Derby County manager John Eustace has been nominated for the Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month award for the second time this season, following a remarkable January run that highlights the dramatic turnaround of the Rams under his leadership.
When Eustace took charge, Derby were widely regarded as a side fighting to avoid relegation.
Inconsistent performances, defensive vulnerabilities, and a lack of attacking cohesion had left the team languishing in the lower half of the Championship table.
Fast-forward to the present, and the Rams are no longer just surviving. They are competing.
With 13 points from six games in January, including wins in all three away trips, Derby are showing the kind of form that suggests they could challenge for promotion rather than simply consolidate mid-table security.
Central to this transformation has been Eustace’s tactical approach. He has injected pace, intensity, and discipline into the team, particularly noticeable in the way Derby transition from defence to attack.
The 5–0 victory at Bristol City was a perfect illustration of this philosophy.
Every player contributed to a high-tempo, high-energy performance that overwhelmed the opposition and highlighted the attacking cohesion Eustace has built over the past months.
The win not only broke records but also signalled that Derby are now capable of competing with the division’s stronger sides.
Eustace’s impact goes beyond results. He has fostered a culture of belief, professionalism, and tactical clarity within the squad.
Young players and experienced campaigners alike have thrived under his management, with each game reflecting a clear identity and style.
Defensive mistakes have been reduced, transitions are faster and more clinical, and Derby now possess multiple attacking outlets that make them dangerous in every fixture.
This is not the first time Eustace has been recognised for his work. His November nomination for Manager of the Month reflected strong performances across September, October, and November, when Derby won nine games despite a challenging fixture list.
The January nomination underlines the ongoing progress, proving that the improvements are not temporary but part of a sustained rise.
The winner of the award will be announced in the next few days, but Derby supporters can already see the evidence of Eustace’s transformative work.
What was once a side struggling near the bottom of the Championship now has the confidence, tactical structure, and momentum to push towards the upper reaches of the table.
A remarkable turnaround in a short period of time.
Under John Eustace, Derby County have evolved from relegation candidates into promotion contenders, and January’s performances offer a clear signal: the Rams are no longer merely surviving, they are thriving.
