Harrison Armstrong reveals the one big thing he’s taken from Derby County loan, the fans helped him

Add as preferred source on Google

Derby County confirmed their Championship status on the final day of the 2024/25 campaign as they were held by Stoke City in a 0-0 draw at Pride Park.

The Rams are now embarking on one of their most important summers in the last decade, and vast improvements need to be made to the squad to ensure that they are not involved in the relegation fight once again next season.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
16	PortsmouthPortsmouth	46	14	12	20	58	71	-13	54
17	Oxford UnitedOxford United	46	13	14	19	49	65	-16	53
18	Stoke CityStoke City	46	12	15	19	45	62	-17	51
19	DerbyDerby	46	13	11	22	48	56	-8	50
20	PrestonPreston	46	10	20	16	48	59	-11	50
21	Hull CityHull City	46	12	13	21	44	54	-10	49
22	LutonLuton	46	13	10	23	45	69	-24	49

John Eustace has rightfully been praised for the job that he did at Pride Park after taking on the vacancy that was left following Paul Warne’s sacking in February, but the hard work begins now for the ex-Blackburn Rovers boss.

With Kane Wilson’s deal already renewed, Eustace has a few more contract issues with current squad members to sort before his attention will turn to those outside the club.

However, for Derby supporters, there will be hope that they can entice Harrison Armstrong back to the East Midlands after an excellent loan spell and the midfielder has been reflecting on that time.

Harrison Armstrong pays tribute to Derby County fans after returning to Everton

The arrival of the 18-year-old on deadline day in the January transfer window may have left a little to be desired, but it quickly came to light just how important Armstrong was going to be to the Rams.

He started in all but two of Eustace’s 14 games in charge of Derby and he emerged as a vital player for the club in just his first year in professional football.

Now, Armstrong, who is already a fans’ favourite at Pride Park, has looked back at his time in black-and-white as Everton prepare for a new era as they depart Goodison Park.

“I’ve learned a lot about myself: things I’m good at, strengths and weaknesses,” he started (via: evertonfc.com).

“I think I’ve matured as a person and hopefully I’m an all-round better player.

“You’re playing in front of a crowd, having pressure on you each game. And I think physically, having to play games in a matter of a few days has been tough, but I’ve enjoyed it,” Armstrong concluded.

Harrison Armstrong may need one more year out on loan

While his improvements were clear to see, at such a young age it may be the best situation for all parties if the Liverpool-born ace was sent out on loan for another year.

The challenge of the Premier League has the potential to derail the momentum that he has built up in the last three months, and Derby County fans would gladly see Armstrong return. However, the move has to benefit his development and there is uncertainty about where the Rams could be in the Championship in 2025/26.

If Eustace can get his team challenging towards the top 10, then there is no doubt that the England U18 international would be perfectly fine to return to the side that has already given him so much.

Nevertheless, it is clear to see that Armstrong is going to the top and Derby supporters will be keeping a keen eye on his progress in the years to come.