John Eustace breaks silence on surprise Derby County exit with transfer message

Eustace demands Derby improvement as Rams prepare for Championship opener

Derby County begin their Championship campaign this weekend with John Eustace making it clear that further recruitment is needed after the Rams’ disappointing EFL Cup exit.

Derby were beaten 2-1 by newly promoted Lincoln City, leaving Eustace frustrated with the performance and highlighting the need for the squad to improve before the transfer window closes.

The Rams have welcomed Sammie Szmodics and Bobby Clark back into the fold after their respective spells with the club last season, but neither represents a new addition this summer.

So far, Derby’s only fresh arrivals have been Charlie Taylor and free agent Filip Bilbija, both of whom featured against Lincoln.

With reports of potential investment from Turki Alalshikh continuing to circulate and only days remaining before the Championship opener, Eustace was asked about Derby’s transfer plans.

The Rams boss made it clear that he wants several more additions.

“I think it’s very important that we keep building on the momentum of last season. We haven’t quite done that at the moment and the signings will certainly help that,” Eustace told BBC Radio Derby.

“Hopefully we can get three or four in and help the group. It’s in every area we want to strengthen and make better.”

Eustace also stressed that every member of his squad had been given an opportunity during pre-season to prove they deserve a starting role.

“I think everyone’s had a really good opportunity over pre-season to try and claim a shirt for the start of the season,” he added.

“We’ve given everyone good minutes, we’ve given everyone a chance to showcase themselves – and we obviously need better in certain areas.”

Eustace refuses to be distracted by takeover talk

The potential takeover has remained a talking point around Pride Park, but Eustace insisted it would not affect his team’s preparations.

“It’s not becoming a distraction at all,” he said.

“We’ve got to get the players believing that they’re good enough and fit enough to compete. That’s all I’m worried about.

“Today we weren’t at the level required to win a game, and that’s worrying.

“So listen, if there’s a takeover or if we bring players in or we move players out, whoever is on that pitch, we have got a responsibility to be at it and to be 100% committed. That’s all I ask for.”

The Derby boss also acknowledged that some players still need to build up their fitness after limited minutes during pre-season.

“We have to remember that a lot of the players have been short of fitness. We’re getting players back,” Eustace explained.

“That’s Langas’ second game, I think, and he needs the minutes in his legs. I think he’ll agree that he wasn’t up to speed and quite rightly so because of the game time he’s actually had is hardly anything.”

With the Championship opener now approaching, Eustace’s message is clear: Derby need to improve both on the pitch and in the transfer market if they are to build on last season’s progress.