Derby County can be a threat next season after rule change, Championship rivals must be wary

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The new Championship campaign is less than two months away, and Derby County supporters are preparing themselves for a full season with John Eustace at the helm.

Fixture release day is 26 June, and there are plenty of games for EFL fans to keep an eye out for in 2025/26, but for the Rams this new year is all about progression after their survival was secured on the final day.

It’s been 17 years since the Rams were last in the Premier League, and while a highly ambitious target, Eustace will be aiming to get the East Midlands outfit back to the top flight in the coming years.

However, a new rule for the coming season will benefit Derby for one clear reason and their Championship rivals will be wary of it.

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Derby County will benefit from the new corner rule for timewasting

While those at the very top of the game have made plenty of changes to try and stop timewasting in football, it does seem to continue in every match around the world – and that includes the Rams.

Derby do their fair share of slowing the game down, but goalkeepers will now be punished by referees if they are found to be holding onto the ball for longer than eight seconds. The opposing team will be handed a corner kick in this instance.

Eustace’s side were the best side from set pieces in the Championship last season, scoring 22 of their 56 goals from free kicks, corners and penalties.

Rivals will be extremely worried about the threat that the Rams possess from this part of their game, and coaches must ensure that they do not give their opponents the ideal opportunity to find the back of the net.

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John Eustace must not ignore his team’s set piece strength

It is extremely important that Derby do not just rely on set pieces to score goals next season, and with Jerry Yates unlikely to return to Pride Park, bringing in a new striker is a priority.

Nevertheless, that does not mean they should ignore it and they must keep providing that threat at all times.

Sondre Langas and Matt Clarke will be crucial to the Rams’ season, and the two centre-backs will be expected to pitch in with goals from time to time. If Eustace can find a happy medium, then a mid-table finish is surely on the cards for East Midlands outfit.