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It’s a little over three weeks until we get underway for the new Championship campaign, and Derby County are stepping up their preparations for 2025/26.
Rams fans are excited about Patrick Agyemang after his move to the club was finally confirmed on Tuesday evening.
Meanwhile, three Championship sides, including Derby, have registered an interest in John Egan. However, with Curtis Nelson returning from injury and Danny Batth leaving Blackburn Rovers for Pride Park, there will be questions as to whether Egan is needed.
Nevertheless, a bright year is ahead for the East Midlands outfit and, after signing a new two-year contract, Liam Thompson is raring to go.
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Liam Thompson explains why he feels different at Derby County in 2025/26
Derby’s turnaround under Eustace was sensational last season, with the Rams surviving on the final day after looking dead and buried at the start of February.
Thompson played a key part in that success, and after the 23-year-old was named the Rams’ Young Player of the Season, he’s looking for even more in 2025/26. He said (via: Derby County): “Obviously, there’s new challenges now with it being pre-season and the gaffer having the whole pre-season.
“So, he’s going to be bringing in players and the players he wants. But like I said, kicking on from last season, me individually, it’s always going to be important to me.
“I feel like under this gaffer I can develop and certainly get better. There’s nowhere else I’d rather play my football.”
Liam Thompson has to add goals to his game
While it is clear to see that Thompson has taken huge strides in the last few months at Derby, there is still one thing lacking at the moment and that is goals.
He has scored just three senior goals in his career so far, and he is yet to find the back of the net in the Championship.
While this is not a key area of his game, there is no denying that Eustace will want to see the midfielder start to improve his statistical output and gaining more confidence on the ball in the final third will help.
Thompson is a crucial player at Derby now, and as an academy graduate, supporters will always be keen to see him develop. This season is the time for him to make that step to the next level.