forward Sheffield United 9 May 2011 Undisclosed[18]
Craig Bryson Scotland 4 Midfielder Kilmarnock 6 June 2011 £350k, rising to £450k[20]
Jason Shackell England 6 Defender Barnsley 21 June 2011 £750k, rising to £1m[25]
Chris Maguire Scotland 11 Forward Aberdeen 29 June 2011 £400k[30]
Theo Robinson England 21 Forward Millwall 1 July 2011 Undisclosed[18]
Nathan Tyson England 9 Forward Nottingham Forest 1 July 2011 Free[35]
Adam Legzdins England 13 Goalkeeper Burton Albion 1 July 2011 Undisclosed[36]
Chris Riggott England 20 Defender Unattached 10 August 2011 Free[38]
Tom Naylor England 31 Defender Mansfield Town 2 January 2012 Undisclosed[121]
Loan
Player Country Squad
number
Position Loaned From Date Loan Duration
Kevin Kilbane Republic of Ireland 26 Defender Hull City 2 August 2011 Four Months[39][I]
Tom Naylor England 31 Defender Mansfield Town 15 November 2011 Six weeks[107]
Tamás Priskin Hungary 33 Forward Ipswich Town 24 November 2011 Five Weeks[112]
Ryan Noble England 12 Forward Sunderland 18 January 2012 One Month[122]
Tom Carroll England 19 Midfielder Tottenham Hotspur 30 January 2012 Four Months[123]

Notes
^ I Kilbane was originally signed on a six-month loan, but returned to Hull City early on 29 November due to a back injury.[181]

Out

Permanent
Player Country Squad
number
Position Signed From Date Fee Paid Total Derby
Appearances
Total Derby
Goals
Sold To Date Fee Received
Ben Pringle England 18 Midfielder Ilkeston Town 1 July 2009 Free[182] 7/16 0 Rotherham United 3 June 2011 Free[51]
Robbie Savage Wales 8 Midfielder Blackburn Rovers 9 January 2008 £1.5m[183] 129/8 7 Retirement 30 June 2011 N/A[15]
Chris Porter England 12 Forward Motherwell 1 February 2009 £400k[184] 25/25 9 End of Contract 30 June 2011 N/A[15]
Arnaud Mendy Guinea-Bissau 24 Midfielder Trainee 1 July 2009 N/A[185] 0/1 0 End of Contract 30 June 2011 N/A[15]
Greg Mills England 34 Forward Trainee 1 July 2009 N/A[186] 0/2 0 End of Contract 30 June 2011 N/A[15]
Michael Boulding England 36 Forward Unattached 25 February 2011 Free[187] 0 0 End of Contract 30 June 2011 N/A[15]
Luke Varney England 22 Forward Charlton Athletic 27 November 2008 £1m+[188] 11/4 1 Portsmouth 6 July 2011 £750k[47]
Russell Anderson Scotland 12 Defender Unattached 15 January 2010 Free[189] 18/16 1 Contract Cancelled 12 December 2011 N/A[115]
Stephen Bywater England Goalkeeper West Ham United 29 August 2006 £225k[190] 166/1 0 Contract Cancelled 31 December 2011 N/A[119]
Chris Riggott England 20 Defender Unattached 10 August 2011 Free[38] 96/4 7 Contract Cancelled 1 January 2012 N/A[117]
Dave Martin England Midfielder Millwall 1 June 2010 Free[191] 2/11 1 Southend United 4 January 2012 Undisclosed[124]
Stephen Pearson Scotland 15 Midfielder Celtic 11 January 2007 £750k[192] 105/22 5 Contract Cancelled 6 January 2012 N/A[125]
Dean Leacock England Defender Fulham 11 August 2006 £375k[193] 112/14 1 Contract Cancelled 14 January 2012 N/A[126]
Tomasz Cywka Poland 19 Forward Wigan Athletic 1 July 2010 Free[194] 29/18 5 Reading 26 January 2012 Free[127]
Loan
Player Country Squad
number
Position Loaned To Date Loan Duration
Miles Addison England Defender Barnsley 24 June 2011 Seven Months[27][130]
Ross Atkins England Goalkeeper Burton Albion 29 July 2011 Season Long[52]
James Severn England 33 Goalkeeper Eastwood Town 14 August 2011 Five Months[53]
Ryan Connolly Republic of Ireland 34 Midfielder Ayr United 31 August 2011 Four Months[65]
Aaron Cole England Midfielder Eastwood Town 31 August 2011 One Month[66]
Dave Martin England Midfielder Walsall 13 September 2011 One Month[76]
Stephen Bywater England Goalkeeper Sheffield Wednesday 20 September 2011 Three Months[77]
Stephen Pearson Scotland 15 Midfielder Bristol City 4 November 2011 Two Months[104]
Aaron Cole England Midfielder Stockport County 24 November 2011 Nine Weeks[112][131]
Lee Croft England 22 Midfielder St Johnstone 18 January 2012 Four Months[129]
Miles Addison England Defender Bournemouth 21 February 2011 Three Months[134]
Chris Maguire Scotland 11 Forward Portsmouth 9 March 2012 Two Months[142][154]
Adam Legzdins England 13 Goalkeeper Burton Albion 20 March 2012 One Month[143]

Final League table

Template:Fb cl header Template:Fb cl team Template:Fb cl team Template:Fb cl team Template:Fb cl team Template:Fb cl team Template:Fb cl footer

Results

  Win   Draw   Loss   Upcoming fixture

Friendlies

Date Competition Opponents Home/
Away
Result
F – A
Derby Scorers Attendance
16 July 2011 Friendly Burton Albion A 3–1 S.Davies 18', 38 pen', B.Davies 59' 4,135
19 July 2011 Friendly Macclesfield Town A 2–2 Ball 13', 62'
22 July 2011 Friendly Morecambe A 1–1 Fenton 66 o.g.'
26 July 2011 Friendly Crewe Alexandra A 1–2 Riggott 15'
30 July 2011 Friendly Exeter City A 0–1
3 August 2011 Friendly Aston Villa H 2–0 S.Davies 56 pen', B.Davies 76' 8,974

Football League Championship

Date Match
No.
K.O. Opponents Home/
Away
Result
F – A
Derby Scorers Attendance Referee Pos
6 August 2011 1 3.00pm Birmingham City H 2–1 Shackell 26', S.Davies 42' 27,210 (4,015 away fans) N. Swarbrick (Lancashire) 4
13 August 2011 2 3.00pm Watford A 1–0 S.Davies 51' 12,263 (946 away fans) D. Deadman (Cheshunt) 3
17 August 2011 3 8.00pm Blackpool A 1–0 Bryson 69' 13,489 (1,769 away fans) M. Haywood (West Yorkshire) 3
20 August 2011 4 3.00pm Doncaster Rovers H 3–0 Kilbane 6', S.Davies 46', B.Davies 62' 23,377 (847 away fans) O. Langford (West Midlands) 2
27 August 2011 5 3.00pm Burnley H 1–2 Robinson 71' 23,913 (946 away fans) A. Haines (Tyne and Wear) 3
10 September 2011 6 5.20pm Coventry City A 0–2 14,219 (1,427 away fans) C. Foy (Merseyside) 5
17 September 2011 7 1.00pm Nottingham Forest A 2–1 Ward 29', Hendrick 72' 27,356 (4,582 away fans) S. Mathieson (Cheshire) 4
24 September 2011 8 3.00pm Milwall H 3–0 Bryson 24', Hendrick 39', S.Davies 65' 24,120 (536 away fans) C. Webster (Tyne and Wear) 3
27 September 2011 9 7.45pm Barnsley H 1–1 S.Davies 62 pen' 23,454 (818 away fans) N. Miller (County Durham) 2
1 October 2011 10 5.20pm Leicester City A 0–4 22,496 (1,324 away fans) H. Webb (South Yorkshire) 3
15 October 2011 11 3.00pm Southampton H 1–1 Robinson 3' 33,010 (2,611 away fans) M. Brown (East Yorkshire) 4
18 October 2011 12 8.00pm Reading A 2–2 Robinson 59', Cywka 75' 15,704 (717 away fans) R. East (Wiltshire) 4
22 October 2011 13 3.00pm Middlesbrough A 0–2 17,407 (939 away fans) C. Boyeson (East Yorkshire) 6
29 October 2011 14 3.00pm Portsmouth H 3–1 Bryson 3', Maguire 14', Ward 33' 24,148 (947 away fans) C. Pawson (South Yorkshire) 5
2 November 2011 15 7.45pm Cardiff City H 0–3 23,078 (660 away fans) E. Ilderton (Tyne and Wear) 7
5 November 2011 16 3.00pm Peterborough United A 2–3 Robinson 28', 32' 9,666 (2,372 away fans) I. Williamson (Berkshire) 7
19 November 2011 17 3.00pm Hull City H 0–2 30,391 (1,720 away fans) D. Deadman (Cambridgeshire) 9
26 November 2011 18 5.20pm West Ham United A 1–3 Priskin 34' 27,864 (1,173 away fans) C. Webster (Tyne and Wear) 15
29 November 2011 19 7.45pm Brighton & Hove Albion H 0–1 22,040 (702 away fans) G. Salisbury (Lancashire) 15
2 December 2011 20 7.45pm Crystal Palace A 1–1 McCarthy 75 o.g.' 14,338 (444 away fans) A. D'Urso (Essex) 13
10 December 2011 21 3.00pm Bristol City H 2–1 Bryson 64', Ball 73' 23,906 (747 away fans) R. Madley (West Yorkshire) 14
17 December 2011 22 3.00pm Ipswich Town A 0–1 17,256 (579 away fans) D. Webb (Lancashire) 16
26 December 2011 23 1.00pm Leeds United H 1–0 Ward 67' 33,010 (4,172 away fans) A. Bates (Staffordshire) 14
31 December 2011 24 1.00pm West Ham United H 2–1 Ball 2', Green 10' 28,067 (3,251 away fans) J. Moss (West Yorkshire) 11
2 January 2012 25 3.00pm Hull City A 1–0 Robinson 46' 20,704 (1,505 away fans) P. Gibbs (West Midlands) 9
14 January 2012 26 3.00pm Coventry City H 1–0 Ball 75' 24,126 (975 away fans) R. East (Wiltshire) 8
21 January 2012 27 3.00pm Burnley A 0–0 14,032 (892 away fans) L. Probert (Gloucestershire) 11
31 January 2012 28 7.45pm Barnsley A 2–3 Ward 69', Carroll 90' 10,149 (1,385 away fans) A. Woolmer (Northamptonshire) 12
11 February 2012 29 3.00pm Millwall A 0–0 10,069 (754 away fans) O. Langford (West Midlands) 13
14 February 2012 30 7.45pm Reading H 0–1 22,567 (521 away fans) G. Eltringham Sunderland 13
18 February 2012 31 3.00pm Southampton A 0–4 24,536 (1,057 away fans) G. Scott (Oxfordshire) 15
23 February 2012 32 7.45pm Leicester City H 0–1 28,205 (1,848 away fans) S. Hooper (Wiltshire) 15
3 March 2012 33 3.00pm Birmingham City A 2–2 S.Davies 61', Robinson 66' 17,996 (1,415 away fans) P. Tierney (Lancashire) 16
6 March 2012 34 7.45pm Blackpool H 2–1 S.Davies 51', 75' 26,320 (750 away fans) C. Boyeson (East Yorkshire) 14
10 March 2012 35 3.00pm Watford H 1–2 S.Davies 31' 23,130 (633 away fans) S. Mathieson (Cheshire) 15
13 March 2012 36 7.45pm Nottingham Forest H 1–0 Buxton 90+4' 33,010 (4,215 away fans) A. D'Urso (Essex) 13
17 March 2012 37 3.00pm Doncaster Rovers A 2–1 Robinson 13', Roberts 55' 9,791 (1,777 away fans) D. Coote (Nottingham) 11
20 March 2012 38 7.45pm Brighton & Hove Albion A 0–2 18,412 (768 away fans) D. Sheldrake (Surrey) 12
24 March 2012 39 3.00pm Crystal Palace H 3–2 S.Davies 6', Hendrick 29', Robinson 49 pen' 25,222 (1,528 away fans) M. Russell (Hertfordshire) 12
31 March 2012 40 3.00pm Bristol City A 1–1 Bryson 20' 12,794 (864 away fans) G. Ward (Surrey) 13
7 April 2012 41 3.00pm Ipswich Town H 0–0 24,156 (679 away fans) M. Haywood (West Yorkshire) 12
9 April 2012 42 3.00pm Leeds United A 2–0 Bryson 32', S.Davies 66' 21,363 (1,433 away fans) O. Langford (West Midlands) 11
14 April 2012 43 3.00pm Middlesbrough H 0–1 24,654 (1,314 away fans) C. Pawson (South Yorkshire) 13
17 April 2012 44 7.45pm Cardiff City A 0–2 21,216 (279 away fans) L. Probert (Gloucestershire) 14
21 April 2012 45 3.00pm Portsmouth A 2–1 Buxton 41', S.Davies 78 pen' 17,770 (1,228 away fans) M. Naylor (South Yorkshire) 11
28 April 2012 46 12.30pm Peterborough United H 1–1 Robinson 21' 27,354 (1,741 away fans) R. East (Wiltshire) 12

FA Cup

Date Round K.O. Opponents Home/
Away
Result
F – A
Derby Scorers Attendance Referee
7 January 2012 3rd Round Proper 3:00pm Crystal Palace H 1–0 Robinson 9' 10,113 (628 away fans) D. Drysdale (Lincolnshire)
28 January 2012 4th Round Proper 3.00pm Stoke City H 0–2 22,247 (5,569 away fans) M. Clattenburg (Tyne and Wear)

Football League Cup

Date Round K.O. Opponents Home/
Away
Result
F – A
Derby Scorers Attendance Referee
9 August 2011 1st Round 7.45pm Shrewsbury Town H 2–3 Maguire 46', Robinson 78' 7,073 (666 away fans) D. Drysdale (Lincolnshire)

Squad statistics

Appearances, goals and cards

No. Pos. Name League FA Cup League Cup Total Discipline
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
1 GK England Frank Fielding 44 0 2 0 1 0 47 0 1 1
2 DF England John Brayford 22/1 0 2 0 1 0 25/1 0 1 0
3 DF Wales Gareth Roberts 39/2 1 2 0 0/1 0 41/3 1 6 0
4 MF Scotland Craig Bryson 44 6 2 0 0 0 46 6 5 0
5 DF England Shaun Barker 19/1 0 2 0 0 0 21/1 0 4 0
6 DF England Jason Shackell 46 1 2 0 1 0 49 1 9 0
7 FW England Steve Davies 20/6 12 0 0 1 0 21/6 12 4 0
9 FW England Nathan Tyson 13/10 0 0/1 0 0 0 13/11 0 2 0
10 FW Northern Ireland Jamie Ward 35/2 4 2 0 0 0 37/2 4 4 0
11 FW Scotland Chris Maguire 2/5 1 0 0 1 1 3/5 2 0 0
12 DF Scotland Russell Anderson 5/3 0 0 0 0 0 5/3 0 2 0
12 FW England Ryan Noble 1/1 0 0 0 0 0 1/1 0 0 0
13 GK England Adam Legzdins 2/2 0 0 0 0 0 2/2 0 0 0
14 FW United States Conor Doyle 1/5 0 0 0 0 0 1/5 0 0 0
15 MF Scotland Stephen Pearson 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0
16 MF England James Bailey 17/5 0 2 0 0 0 19/5 0 4 0
17 DF England Jake Buxton 11/9 2 0/2 0 0 0 11/11 2 0 0
18 MF England Ben Davies 30/5 1 0 0 1 0 31/5 1 4 0
19 FW Poland Tomasz Cywka 3/5 1 0 0 0/1 0 3/6 1 0 0
19 MF England Tom Carroll 8/4 1 0 0 0 0 8/4 1 0 0
20 DF England Chris Riggott 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
21 FW England Theo Robinson 27/12 10 1 1 1 1 29/12 12 4 0
22 MF England Lee Croft 4/4 0 0 0 1 0 5/4 0 1 0
23 MF Republic of Ireland Jeff Hendrick 38/4 3 1 0 0 0 39/4 3 1 0
24 DF Republic of Ireland Mark O'Brien 15/5 0 0 0 1 0 16/5 0 1 0
25 FW England Callum Ball 11/12 3 2 0 0 0 13/12 3 1 0
26 DF Republic of Ireland Kevin Kilbane 7/2 1 0 0 1 0 8/2 1 0 0
27 DF England Chris Jones 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
28 FW England Mason Bennett 2/7 0 0 0 0 0 2/7 0 0 0
29 MF England Will Hughes 1/2 0 0 0 0 0 1/2 0 0 0
30 DF England Josh Lelan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
31 DF England Tom Naylor 8 0 0/1 0 0 0 0 8/1 0 0
32 MF Republic of Ireland Paul Green 25/1 1 2 0 0 0 27/1 1 1 0
33 FW Hungary Tamás Priskin 4/1 1 0 0 0 0 4/1 1 1 0
33 GK England James Severn 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
34 MF Republic of Ireland Ryan Connolly 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
35 FW England Kwame Thomas 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Records

Club

Record Statistic Dates(s)
Biggest Win 3–0 v Doncaster Rovers
v Millwall
20 August 2011
24 September 2011
Biggest Defeat 0–4 v Leicester City
v Southampton
1 October 2011
18 February 2012
Consecutive Victories 4 6 August 2011 – 20 August 2011
26 December 2011 – 14 January 2012
Unbeaten Run 5 26 December 2011 – 21 January 2012
Consecutive Defeats 5 2 November 2011 – 29 November 2011
Winless Run 7 21 January 2012 – 3 March 2012

(The above statistics refer to league matches only)

Individuals

League

All competitions

Season Awards

Award Player
Jack Stamps Player of the Year Craig Bryson[1]
Club Player of the Year Craig Bryson[195]
Supporter's Club Player of the Year Craig Bryson[195]
Sammy Crooks Young Player of the Year Jeff Hendrick[1]
Academy Player of the Year Mason Bennett[195]
Scholar of the Year Will Hughes[195]
Goal of the Season Jamie Ward v Nottingham Forest[195]
Contribution to the Community Award Mark O'Brien[195]
Brian Clough Award Heather Gorham[195]

Reserves

Results

  Win   Draw   Loss   Upcoming fixture

Pre-season

Date Competition Opponents Home/
Away
Result
F – A
Derby Scorers Attendance
23 July 2011 Friendly Eastwood Town A 4–0 Robinson 10', 56', Galinski 22', Ball 26' 413
25 July 2011 Friendly Matlock Town A 2–3 Cywka 34', Robinson 36'
26 July 2011 Friendly Gresley A 3–2 Bennett 30', Wixted 69', Hughes 77' 219
27 July 2011 Bass Charity Vase Burton Albion A 1–2 Witham 57' 1,023
1 August 2011 Friendly Belper Town A 4–1 Robinson 7', Ball 45', Wixted 53', Dales 87'

Division One Central

Date Match
No.
K.O. Opponents Home/
Away
Full Time
F – A
Derby Scorers Att. Pos
24 August 2011 1 7.00 pm Port Vale A 3–1 Robinson 14', Maguire 46', Ball 60' 2
7 September 2011 2 7.00 pm Walsall H 6–1 Anderson 20', Ball 26', Maguire 36', Cwyka 74, 88 pen', Witham 81' 1 292
28 September 2011 3 7.00pm Burton Albion A 3–2 Saunders ??', Witham 23', Maguire 71' 1 233
12 October 2011 4 7.00pm Nottingham Forest H 3–4 Cwyka 38', 40'; Doyle 59' 1
16 November 2011 5 7.00pm Sheffield United A 1–1 Ball 65' 1
4 January 2012 6 7.00pm Port Vale H 3–0 Cwyka 15', 26', Witham 81' 1
24 January 2012 7 7.00pm Burton Albion H 1–4 Maguire 53' 1
7 March 2012 8 7.00pm Stoke City H 0–0 1 163
21 March 2011 9 7:00pm Nottingham Forest A 2–1 Ball 6', Nzuzi 30' 1 446
26 March 2011 10 1:00pm Sheffield United H 0–1 1
4 April 2011 11 2.00pm Walsall A 1–1 Bennett 47' 2
2 May 2012 12 1.30pm Stoke City A 3–0 Thomas ??', ??', Jones ?' 2

Totesport Cup

Group Stage
Date Round K.O. Opponents Home/
Away
Result
F – A
Derby Scorers Pos
30 August 2011 Group 2 2.00pm Chesterfield A 3–2 Ball ??', ?? pen', Wixted ??' 1
31 October 2011 Group 2 7.00pm Port Vale H 1–0 Ball 29' 1
21 November 2011 Group 2 2.00pm Rotherham United A 5–0 Doyle 36', 45', Witham 38', Ball 63', 90' 1
1 February 2012 Group 2 1.00pm Stoke City H 1–1 O'Reilly (O.G.) ??' 1
Knockout Stages
Date Round K.O. Opponents Home/
Away
Result
F – A
Derby Scorers
18 April 2012 Semi Final 2.00pm Sunderland H 3–2 Thomas 52', Hughes 70', Jones 73'
TBA Final TBA Manchester City H

Derbyshire Senior Cup

Date Round K.O. Opponents Home/
Away
Result
F – A
Derby Scorers
13 December 2011 Rd 3 2.00pm Belper Town A 9–3 Cwyka 6', 20', Martin 26', 65', Witham 53', Croft 63', Maguire 70', 83', Wright (O.G.) ??'
18 January 2012 Rd 4 7.00pm Pinxton H 4–0 B.Davies 13', Maguire 29', 61', 83'
15 February 2012 Semi Final 7.30pm New Mills H 4–1 Naylor 10', Addison 53', 59', 67 pen'
25 April 2012 Final 7.30pm Buxton N 0–1

Player statistics

References

  1. ^ a b c d e "Bryson Claims The Jack Stamps Trophy". dcfc.co.uk. 28 April 2012.[dead link]
  2. ^ a b "Rams Make it Four out of Four". thisisderbyshire. 20 August 2011.
  3. ^ a b "Clough & Backroom Team Sign New Deals". dcfc.co.uk. 17 October 2011. Archived from the original on 18 October 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ a b "Nigel Clough: The play-offs are just beyond our reach". thisisderbyshire. 10 April 2012.
  5. ^ "Clough: Final third is the key to a place in top six". Derby Evening Telegraph. 23 April 2012.
  6. ^ a b "Teams news: Bennett to make Rams history at Boro". thisisderbyshire. 22 October 2011.
  7. ^ a b c d "Press Release: The Plaza @ Pride Park". dcfc.co,uk. 3 October 2011. Archived from the original on 5 October 2011. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  8. ^ a b c d "Derby County submits plans for new Pride Park plaza". BBC News. 3 October 2011.
  9. ^ a b c d "Council Gives Planning Consent". dcfc.co,uk. 13 January 2012. Archived from the original on 15 January 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  10. ^ unknown (4 June 2011). "2011-12 Home Kit Unveiled". dcfc.co.uk. SUBTITLE:Getting Shirty – Pre-Order The New Shirt. Archived from the original on 7 June 2011. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
  11. ^ "Rams Reveal New Away Kit". dcfc.co.uk. 15 July 2011. Archived from the original on 19 July 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  12. ^ "Derby County 0 - 2 Bristol City". BBC Sport. 30 April 2011.
  13. ^ "Clough considering return to Burton Albion in summer". Mirror.co.uk. 1 May 2011.
  14. ^ "Rams' early bird boost as 16,200 fans sign up". thisisderbyshire. 18 May 2011.
  15. ^ a b c d e f g h "Derby Confirm Retained List". dcfc.co.uk. 11 May 2011. Archived from the original on 13 May 2011. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  16. ^ "Ball bags two after signing new contract with the Rams". thisisderbyshire.co.uk. 20 July 2011.
  17. ^ a b c "Blackburn starlet making permanent Derby deal". Mirror Football. 30 May 2011. Retrieved 6 June 2011.
  18. ^ a b c d e "Derby County swoop for Fielding, Ward & Robinson". BBC Sport. 9 May 2011.
  19. ^ "Trio to trigger start of busy summer at Rams". BBC Sport. 9 May 2011.
  20. ^ a b c "Derby sign Kilmarnock captain Craig Bryson". BBC Sport. 9 June 2011.
  21. ^ "Rams make Shackell approach". teamtalk. 23 May 2011.
  22. ^ "New Rams bid for Shackell". Sky Sports. 15 June 2011.
  23. ^ "Shackell to be freed if it aids Hill's Oakwell rebuilding". Yorkshire Post. 3 June 2011.
  24. ^ "Shackell goes from Red to Ram". Barnsley Chronicle. 17 June 2011.
  25. ^ a b c "Derby Swoop For Shackell". dcfc.co.uk. 21 June 2011. Archived from the original on 24 June 2011. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  26. ^ "Addison Extends His Derby Contract". dcfc.co.uk. 21 June 2011. Archived from the original on 24 June 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  27. ^ a b "Barnsley sign four players". BBC Sport. 24 June 2011.
  28. ^ a b "Dons will reject Derby offer as Maguire signs". PressandJournal.co.uk. 1 June 2011.[dead link]
  29. ^ "'Aberdeen FC will take Maguire fight to FIFA'". Evening Express. 30 May 2011. Archived from the original on 26 July 2011. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  30. ^ a b c "Derby County seal Chris Maguire deal with Aberdeen". BBC Sport. 29 June 2011.
  31. ^ "Striker Nathan Tyson set for Derby County move". BBC Sport. 7 June 2011.
  32. ^ "Nottm Forest 3 - 2 Derby". BBC Sport. 29 August 2009.
  33. ^ "Forest and Derby fined for fracas". BBC Sport. 22 October 2009.
  34. ^ a b c "Derby Swoop For Tyson". dcfc.co.uk. 13 June 2011. Archived from the original on 15 June 2011. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  35. ^ a b c d "Derby County sign Adam Legzdins from Burton Albion". BBC Sport. 1 July 2011.
  36. ^ "Back To Work". dcfc.co.uk. 1 July 2011. Archived from the original on 3 July 2011. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  37. ^ a b c "Defender Chris Riggott signs Derby County deal". BBC Sport. 10 August 2011.
  38. ^ a b "Derby Move To Sign Kilbane". dcfc.co.uk. 2 August 2011.[dead link]
  39. ^ "Derby County chase John Eustace and Martyn Waghorn". BBC Sport. 12 May 2011.
  40. ^ "Rams are still in the hunt for Eustace". This is Derbyshire. 15 July 2011.
  41. ^ "Derby chasing Birmingham veteran Phillips". Tribal Football. 26 April 2011.
  42. ^ "Derby offer out of favour Bowyer new home". Mirror Football. 26 March 2011.
  43. ^ "Derby still chasing mighty Moussi". Daily Mirror. 4 July 2011.
  44. ^ a b "Cotterill hails double swoop". portsmouth.co.uk. 6 July 2011.
  45. ^ "Pompey set to replace Nugent with Blackpool hero". Mirror Football. 21 June 2011.
  46. ^ "Midfielder Ben Pringle free to leave Derby County". bbc.co.uk/sport. 23 May 2011.
  47. ^ "Midfielder Pringle looks set to leave Derby County". thisisderbyshire.co.uk. 3 June 2011.
  48. ^ a b "Millers snap up Pringle". themillers.co.uk. 3 June 2011. Archived from the original on 5 October 2011. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  49. ^ a b "Burton take Derby keeper Ross Atkins on loan". BBC Sport. 29 July 2011.
  50. ^ a b "Severn Joins Eastwood On Loan". dcfc.co.uk. 12 August 2011. Retrieved 12 August 2011.[dead link]
  51. ^ "ANDERSON REJECTS ABERDEEN RETURN". Football 365. 30 May 2011.
  52. ^ "Riggott handed chance of Rams return". Derby Evening Telegraph. 2 July 2011.
  53. ^ "Derby Confirm Line-Ups For Burton". Derby County. 16 July 2011. Retrieved 16 July 2011.[dead link]
  54. ^ "Burton Albion 2-1 Derby County XI". dcfc.co.uk. 27 July 2011. Retrieved 27 July 2011.[dead link]
  55. ^ "6th/7th Aug Team of the Week" (PDF). footballleague.co.uk. 9 August 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 November 2013. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  56. ^ "13th/14th Aug Team of the Week" (PDF). footballleague.co.uk. 15 August 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 November 2013. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  57. ^ "The Road To Forest Littered With Records For Rams!". Fans Network. 20 August 2011.
  58. ^ "300 Up At Pride Park". dcfc.co.uk. 19 August 2011.[dead link]
  59. ^ "Super Ben Named In 'Team Of The Week'". dcfc.co.uk. 22 August 2011.[dead link]
  60. ^ "Brayford Commits His Future To Derby". dcfc.co.uk. 24 August 2011.[dead link]
  61. ^ "Clough hails Rams despite setback". givmefootball. 28 August 2011.
  62. ^ a b "Youngster Connolly Joins Ayr On Loan". dcfc.co.uk. 31 August 2011.[dead link]
  63. ^ a b "Cole Heads To Eastwood On Loan". dcfc.co.uk. 31 August 2011.[dead link]
  64. ^ "Glick On Transfer Window". dcfc.co.uk. 31 August 2011.[dead link]
  65. ^ "Rams Set To Release Leacock". SKY Sports. 31 August 2011.
  66. ^ "Amount spent on agents' fees by Derby goes down". thisisderbyshire. 27 August 2011.
  67. ^ "Frank Enjoying England Experience". dcfc.co.uk. 4 September 2011.[dead link]
  68. ^ "NPOWER FOOTBALL LEAGUE MANAGER OF THE MONTH". leaguemanagers.com. 12 September 2011. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  69. ^ "Clough: Youth crucial to Rams' future". thisisderbyshire.co.uk. 5 September 2011.
  70. ^ "O'Brien and Hendrick show that the Rams conveyor belt is starting to move again". thisisderbyshire.co.uk. 5 September 2011.
  71. ^ "Huddlestone, Camp and Grant are just a few of the recent home-grown players to shine". thisisderbyshire.co.uk. 5 September 2011.
  72. ^ "O'Brien Signs New Derby Deal". dcfc.co.uk. 13 September 2011.[dead link]
  73. ^ a b "Martin Makes Saddlers Switch". dcfc.co.uk. 13 September 2011.[dead link]
  74. ^ a b "Bywater joins Sheffield Wednesday on loan". dcfc.co.uk. 20 September 2011. Archived from the original on 26 September 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  75. ^ "Goalkeeper Stephen Bywater 'not in Derby County plans'". BBC Sport. 21 September 2011.
  76. ^ "Derby County monitor Mansfield Town's Tom Naylor". BBC Sport. 9 September 2011.
  77. ^ "Injury setback for Derby County defender James Bailey". BBC Sport. 19 September 2011.
  78. ^ "Leicester boss Eriksson says Oakley deal is news to him". thisisderbyshire. 15 September 2011.
  79. ^ "Rams patient over Tyson". Eat Sleep Sport. 16 September 2011.
  80. ^ "Hero Jeff named in Team of the Week". dcfc.co.uk. 20 September 2011. Archived from the original on 24 September 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  81. ^ "Trio rewarded with Team of the Week spots". dcfc.co.uk. 28 September 2011.[dead link]
  82. ^ "Time for swift end to Clough contract issue for long-term good of Rams' future stability". thisisderbyshire.co.uk. 27 September 2011.
  83. ^ "Don't let result overshadow our start to the season". dcfc.co.uk. 1 October 2011. Archived from the original on 3 October 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  84. ^ "Rams consider loan options". Sky Sports. 3 October 2011.
  85. ^ "Hendrick in line for Rams deal". Sky Sports. 4 October 2011.
  86. ^ "Rams pair progressing". Sky Sports. 7 October 2011.
  87. ^ "Riggott Return Excites Clough". dcfc.co.uk. 7 October 2011. Archived from the original on 7 October 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  88. ^ "Boro's Bates Pips Shackell To Award". dcfc.co.uk. 7 October 2011. Archived from the original on 7 October 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  89. ^ "Fielding denies Saints victory". football365. 15 October 2011.
  90. ^ "Clough pleased with Derby character". BBC Football. 15 October 2011.
  91. ^ "Injury Setback For Rams Star Davies". dcfc.co.uk. 15 October 2011. Archived from the original on 17 October 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  92. ^ "Steve: How skull injury almost ended my career". thisisderbyshire. 21 October 2011.
  93. ^ a b "Rams eye loan market after double injury blow". thisisderbyshire. 17 October 2011.
  94. ^ "Bryson In Championship 'Team Of The Week'". dcfc.co.uk. 1 November 2011. Archived from the original on 2 November 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  95. ^ a b "Rams are counting cost of victory". thisisderbyshire. 31 October 2011.
  96. ^ "No Rams raids, insists Clough". Sky Sports. 1 November 2011.
  97. ^ "Rams count walking wounded". Club Call. 4 November 2011.
  98. ^ "Derby loan signings not needed despite injuries - Clough". dcfc.co.uk. 4 November 2011.
  99. ^ a b "Pearson Heads Out On Loan". dcfc.co.uk. 4 November 2011. Archived from the original on 5 November 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  100. ^ "Clough fined for comments". derbycounty-mad.co.uk. 15 November 2011.
  101. ^ "Boss: Defeats have clouded our progress this season". thisisderbyshire. 9 November 2011.
  102. ^ a b "Rams Sign Naylor On Loan". dcfc.co.uk. 15 November 2011. Archived from the original on 16 November 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  103. ^ "Naylor is due in on loan ahead of permanent deal". thisiderbyshire. 15 November 2011.
  104. ^ "Awesome Foursome Set For Rams Return!!". RamZone. 15 November 2011.
  105. ^ "Derby County form not a concern". BBC Sport. 19 November 2011.
  106. ^ "Clough targets loan forward". football365. 22 November 2011.
  107. ^ a b c "Jewell: Priskin playing for his future during loan spell". thisisderbyshire. 25 November 2011.
  108. ^ "Rams 4999 not out". Derby County Mad. 2 December 2011.
  109. ^ "Midfield man Hendrick pens new deal to stay at Rams". thisisderbyshire. 10 December 2011.
  110. ^ a b "Anderson Leaves Derby". dcfc.co.uk. 12 December 2011. Archived from the original on 7 January 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  111. ^ "Bywater may make loan move permanent". footymad. 10 December 2011.
  112. ^ a b "Riggot Departs By Mutal Consent". dcfc.co.uk. 22 December 2011. Archived from the original on 10 January 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  113. ^ "Clough eyes Derby departures". SKY Sports. 28 December 2011.
  114. ^ a b "http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10270~2562147,00.html". dcfc.co.uk. 31 December 2011. Archived from the original on 9 January 2012. {{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help); Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  115. ^ "Tidings of comfort and joy as Derby enjoy best Christmas for 16 years". thisisderbyshire. 4 January 2012.
  116. ^ a b c "Derby County seal Tom Naylor deal from Mansfield Town". BBC Sport. 2 January 2012.
  117. ^ a b "Derby Move To Loan Striker Noble". dcfc.co.uk. 18 January 2012. Archived from the original on 20 January 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  118. ^ a b c "Spurs Youngster Carroll Arrives On Loan". dcfc.co.uk. 30 January 2012. Archived from the original on 1 February 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  119. ^ a b "Martin Joins Southend United". dcfc.co.uk. 4 January 2012.[dead link]
  120. ^ a b "Pearson Leaves By Mutal Agreement". dcfc.co.uk. 6 January 2012. Archived from the original on 8 January 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  121. ^ a b "Leacock Leaves After Agreeing To Cancel Contract". dcfc.co.uk. 14 January 2012. Archived from the original on 17 January 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  122. ^ a b c "Reading sign Derby's Tomasz Cywka on free transfer". BBC Sport. 26 January 2012.
  123. ^ "Derby striker Tomasz Cywka available on free transfer". BBC Sport. 19 January 2012.
  124. ^ a b "Lee Croft and Jack Compton join St Johnstone on loan". BBC Sport. 18 January 2012.
  125. ^ a b "Addison Addison Extends Barnsley Loan". dcfc.co.uk. 2 January 2012.[dead link]
  126. ^ a b "Stockport County extend Aaron Cole loan from Derby". BBC Sport. 3 January 2012.
  127. ^ "Derby P–P Nott'm Forest". BBC Sport. 5 February 2012.
  128. ^ "Derby defender John Brayford ruled out for six weeks". BBC Football. 21 February 2012.
  129. ^ a b "Bournemouth agree loan deal for Derby's Miles Addison". BBC Sport. 21 February 2012.
  130. ^ "Derby 2 – 2 Blackpool". BBC Sport. 6 March 2012.
  131. ^ "The truth about Blackpool? Oyston has safeguarded our future". Daily Mirror. 10 March 2012.
  132. ^ "Derby County 1 Nottingham Forest 0". The Sun. 13 March 2012.
  133. ^ "Derby County 1–0 Nott'm Forest". dcfc.co.uk. 13 March 2012.[dead link]
  134. ^ "Derby County's Shaun Barker ruled out for the season". BBC Sport. 14 March 2012.
  135. ^ "Derby captain Shaun Barker facing 16 month recovery". BBC Sport. 22 March 2012.
  136. ^ "Derby County's Shaun Barker certain of full recovery". BBC Sport. 30 March 2012.
  137. ^ a b "Maguire Joins Portsmouth On Loan". dcfc.co.uk. 9 March 2012.[dead link]
  138. ^ a b "Legzdins Makes Burton Loan Return". dcfc.co.uk. 20 March 2012. Archived from the original on 22 March 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  139. ^ a b "Rams Waits On Duo's Fitness". dcfc.co.uk. 18 April 2012.[dead link] Cite error: The named reference "wardnaylorinjury" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  140. ^ "Team News: DCFC Vs Peterborough United". dcfc.co.uk. 28 April 2012. Archived from the original on 29 April 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  141. ^ "Buxton and Roberts sign new Derby County contracts". BBC Sport. 16 April 2012.
  142. ^ "Club seek a quick answer from Paul Green over offer of new contract". Derby Telegraph. 16 April 2012.
  143. ^ "Paul Green proud of recovery from serious injury as he prepares for return trip to South Wales". Derby Telegraph. 17 April 2012.
  144. ^ "Paul Green to leave Derby County after rejecting new contract". BBC Football. 20 April 2012.
  145. ^ "Clough to cast net after Green turns down offer". Derby Telegraph. 20 April 2012.
  146. ^ "Paul Green and Jamie Ward set to be offered new contracts with Derby County". Derby Telegraph. 5 April 2012.
  147. ^ "Derby County give forward Jamie Ward new two-year contract". BBC Sport. 19 April 2012.
  148. ^ "Addison & Croft set to leave Derby County in summer". BBC Sport. 16 April 2012.
  149. ^ a b "Maguire Extends Stay". Portsmouth F.C. 4 April 2012. Archived from the original on 9 April 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  150. ^ "Skipper gets the thumbs up from surgeon". Thisisderbyshire. 19 April 2012.
  151. ^ "Derby County end interest in appointing director of football". BBC Sport. 25 April 2012.
  152. ^ "Derby County look to appoint transfer supremo". BBC Sport. 19 May 2011.
  153. ^ "Derby County keen on Northampton winger Michael Jacobs". BBC Sport. 26 April 2012.
  154. ^ a b "Derby Land Brayford & Bailey". dcfc.co.uk. 19 May 2010. Archived from the original on 22 May 2010. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  155. ^ "Derby County agree two-year deal for Gareth Roberts". BBC Sport. 13 May 2010.
  156. ^ "Barker joy at Derby deal". Sky Sports. 15 July 2009.
  157. ^ "Davies Joins Jewell Revolution". dcfc.co.uk. 12 June 2008. Archived from the original on 10 October 2008. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  158. ^ "Doyle Completes Derby Switch". Derby County F.C. 6 August 2010. Archived from the original on 19 August 2010. Retrieved 6 August 2010. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  159. ^ "Buxton pens Derby deal". Sky Sports. 11 May 2009.
  160. ^ "Derby sign midfielder Davies". dcfc.co.uk. 20 January 2011. Archived from the original on 22 January 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  161. ^ "Winger Croft completes free transfer to Rams". therams.co.uk. 25 June 2009. Archived from the original on 28 June 2009. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  162. ^ "Jeff Hendrick". dcfc.co.uk. 2 May 2010. Archived from the original on 23 June 2011. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  163. ^ "Mark O'Brien". dcfc.co.uk. 4 May 2009.[dead link]
  164. ^ "Callum Ball". dcfc.co.uk. 2 January 2010. Archived from the original on 23 June 2011. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  165. ^ "Chris Jones". dcfc.co.uk. 9 August 2011. Archived from the original on 24 September 2011. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  166. ^ "Mason Bennett". dcfc.co.uk. 9 August 2011. Archived from the original on 24 September 2011. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  167. ^ "Will Hughes". dcfc.co.uk. 5 November 2011. Archived from the original on 9 November 2011. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  168. ^ "Josh Lelan". dcfc.co.uk. 28 April 2012. Archived from the original on 13 May 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  169. ^ "Rovers' Green set to join Derby". BBC Sport. 29 May 2009.
  170. ^ "James Severn". dcfc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 23 April 2011. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  171. ^ "Ryan Connolly". dcfc.co.uk. 13 February 2010. Archived from the original on 23 June 2011. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  172. ^ "Kwame Thoas". dcfc.co.uk. 31 March 2012. Archived from the original on 18 April 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  173. ^ "Miles Addison". dcfc.co.uk. 7 May 2008.[dead link]
  174. ^ "Ross Atkins". dcfc.co.uk. 9 November 2009. Archived from the original on 21 April 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  175. ^ "Deeney off to Derby". Sky Sports. 1 August 2009.
  176. ^ "Tigers take look at crocked Kilbane". uk.eurosport.yahoo.com. 29 November 2011.
  177. ^ "Rams agree Pringle deal". Sky Sports. 21 May 2009.
  178. ^ "Savage completes switch to Derby". BBC Sport. 9 January 2008.
  179. ^ "Porter happy with Rams move". Sky Sports. 31 January 2009.
  180. ^ "Arnaud Mendy". dcfc.co.uk. 9 November 2009. Archived from the original on 23 April 2011. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  181. ^ "Greg Mills". dcfc.co.uk. 9 November 2009. Archived from the original on 23 April 2011. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  182. ^ "Derby County sign Frank Fielding and Michael Boulding". BBC Sport. 25 February 2011.
  183. ^ "Rams seal deal for striker Varney". BBC Sport. 27 November 2008.
  184. ^ "Anderson Ready For The Challenge". dcfc.co.uk. 15 January 2010. Archived from the original on 23 March 2010. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  185. ^ "Derby capture goalkeeper Bywater". BBC Sport. 12 August 2006.
  186. ^ "Martin makes permanent Rams move". dcfc.co.uk. 1 June 2010. Archived from the original on 15 September 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  187. ^ "Derby complete Pearson transfer". BBC Sport. 11 January 2007.
  188. ^ "Rams capture Leacock". SKY Sports. 11 August 2006.
  189. ^ "Rams move to bring in Cywka". dcfc.co.uk. 24 May 2010. Archived from the original on 19 August 2010. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  190. ^ a b c d e f g "Bryson Named Club Player Of The Year". dcfc.co.uk. 2 May 2012.[dead link]
Preceded by Derby County seasons
2011–12
Succeeded by