Derby County’s 2017/18 season

League Position: 6th

Average league attendance: 27,175

Top league goal-scorer: Matěj Vydra (22)

It was Play-Off heartbreak for Derby County as Fulham overturned The Rams’ first-leg advantage to end hopes of a return to the top flight.

Frank Lampard will take up the mantle following Gary Rowett’s switch to Stoke City; the former Chelsea and England midfielder has no shortage of experience at his disposal with Bradley Johnson, Cameron Jerome and Matěj Vydra three well-known figures on the Football League circuit.

Having dropped no lower than tenth for the past six seasons, Rams supporters will be hoping to go one step further in 2018/19 and secure a return to the Premier League.

The Ground

Pride Park Stadium

Miles from Brentford: 127

Capacity: 33,597

Address: Pride Park, Derby DE24 8XL

How to get there

The Manager

Taking his first steps into management, Frank Lampard signed a three-year contract to become Derby County’s new Manager on Thursday 31 May.

In a career spanning over two decades taking in West Ham United, Chelsea, Manchester City and New York City, Lampard emerged as one of the most successful players of his generation. A three-time Chelsea Player of the Year, he’s also the club’s top goal-scorer, with 211 in all competitions.

Internationally he represented England at three World Cup Finals and Euro 2004, where he was named in the Team of the Tournament after scoring three goals in four games.

“This is my first job as a manager but I’ve been working towards this for a long time,” Lampard told Derby’s official website. “I’ve worked closely with some of the best coaches in the game and I’m confident in my own abilities and those of the team around me.

“I know it won’t be easy – managing a football team never is – but I’m here to work hard. I’m really looking forward to getting started and to the challenge ahead."

The Key Man

A clever striker and a proven goal-scorer in the Sky Bet Championship, Matěj Vydra brings a different dimension to Derby County’s attacking artillery.

The Czech Republic international netted five times in 36 outings in a largely stop-start 2016/17 season but, particularly over the second half of the campaign, his quality was not in doubt as he turned in a string of impressive displays.

Vydra – who boasts promotion and Premier League experience having helped Watford reached the top flight in 2015 – scored 22 goals in 43 appearances last term.

Last Time

Head to Head

Brentford wins: 9

Draws: 7

Derby County wins: 13

2018/19 Odds with Leo Vegas Sport UK*

Championship Winners: 14/1

Promotion: 4/1

*Odds correct at time of writing.

Get ready for our upcoming campaign by supporting The Bees as a 2018/19 Season Ticket Holder. Secure your place online now.