Exclusive: Don Goodman explains why Derby County won't make the play-offs in 2025/26 | OneFootball

Don Goodman has told FLW what Derby County should expect from this upcoming season under John Eustace

Don Goodman has claimed that competing for a top half of the table finish would be a successful upcoming season for Derby County.

John Eustace has had a significant impact since being appointed as manager at Pride Park back in February.

He oversaw the club’s survival from relegation straight back to League One, guiding the team to a 19th place finish.

Their form under the 45-year-old saw Derby earn 21 points from 14 games, losing just five times.

Don Goodman makes Derby success claim

Goodman believes that competing for a top six finish next year might be a step too far for Derby despite their positive trajectory under Eustace.

He is confident the club will take a realistic approach to their goals for the next 12 months, and that a top half of the table finish would be a fantastic result.

“There’s no doubt about it, John Eustace did a brilliant job at the end of the last season,” Goodman exclusively told Football League World.

“And in his final 14 games I think he averaged 1.5 points per game, which would’ve equated to 69 points over a 46-game season, which last season - really unusually - would’ve been enough to get in the play-offs.

“So I can get the excitement.

“But, I think realism has to kick in.

“They’re against some powerhouse clubs.

“I do think the Championship will be stronger next season than it was this previous season.

“And so my thing about Derby County is they should be looking to walk before they can run.

“I don’t think the hierarchy would expect a play-off spot, but if they can get anywhere near the top half of the table that would go down as a massively successful season, for me, for Derby County.”

Derby will get their Championship season underway with a trip to face Stoke City on 9 August.

Eustace’s form at Blackburn will encourage Derby supporters

Eustace had Blackburn Rovers competing for a play-off place before jumping ship to help Derby survive relegation.

The Lancashire outfit themselves don’t have top resources relative to the competition, but he was still getting the team into strong positions, and his Birmingham City side were similarly fighting above expectations when he was manager there.

So it’s understandable that there is excitement surrounding what he might be able to do with Derby next season.