Football Season Review

It was another season of solid but unspectacular progress for Derby on and off the pitch. Nigel Clough is now the fifth longest serving manager England and he is building a side based on youth, although he may finally be given money to spend to organise a potential promotion bid next term. Will Hughes has been the standout player but picked up an injury midway through the season to deny Derby any chance of a late play-off charge. Richard Keogh had an outstanding first season at Derby and with club captain Shaun Barker set to return from a lengthy injury in October, Derby's defence will be strong. Clough has already moved to snap up goalkeeper Lee Grant. Striker Chris Martin has already been signed too and Craig Forsyth may arrive too, both players were on loan at the club last term. Derby will be disappointed with their away record in 2012-13. They won 12 games at Pride Park last term but just four on their travels and that imbalance will need to be sorted if they are to make further improvement in the following campaign.

Player of the Season: Richard Keogh