The 2022/2023 season has finished. As the dust settles on the Rams season and playoff push, we give our thoughts on the performances of the first team.
1. Joe Wildsmith: 8/10
It was a great season for Wildsmith between the posts. He’s easily Derby’s best goalkeeper since Scott Carson. He’s calmed and assured and has been getting better and better with each passing week. We’d heard that he was a confidence player who had rarely had a chance to establish himself as a number one at Sheffield Wednesday. He’s an important player for Derby and one of the best goalkeepers in League One. A great first campaign for the Rams.
3. Craig Forsyth: 6.5/10
A solid veteran who recently passed a decade of service with the club. He’s transitioned into a centre-half role this season and complimented Eiran Cashin extremely well. A reliable, steady player, you know what you are going to get with Fozzy. It must be a blessing for Paul Warne to have such a consistent player (both in performance and availability) to choose from. He recently re-signed for another year with The Rams and has been granted a testimonial.
4. Conor Hourihane: 7.5/10
A name that had a lot of fans purring in the summer when it was announced, Derby had beaten off stiff competition for Conor’s signature. A man with bags of Premier League and EFL experience, it was seen as a real coup for Derby to snag him. Scored the winner on opening day, which had fans even excited about the season to come.
Fast forward nine months and I think many expected more of him in his first season at Derby. However, when you look at his stats for the season 44 games, 42 starts, 7 goals and 10 assists, it starts to paint a bit of a different picture. He was the 3rd top goal scorer and led the team in assists. His goal involvement rate was about 1 in 3, which isn’t too shabby. He made the League One Team of the Season (a team in which top scorer David McGoldrick missed out) but he went about his business quietly and efficiently.
5. James Chester: 3/10
Brought in to add another veteran presence at the back but rarely played due to injury. The lack of availability really hamstrung a team that used only 22 players. Every time it looked like he might be coming back, he’d pick up another injury. You cannot afford to have players unavailable at this level, with tight budgets and a small squad. He will not be back with The Rams.
6. Eiran Cashin: 8.5/10
After being thrust into the thick of a relegation battle last season, this year was all about gaining more first team experience for young Irishman. With another 43 games under his belt, that’s mission accomplished.
This season for very large parts Cashin has been excellent. Defense this season has been anything but settled, but Cashin was ever present at the heart of the defense. He’s still learning the game and there have been a few bumps in the road, but all of this could be expected for a player who was in the midst of his first full first team season. Overall, he was a rock at the back and adapted to several different defensive partners. He won the Young Player of the Season Award, which is a testament to how consistent and solid he has been all season. He should threaten more at set pieces, but that will come in time.
Undoubtedly, Cashin will have suitors in the summer. Do Derby stick or cash in? Even though the embargo has been lifted, finances will be tight. A sale could help fund the rebuild. Although, it would be painful to see another young star leave. Expect Derby to rebuff these offers.
7. Tom Barkhuizen: 6.5/10
An exciting attack minded player, Barkhuizen had a solid but unspectacular start to his Rams career. I think more was expected for the wide man, but he proved that he can be a difference maker at this level. He was hampered by injury for a period which took him out of his groove. You’d like to see a few more goals to his game and I’d like to see him in a wide forward position rather than being shoe-horned into a wing back role. He’s more dangerous up the pitch and focusing on scoring and creating.
8. Max Bird: 7.5/10
It was a very interesting season for Bird. The expectation was that a dropping down a level could propel his development. However, League One football is different to Championship level and there were questions as to if his style of play could adapt. However, Max coped quite well this season. He’s the type of player that doesn’t always stand out, but you miss him if he’s not there. When injury stuck against West Ham, that derailed Derby’s season and long unbeaten run. There are still parts of his games that are frustrating, but he clearly adds something different to this side. Should he contribute with a few more goals? Yes. But the one goal he did score was an absolute beauty.
He’s proving to be a key player for Derby and will quite possibly have suitors this summer. With Curtis Davies leaving the club, you’d expect the young man to be named captain. He’s an important cog in this still developing team and will continue to get better.
9. James Collins: 6/10
Brought in the score the goals, he did score 12 goals in all competitions, but I think it’s safe to say more was expected of him. I was slightly underwhelmed with Collins over the course of the season, especially given his reputation at this level. He had a long scoring drought, which did not help his confidence. More is needed from him next season. He’s scored loads of at this level before, but he needs a few more goal next season, if The Rams are going to make a push for promotion. Overall, I think it was a slightly poor season from The Rams number 9.
10. David McGoldrick: 9/10
OH DAVID MCGOLDRICK…. Wow what a season, at the ripe old age of 35, he produced his best goal scoring returns of his career. He oozes class and is a cut above this level (even with his advancing years). With 22 goals and 5 assists, it’s no wonder Didzy won Player of the Year. He has been an absolute joy to watch this season. It’s strange to look back and see that he started slowly and was struggling with a niggling injury at the beginning of the campaign. He makes the game look easy, and his thinking is seconds ahead of others on the pitch. A first career hat-trick (quickly followed by two more) was one of the many memories McGoldrick provided this season. He’s probably the main reason Derby finished where they did. He was this season’s standout player.
With his contract up, it is a no brainer that Derby must re-sign McGoldrick.
11. Nathaniel Mendez-Laing: 7.5/10
A lighting quick and exciting player it was a solid season for NML. The winger provided some great moments with skillful goals and terrifying defenders with his pace. He faded slightly towards the end of the season. His lack of tracking back toward the end of the season was a bit of a concern and something that can hopefully be addressed by Paul Warne and his staff in the close season. Overall thought, NML’s first season in a Derby shirt was impressive, he’s undoubtedly one of Derby’s most exciting players and one of the most exciting players in League One.
12. Korey Smith: 7/10
Mr. Versatility. Naturally a combative midfielder, Smith found himself mostly at right back this season. A reliable and consistent player, while playing out of position for most of this season, Smith isn’t the flashiest of players but got the job done. You can see what he would add in the midfield and it’s a shame we didn’t see more of him in his natural position but needs must. He’s a useful squad player to have around for next season and his versatility makes him a real asset.
15. Haydon Roberts: 7.5/10
The loanee from Brighton started the season slowly but continued to grow and improve as the season went on. He made the left wing back role his own but also showed his versatility as he slipped into centre-half a few times. He also chipped in with a couple of goals this season, which was nice to see. With his contract up at Brighton in the summer, he would be a shrewd signing for The Rams and someone who should be right at the top of Paul Warne’s summer shopping list.
16. Liam Thompson: 4/10
A squad member from last season, Liam was expected to push on this season, however that was not the case. There were no real standout performances from him. He was eventually loaned to Scunthorpe in the National League to get some minutes (Scunthorpe were relegated and he returned to The Rams early having picked up an injury). Overall, a year to forget for the young midfielder. It’s probably time for a change of scenery for him to reach his full potential. Would be surprised to see him stick around for next season.
17. Louie Sibley: 6.5/10
This was the season that Sibley was supposed to come into his own, however he found himself out of the team during the first third of the season. A position change to left wing back helped find a spot for him in the team. He performed admirably at LWB, despite it being no where near his best position. But he started to improve with more consistent game time. He chipped in with a few goals and assists throughout the course of the season. It’s easy to forget that Sibley is still just 21 years old and still learning his trade. You do get the sense that time is running out for Sibley in a Derby shirt, this is now the fourth manager that he’s failed to fully establish himself in the team. As we’ve said for the past couple of seasons, next season will be a big one for Louie to fully establish himself in the first team.
18. Lewis Dobbin: 5.5/10
A player with raw potential, Lewis had plenty of opportunities to showcase his talents this season, but we never saw it on a consistent basis. A lack of composure and end product were certainly massive disappointments and something he needs to improve upon in order to progress his game. He will be remembered mainly for the thunder bolt against Torquay in the FA Cup but that is, his crowning moment in a Derby shirt. Hopefully there is a future for him in the game, he just didn’t fully find his feet at Derby this time around. That being said, his effort and desire could never be questioned.
19. Richard Stearman: 5/10
Another veteran defender. Stearman made 14 appearances this season with very few notable moments. It is important to note however, that he re-signed for the club amidst all the uncertainty last summer. He will be departing The Rams in the summer.
21. Scott Loach: 5/10
Brought in as the backup keeper. He played a few cup games but other than that spent his time on the bench. Out of contract in the summer but the club are in talks to renew his contract, so you can expect him to be the third goalkeeper next season.
22. Tony Springett: 4.5/10
A January loan signing brought in by Paul Warne to add depth and energy to the wide positions. His desire to keep the ball in play at Port Vale led to three massive points. However, this was the high point for him in a Derby shirt. He never really got going with The Rams and opportunities became a premium and we he did play; didn’t put in performances to suggest he should be playing more. Best of luck in the future Tony.
23. Harvey White: 6/10
Brought in during the January transfer window to help bolster the midfield. White had a bit of a baptism of fire as Max Bird was out injured, and he probably played more minutes than he expected at the start of his spell with The Rams. A technically gifted player and highly rated at Spurs, its unfortunate that we never got to the see the best out of the young man. He was a bit unfortunate with a couple of soft penalty calls against him but worked hard.
30. Kwaku Oduroh: n/a
A player who came in in the summer, with a decent reputation from the Manchester City academy, many thought he would fill the gap a right back, however he failed to break into the first team (or event he first team bench) and spent the season playing for the U21’s. He never stood out for the U21’s, which was odd. It’ll be an interesting summer for the young man.
32. Luke McGee: n/a
Brought in as cover in January, however, it was a bit of a strange signing. He started the season as Forest Green Rovers starting goalkeeper and ended up out on loan at Derby, where he never made a first team appearance. He was never going to usurp Wildsmith. You wonder why, with the limited resources available, a third goalkeeper was brought in. Wouldn’t that loan spot have been better served in a position of need? McGee is out of contract in the summer. Maybe he will come back as Wildsmith’s backup.
33. Curtis Davies: 6.5/10
Captain. Leader. Legend. Curtis Davies is the ultimate professional. He spent a long period of the season on the bench and not starting games, as Warne had a settled centre-back pairing. However, a few starts towards the end of the season gave us the chance to see Davies in action once again. He was unfortunate with the penalty call against him on the final day, but that one mistake cannot tarnish his time and reputation at Derby. A modern legend. His time in Derby is up and his contract will not be renewed.
34. Jake Rooney: 6/10
It was a stop-start season for Jake this year. When involved, he never disappointed and some would claim, he deserved a few more opportunities. He looked comfortable when involved and could be a useful member of the squad in the future. Ultimately, he’s a bit part player who might benefit from a loan move if he’s not going to get regular minutes next season. Will he get plenty of minutes next season? The jury is out on that one.
38. Jason Knight: 6/10
You cannot knock Knighty’s passion and energy. It is practically unmatched within the squad. However, this season he was expected to shine at League One level but did not manage too. He was shoe-horned into right back at the beginning of the season and look assured, although it was far from his best position. He eventually got his chance in midfield but with only two goals and three assists, he left quite a bit to be desired. The club have taken up the option in his contract for another season, but it would be a shock if he was still at Derby player next season. He won’t be short of suitors, and it might be best for all parties if he moved on. However, if he is still a Derby player next season, they have a solid option in engine room.
Management
First off, a big thank you to Liam Rosenior. He was given a monumental task in the summer, and he was able to put a team together for no money that was competitive at this level. Additionally, he stayed loyal to the club over the administration period and for that he should be commended. You could argue he was a bit unfair to be relieved of his duties, but he landed a good job at Hull and proved himself as a manager. Liam, thank you for your efforts and your commitment. 8/10
The move was made to bring in Paul Warne and his coaching team. Warne came with the League One know-how and has achieved success previously in this division. His tenure was filled with plenty of good moments and a few bad ones as well. He was working with a small group and almost got us across the line into the playoffs. His January loan signings didn’t really pan out and that hurt the group. His stock is still high at Derby, but this is an important summer for the club. Warne has suggested a rebuild is needed and he will be judged on the squad he puts together. The lifting of the embargo should help slightly in terms of negation, which will be good. He’s also said he wants to get the players fitter, so a full preseason should help with that as well. Let’s hope his good League One track record continues, and the club can make an automatic promotion push next season. 8/10
Ownership
There are no words to describe what David Clowes has done for our football club in the past year. Every Derby supporter is eternally grateful that he stepped in and saved the club. It’s been refreshing this season for all the news to be coming from the playing side of the club and not from the board room (when was the last time that happened?) There will continue to be learning curves, but things seem to be ticking along nicely which we can all be grateful for. The future is looking bright. Optimism is high. 1000/10
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