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Nobody at Pride Park will admit they are completely happy with the way Derby County have started the season.
The Rams lost their opening two games of the campaign, with their defending criticised following a 5-3 defeat to Coventry City.
However, they have recovered and there are some positive signs for those in DE24 after they picked up two points from their last two. The latter of those came against Ipswich Town, with the Tractor Boys needing a 106th minute penalty to deny John Eustace victory.
Nevertheless, after a very busy summer transfer window, Derby will have one ambition this season and a failure to fulfil that will be frustrating.
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Derby County must target a mid-table finish this season
The Rams spent relatively heavily this summer, and 13 new players arrived at the club, while they let go of several promotion heroes as free agents.
Only Kane Wilson departed for a fee, with Max Johnston replacing him for £3.5m. There have been upgrades across the pitch, and Carlton Morris is proving himself as the key addition for Derby.
Yet, improvements are needed from the defensive side of the team if they are to climb the table after the international break and Eustace is well aware of this.
The Rams’ best XI includes Sondre Langas, and he is still returning from injury, but when he does get back to full fitness, he must hit the ground running in the East Midlands to ensure that his side do push towards mid-table.
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This slow start for the Rams must be forgotten about
Signing players with injuries is always a concern, although the likes of Patrick Agyemang needed to have surgery for their long-term future.
Now Eustace is starting to get his players back and this opening month must be put to the back of everyone’s mind at Derby.
Progression is needed, and after avoiding relegation on the final day of last season, the Rams do have an excellent platform from which to climb.
Derby have no excuses from now on, and once the Championship returns from the international break, they must seek out victory against an excellent West Brom side – a team they have already beaten in the Carabao Cup this campaign.