Derby County transfer rethink encouraged - "John Eustace trusts him" | OneFootball

FLWs Derby fan pundit has given his verdict on Kayden Jackson's future at the club

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Kayden Jackson has fallen even further down the pecking order at Derby County this season under John Eustace.

An influx of new attacking talent in the summer was always likely to lead to increased competition for game time for the Rams.

But he has started just two of their opening 15 league fixtures, making 10 appearances in total.

Each of his last eight appearances in the league have all come off the bench, and he has yet to contribute a single goal or assist.

With the January transfer window just around the corner, the possibility remains that he could seek a departure, with his contract set to expire at the end of the campaign.

Derby County urged to keep Kayden Jackson

When asked about Jackson’s immediate future, FLW’s Derby fan pundit Shaun Woodward claimed that the forward still has a role in the team despite his lack of consistent minutes.

He believes that having a dependable player that can come off the bench is still very valuable for Eustace, and that he’s shown this season that he deserves to keep his place at the club.

“If you’d have asked me this at the end of [last] season, I would’ve said ‘yes, I think he’s one of those players that needed to move on for his own career’,” Woodward told Football League World.

“He struggled last year but, to be honest, he’s surprised me this year. I’ll hold my hands up.

“I think he’s taken on board the advice Eustace has given him, and he’s a really, really good team player now.

“He comes off the bench, he sees games out, he gives us some energy and some pace when needed, and he’s looked really sharp.

“He’s not going to set the world alight, he’s not as good as some of those other attack-minded players we’ve got.

“But, John Eustace trusts him, when he comes on that pitch and he does a job, and I think he must be a manager’s dream to have.

“He’s a really good squad player, all teams need players like Jackson.

“I can’t believe I’m even saying it because a year ago I’m probably saying get rid, but it’s not just about the starting XI, it’s about the squad.

“I think he’s shown this season that he’s a very good member of that squad, and he deserves to have kept his place.”

Jackson joined Derby in the 2024 summer transfer window following the Rams’ promotion from League One.

He featured in all 46 of their league games last season, starting on 28 occasions, contributing three goals and two assists.

Eustace’s side are now the in-form team in the Championship after winning five on the bounce prior to the international break.

Derby will return to action on 22 November with a home clash against Watford in a 3pm kick-off.

Kayden Jackson may want more than a squad role amid Derby uncertainty

With Jackson’s contract up at the end of the campaign, his game time could be a major factor in deciding whether he stays or goes.

The team is enjoying a strong run of form at the moment, and that good atmosphere should help any potential extension talks with the 31-year-old.

But if he wants more regular game time, even if it means dropping down a level, then it will be difficult for Derby to convince him to stay.

He’s proving a valuable member of the squad this season as a substitute, and that kind of player can be quite hard to replace.