Derby County have seen Frank Lampard depart and Phillip Cocu installed as the manager during the summer. Relegated from the Premier League in 2008 after a woeful season, they have come close to promotion but never quite got over the line. As the new season approaches, it’s a time where Derby County look to the Premier League once more.
Phillip Cocu Aiming to Go One Better Than Frank Lampard at Derby County
Can Derby County Reach the Promised Land at Last?
The 2007/08 season is one that Derby County fans will forever prefer to forget. Week after week, they were rolled over and consequently relegated with just 11 points and one victory. It remains the worst effort from a club in the top league since the introduction of three points for a victory. Since then, Derby have started season after season as one of the favourites to be promoted back to the Premier League. In 2013/14, Derby bossed Queens Park Rangers only to lose in agonising fashion as Richard Keogh gifted Bobby Zamora the winning goal – the London club’s only shot on target. Since then they have failed to get through the play-offs and once more fell at the final hurdle to Aston Villa at Wembley last season.
Frank Lampard Replaced by Phillip Cocu
Frank Lampard took Derby County to that play-off final but after just one season departed for Chelsea. Whilst Lampard was popular with fans, the reality is that under his leadership he didn’t actually get the club any further than those that went before him. The club didn’t wait long to replace him and Phillip Cocu is now the man to try and get Derby back to the Premier League.
Cocu had an illustrious playing career, not least at Barcelona and has been well-known for developing the early careers of players such as Memphis Depay. Mel Morris, the Derby chairman, wanted a manager who will bring through youth and Cocu has managed at PSV Eindhoven as U19 coach and seems to fit the bill.
Derby County Must Muster Strength to be Promoted
Derby County fans were treated to some good football last season under Frank Lampard. Lampard had the benefit of loan players in Mason Mount from Chelsea and Harry Wilson from Liverpool. Will Cocu be able to lure talented young players to Pride Park?
Derby have a loyal fan base, regularly selling out matches and have everything in place to be a Premier League club.
There are only so many times the Midlands club can keep failing to be promoted. Phillip Cocu has a big job on his hands and surely has to gain promotion to be considered a success.
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