Jerry Yates is feeling positive ahead of the 2024/25 Championship season, drawing comparisons between Derby County and Ipswich Town.
Derby County is undergoing a significant squad transformation following their promotion from League One in the 2023/24 season. The club saw a number of key departures, including Conor Hourihane and Korey Smith, who were crucial in midfield for manager Paul Warne.
To fill these gaps, Warne has signed Dutch midfielder Kenzo Goudmijn and is likely to secure Ebou Adams, following his successful loan spell from Cardiff City last season. In addition, attackers Kayden Jackson and Jerry Yates have been brought in to bolster the team’s scoring potential.
Yates, on loan from Swansea City, has expressed his confidence by comparing Derby County to Ipswich Town, who were promoted to the Premier League last season. He believes Derby County possesses similar qualities to the Ipswich side that achieved double-promotion.
Jerry Yates Sees ‘Similar Attributes’ Between Derby County and Ipswich Town
Yates, formerly of Swansea City and Blackpool, has likened Derby County’s squad to that of Ipswich Town, who earned promotion to the Premier League in the 2023/24 season. Speaking to Derbyshire Live, Yates said, “I’ve worked hard in the off-season and I am ready to get started. I am looking to help the boys and help them win games. I’ll see where the season takes us. Ipswich went back-to-back and won promotion. I look at their team and there was a lot of togetherness and I see similar attributes in our dressing room too, so why not?”
Can Paul Warne’s Derby County Replicate Ipswich’s Success?
Ipswich Town was one of the few clubs to achieve double-promotion to the Premier League from League One, spending less than £5m on transfers throughout the season. They managed to compete with teams like Leicester City, Leeds United, and Southampton.
For Derby County to emulate this achievement, Warne has made several positive signings and aims to bring in more before the transfer window closes. He also needs to address the goalkeeper situation following Joe Wildsmith’s move to West Brom.
With a few more strategic signings, Derby County could potentially compete at the top of the league table. The importance of team chemistry and togetherness cannot be underestimated. While matching Ipswich’s remarkable success is a tall order, if Warne’s squad can maintain last season’s momentum, they could surprise many in the upcoming campaign.
