GOOD NEWS:  Marek Rodak in: Derby County’s dream XI for next season ft 5 realistic signings…

The Rams will need wholesale changes to keep afloat in the Championship next season.Stephen Pearce acknowledges the need for investment to bolster Derby’s squad for their return to the Championship.Marek Rodák could provide

experience in goal for the Rams as a reliable shot-stopper despite limited playing time. Ward, Nelson, Cashin, and Mendez-Laing will be crucial for Derby’s success in building a strong defense and attack.Paul Warne will need to act fast in the summer transfer window to build the Derby County squad he needs to compete in the Championship after promotion last season.The Rams finished second in League One and now return to the second tier for the first time since 2022. However, with several first team players departing, wholesale changes are needed at the club.Derby have not paid a transfer fee since 2020 due to financial issues and eventual administration, but that is set to change this season with club CEO, Stephen Pearce, acknowledging the effort needed to keep the Rams up back in March: “We’re not there to make up the numbers, we want to compete, and we will make sure there is a competitive wage bill and squad to do that.”With pre-season not too far away, here’s a look at how FLW could see Derby set up next year in the Championship. Derby released Conor Hourihane, Dwight Gayle, Scott Loach, Korey Smith, Martyn Waghorn, and Joe Wildsmith as part of their retained list – and with Max Bird and Ebou Adams returning to their parent clubs, the starting XI is set to look wholly different from last season.