Derby County “need the fans right behind us at home” ahead of Ipswich clash, says Eustace | OneFootball

John Eustace spoke to the media at the University of Derby ahead of their meeting against Ipswich Town, with Derby County looking to build on a superb 0-5 display against Bristol City.

The press conference was held at the University and was open to the media, as well as journalism students.

As the January transfer window drew to a close, Derby were able to get the deal of Sammie Szmodics over the line – a player who has worked with Eustace previously at Blackburn Rovers. Eustace spoke highly of the attacker and the window itself.

He said: “Sammie is a top performer at this level, so delighted to get him in, but there’s also been some really good business with the other three or four players.

“To bring in a player of Sam’s experience in this level and quality – it’s important we could bring him in.”

The Rams endured a tough start to the season, winning just one game from their opening 10. Since then, the East Midlands side have had a real upturn in form and are now flirting with the play-offs with 16 games to go. Eustace commented on his team’s early results and how it’s been a step-by-step project.

He said: “It was always going to be a gradual build, everyone’s expectations were very high at the start, we spent a little bit of money and there wasn’t many players available.

“There were some disappointing moments in that first 10 games and it’s just important that everyone stayed calm and relaxed and understood the process of where we were trying to get to.”

Despite an improvement in form, Eustace’s side have struggled to pick up points at home, and are ranked 20th in the league for home record. The 46-year-old was vocal on how important the fans will be heading into the final eight home games of the season.

Eustace said: “We need the fans right behind us at home, which they are usually and being away from home as well. Listen, I think there’s eight home games to go and of course we want to win more points at home and beat more teams.”

He was able to provide updates on injuries ahead of the fixture against Ipswich Town, and the availability of deadline day signing Derry Murkin.

He said: “He’ll be in the squad, he’ll be available. He’s just had a couple of games in Europe and I think he played the last league game for his team.”

Eustace also offered the latest on Jacob Widell Zetterström, Sondre Klingen Langås and Calrton Morris.

“Jakey [Jacob Widell Zetterström] is still probably a couple of weeks away. Sonny’s [Sondre Klingen Langås] still struggling a little bit with his hamstring so still probably be three or four weeks.

“[Carlton Morris] trained with the boys today for a bit of the session which was great. It’s great to have him back in the group, so that’s a massive boost for everyone. But no, no, he won’t be available yet.”

Derby County will host Ipswich Town at Pride Park for the Championship’s early kick-off on Saturday at 12:31pm GMT.