The race for Premier League participation is beginning to heat up with the first half of the Championship season (barring the playoffs) now gone.
For the first time this season, Brighton Hove Albion are leading the pack by two points after Newcastle United’s surprise one-nil loss to Sheffield Wednesday. The Seagulls are currently on a 15-game unbeaten run, with Chris Hughton doing a fantastic job so far.
That said, one of the most fascinating stories this term has been the impressive rise of Derby County, who only a few months back were languishing among the bottom sides in the league.
But following the surprising return of former boss Steve McClaren 17 months after being sacked, the Rams suddenly find themselves just one point off the playoffs – albeit still ten away from an automatic promotion slot.
Football FanCast take a look at three reasons why Derby will make it back to the big time for next season.
Steve McClaren
Derby County started the season with Nigel Pearson in the hot seat. But after a run of just one win in his first nine league games, the former Leicester City boss was relieved of his duties. Steve McClaren was reappointed and tasked with the job of taking the Rams back to the status of old.
So far, the ex-Newcastle manager’s appointment has been a real blessing with the Rams going from strength to strength and taking 25 points from a possible 27 available. He has certainly brought stability and belief back into the side.
They are currently in 7th place, a point behind Sheffield Wednesday in the last play-off spot – an impressive achievement for McClaren, given the fact Derby were languishing in 20th when he took charge.
Home Form
With the Rams failing to win any of Nigel Pearson’s five home games, losing three and scoring just once, it’s been a magnificent turnaround for Steve McClaren’s side – going on to win six of their last seven home games without conceding a single goal.
The achievement set a new club record of successive home clean sheets for the Rams. The likes of Richard Keogh and Alex Pearce have done a fantastic job so far and their partnership will surely get stronger and stronger with each passing game.
The home fans are happy and in good voice, with most of their praise going the way of the manager for his influence on the side.
Form of Key Players
One of the reasons behind Derby’s progress so far has been the consistent form of key players.
The likes of Will Hughes and club record signing Bradley Johnson have impressed but Tom Ince has been the real star of the show with eight goals and three assists.
Johnson has also been impressive for the Rams, with a performance against former club Norwich his highlight so far. The 29-year-old scored the only goal in Derby’s one-nil win.
The balance in the squad looks fantastic at the moment and Steve McClaren will hope his players can use their quality to gain Premier League promotion come the end of the season.