Paul Dickov sends Derby County huge message over Championship relegation warning

Former Derby County forward Paul Dickov has advised the Rams that they must strengthen their squad before the end of the summer window if they are to avoid relegation from the Championship.

Derby was promoted from League One at the second attempt last year, finishing second in the table behind Portsmouth.

Warne’s side had won one of their first two games of the season, defeating Middlesbrough at Pride Park last weekend after losing to Blackburn Rovers on the opening day.

Derby made numerous acquisitions this summer, including Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, Kenzo Goudmijn, and Ben Osborn, among others.

Ebou Adams’ return on a permanent basis was also confirmed following his initial loan move from Cardiff City the previous season.

Paul Dickov issues Derby relegation warning

Dickov has told Derby that they must strengthen their team to escape relegation to League One.

However, he has stated that the clean sheet against Middlesbrough will be very encouraging for the team, albeit acknowledging that they were fortunate to win.

“It’s always key to strengthen if you go up a league,” Dickov continued.

“Getting players who understand the Championship is critical, and if Derby can obtain some experience as well as some good young players, it might bode well for the coming season.

“With so many games, it’s a very tough league and it’s important to have a good squad as with three games in a week, you can get caught adrift if you don’t pick up points.”

He added: “The opening-day setback was concerning, but to recover and collect three points against Boro was huge.

“The figures show they were fortunate, but at this point in the season, it’s critical to regain confidence after preseason, and getting points on the board provides them a springboard to advance.

“Look at Oxford United, who moved up from League One and have started off brilliantly.

“So for Derby, they can now look to push on and with a clean sheet as well, that would have pleased Paul Warne as Boro boast top strikers.”

Derby’s start to the Championship season

Derby fell 4-2 to Blackburn on their opening day at Ewood Park, with Curtis Nelson and Kane Wilson scoring the goals.

Kayden Jackson scored his first goal for the club in a 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough last weekend, having joined on loan from Ipswich Town earlier in the summer.

Warne will be looking to enter the September international break with at least one more victory, when they face Watford and Bristol City.

The Rams also have until August 30 to complete any outstanding transfers before the calendar year’s transfer window shuts.

Next couple games will be big for Derby

Derby are still figuring out how competitive they are at this level, which can help them identify aspects of the side that need to be strengthened.

This weekend’s game against Watford will be their final chance to put the team through its paces before the transfer market closes, so Warne will be hoping for a strong showing.

Getting a win over Boro last Saturday, however fortunate, was a major accomplishment because it put some points on the board.

Now that the burden is off so early in the season, they can concentrate on preparing for each game as best they can without the added strain of needing points to keep up.