John Eustace has been in charge of Derby County for about 11 months since his departure from Blackburn Rovers, and a lot has happened in that time.

The Rams survived relegation on the penultimate day of last season, with a 0-0 draw at home to Stoke City being enough to keep them in the Championship after falling seven points behind at the beginning of March.

Almost a year after Eustace’s return to Pride Park, Derby are 13th in the Championship league and have already made their first two acquisitions of the January transfer window. However, change has occurred not just on the pitch, but also at the training ground.

The head coach’s main goal has been to reinvent the club’s philosophy, which includes one new rule that may surprise supporters.

John Eustace explains why Sky Sports News is banned at Derby County’s training facilities.

Following their relegation struggle in 2024/25, the Rams’ goal this season is to finish in the middle of the table. It’s been a good first half of the season, but Eustace is keen not to let standards slide.

Speaking to Derbyshire Live, Derby’s manager explained the modifications he has implemented at the club’s training base, Moor Farm, to improve players’ performances. Eustace stated: “We don’t cover Sky Sports news here. We’re focusing on training to ensure players receive the correct messages.It will also have game plans turned on, which will be active at all times. “It’s important to understand the club’s history as soon as you enter the training ground.”People will realise what a serious club we are since we have a proven track record. I wanted people to see photographs of Brian Clough, Arthur Cox, and other legendary characters when they walked in. We’ve won the league and traveled to Europe, so people need to understand that when they walk through those doors, we are serious about what we want to do.”

Eustace went on to say, “We’ve also modified the path for the dressing rooms and installed more fans around the facility. “I emphasize the importance of teamwork and the positive impact it has on the players, as evidenced by the numerous photos of them together on the training ground throughout the season.”We’ve improved the dressing rooms, there are no phones in the canteen because this is a place to learn and work, and I believe we’ve struck the right balance. The players also drive it, so when you’re recruiting and bringing in players, they understand how important it is to be a part of the squad and team.

They have a responsibility to one another, and if all of those messages are constantly broadcast on the training ground, it can only benefit them. I want the players to take the initiative, but I also want them to understand why I need to intervene if necessary.But, eventually, when they’re on the field, they’ll fight for those 95 minutes. They must accept responsibility for their actions, therefore they cannot expect to be handed everything at all times. Ultimately, we all want to be successful.”

John Eustace’s Derby County record is respectable.

Derby are once again aiming to avoid relegation to League One, with a mid-table finish an obvious target following their safety last season.

While Eustace’s football has not always been the prettiest, there is no disputing that he can find a way to achieve results at crucial times, as evidenced by his side’s 1-0 triumph over Middlesbrough on New Year’s Day.

John Eustace Derby County Championship stats (transfermarkt)*

Matches

40

Wins

15

Draws

11 defeats, 14 goals scored (50 total).

Goals conceded: 49, points: 56.
*Statistics are correct as of September 1, 2026.

With 20 games remaining this season, the Rams have the possibility to catch those ahead of them in the fight for the playoffs, but they will also keep an eye on the situation at the bottom of the league.

Nonetheless, Eustace is creating a fresh culture at Derby, one that begins off the pitch but makes a huge difference on it.