Former Derby County and Wales midfielder Joe Ledley believes the club should aim for the playoffs this season, despite the uncertainty surrounding the ownership.
Speaking exclusively to Gambling.com, Ledley discussed Derby’s prospects for the current campaign. He touched on the importance of securing the right owner, and his admiration for former manager Tony Pulis.
Derby County must push for play-offs
Reflecting on Derby County’s potential for the season, Ledley emphasized the club’s improving fortunes.
“At the start of this season, the aim would probably have just been to survive.
“But they’ve got good people, players, and management in there now – so why not try and push for the playoffs?”
He noted that while Derby is a “big club,” the competition in the Championship this year is fierce, making promotion a challenging prospect.
Derby County must find the right owner
Ledley also underscored the importance of finding the right owner if current majority shareholder David Clowes sells his stake.
“It’s huge,” Ledley said, warning against repeating past mistakes.
“You can’t make the mistake that you’ve made before. Mel Morris was trying to chase his dream… But if it is the right decision, you want to see some money invested into the team as well.”
He stressed that increased financial backing would be key for Derby to secure a stronger position moving forward.
Former Wales international admires Tony Pulis and thinks he would do a job for Derby
On the topic of managerial figures, Ledley expressed his admiration for Tony Pulis and other experienced managers like Neil Warnock and Ian Holloway.
“I’d love to see Tony Pulis return to management,” he said.
“He’s not been relegated as a manager, and though his style might not be the most exciting, he gets results.
He’s a fantastic manager who knows how to grind out victories.”
As the Rams continue the season, the club’s ambitions will depend not only on the players and management but also on securing the right ownership to invest in its future.
Liam Thompson: Derby County Ready to Build Momentum Against Preston
Midfielder Liam Thompson has urged Derby County to maintain the momentum they built before the international break as they prepare to face Preston North End at Deepdale in the Sky Bet Championship on Saturday.
The Rams secured four points in their last two fixtures, defeating Coventry City 2-1 away and drawing 1-1 with Plymouth Argyle at Pride Park. Thompson, 22, made his first league starts of the season in those matches, earning Player of the Match honours in both performances.
Reflecting on his form, Thompson told RamsTV that while the international break came during a good run, he’s ready to help the team pick up where they left off. He emphasized the importance of confidence, preparation, and teamwork ahead of the packed festive fixture schedule. Thompson also acknowledged Preston’s quality, insisting Derby must stay focused to secure three points.
Paul Warne hails Curtis Nelson as a ‘gladiator’ after contract extension
Derby County head coach Paul Warne has praised Curtis Nelson as a “gladiator” after the central defender signed a contract extension keeping him at Pride Park until June 2026.
Since joining from Blackpool in the summer of 2023, Nelson has been ever-present, featuring in all 61 league games for which he’s been available. “He’s played virtually every minute in the league for me since I’ve been in charge,” Warne told BBC Radio Derby ahead of Saturday’s trip to Preston North End. “He’s been a brilliant gladiator on the pitch.”
Warne described the decision to extend Nelson’s deal as straightforward, highlighting the defender’s professionalism and reliability. “The door wasn’t locked on either side,” Warne said. “He was never any trouble, never knocked my door down – he’s been nothing but a professional, and that’s why I want to keep him here.”
The Rams boss also praised Nelson’s defensive skills and development on the ball. “For me, defenders have to defend first, and then everything else is a bonus. He’s definitely improved on the ball as well.”
Nelson’s leadership has been key for Derby’s young squad, which has adjusted well to life in the Championship, currently sitting 12th. “Off the pitch, he’s perfect,” Warne added. “He’s excellent in the gym, looks after himself, and football means something to him. He’s everything you want in a footballer.”
