Ebou Adams will face his former club, Derby County, for the first time since leaving for Portsmouth in the January transfer window, on Monday evening, in a critical Championship match.

Pompey have not won in their past four league games, and with teams below them finding form, they know they must win all three at Fratton Park to avoid finishing this round of matches in the bottom three, with 22nd-place Oxford United only two points behind.

Meanwhile, Millwall defeated the Rams 1-0 on Tuesday evening. Their prospects of finishing in the play-offs remain, but they must now rely on both Wrexham and Southampton to slip up as the race for the top six continues.

Nonetheless, Derby fans may be concerned about their former hero playing their side on Monday, since the East Midlands club is well aware of the Gambian midfielder’s abilities, and John Eustace has explained why he left the club.

The reason for Ebou Adams’ Derby County exit to Portsmouth becomes evident.

Adams’ move to Portsmouth was confirmed on January 16, with the two parties agreeing on a fee of about £500,000. He signed a two-and-a-half-year contract in Hampshire, and he has had a fantastic start to life on the south coast.

However, it has emerged that he wished to continue with Derby. However, with the Rams planning to rebuild in the coming years, his spot on the club was not secured, and Eustace has stated why he left.

He stated (via BBC Sport Derby): “It was a difficult decision, but Ebbs wanted a contract extension and greater clarity about his future. Portsmouth offered him a long-term deal for more money, so the lad wanted to leave.

“I wasn’t going to halt or stand in his way, and he’s doing great there. He’s a terrific person first and foremost. He’s done an excellent job, and I’ll never forget the work he’s done for me since I’ve been here; I’m extremely appreciative, and I have a lot of time and respect for him.

Portsmouth has improved significantly since Ebou Adams came from Derby County.

Adams, nicknamed ‘The General’ by colleagues and supporters, was a powerful force in the middle of the park for Derby before joining Portsmouth, where he played a key role in their League One promotion in 2023/24 and Championship survival last season.

However, with Lewis Travis, David Ozoh, Bobby Clark, Liam Thompson, and Oscar Fraulo available for Eustace, the 30-year-old’s prominence plummeted, and a move away in January or the summer appeared nearly inevitable.

Nonetheless, he has been a breath of fresh air for Pompey, who have scored 15 of their 40 points since his arrival, compared to the Rams’ 19 in the same period.

Derby County against Portsmouth Records Since Ebou Adams Transfer (SoccerStats.org)

Ranking Team GP

W, D, L, GD, Pts: – 9th: Derby County – 11th: 11 – 6 – 1 – 4 +6 – 19 – 15th: Portsmouth – 12th: 4 – 3 – 5 +3 – 15

Portsmouth’s form has improved, and he has been an important part of John Mousinho’s team. However, he will be looking to wreak havoc on his former club’s play-off aspirations on Monday as Derby attempt to cut the gap on the top six at Fratton Park.