Derby County signed 11 players this summer, but while they have focused on the present, they have not forgotten about the future, with plans to rebuild the academy following administration.
They’ve already brought in several good players this summer, including Ireland prospects Sean Corry and Freddie Turley, as well as Alex Stepien-Iwumene, who left Southampton.
Derby are slowly but steadily rebuilding an academy that was previously regarded as one of the best in the country and is an important aspect of David Clowes’ success strategy. DerbyshireLive takes a look at some of the players who could help the club save millions in the future.
Dajaune Brown
Last season, the striker had an outstanding loan stay at National League side Gateshead, during which he had a fantastic run of form.
He concluded the season with an FA Trophy medal after playing a key role in their triumph over Solihull Moors at Wembley. He not only scored, but he assisted and scored the winning penalty in the shootout, securing a remarkable victory. Other highlights of his time in the north east included a 15-minute hat-trick against Peterborough Sports as Gateshead advanced to the final.
In an exclusive interview with DerbyshireLive in the summer, Gateshead boss Rob Elliot praised the teenager, who is already garnering interest from League Two clubs.
“I am confident that whatever Derby decides will be the best for Daj. “If we had been promoted to League Two, we would have asked for him again,” Elliot explained. “But wherever he goes next, whether it’s back to Derby or on loan, he’ll fit right in because he’s quiet, courteous, and works really hard.
“He has a wonderful family that keeps him grounded. They were travelling up and down to see him, which was very wonderful, and this is very necessary when you’re on a voyage like his. You need people around you who will let you be yourself while protecting you from the other side of football when you are a rising star and everyone wants a piece of you.
Several League One and Two clubs expressed interest in him this summer, but Derby kept him in the building, and he has made three appearances, two of which have come off the bench.
Cruz Allen
The promising midfielder has already signed a professional deal, and the 17-year-old got a taste of first-team football last season when he played in the EFL Trophy. According to reports from last November, he was catching the eye of certain Premier League heavyweights, including Manchester United and Chelsea.
But Derby have great hopes for Allen, who has been a member of the club’s academy for some years and has risen through the ranks, winning youth international call-ups with Wales.
After Allen signed a new deal, academy manager Matt Hale stated: “Cruz has done really well in the Under-21s and Under-18s this year, and we are keen to recognise players who have come through our pathway here at Derby County.” He has a lot of potential, and this is well-deserved; we wish him the best.”
Tony Weston
The striker instantly made headlines in the 2023/24 season when he came on as a substitute against Wolves in the EFL Trophy and scored a fantastic goal while also assisting James Collins. Some non-league clubs wanted to loan him out in January, but he chose to stay with the Rams instead.
The attacker, who signed from Rangers on a free transfer last summer, has certainly struck the eye and impressed Warne. After the game against Wolves, Warne stated: “I like Tony; I saw Tony play in an academy game about five or six weeks ago and he scored a hat-trick.
“I enjoy athletic players. I prefer players who run. I appreciate athletes that press and play like they’re 13 at school. I appreciate brave guys, and Tony did a great job when he came on. His intensity was great, and he won the ball back for Collo to score as well as scoring himself.”
He signed a new contract in the summer and was loaned out to National League side Boston United for the season, where he has made six appearances following a solid pre-season with the Pilgrims.
Keilen Robinson
Robinson signed his first professional contract earlier this year, which will take him through the end of the 2025/26 season.
Robinson played for the under-18s and under-21s past season, appearing in the Premier League 2 and Central League. His form was good, and it earned him a call-up to England’s under-19 squad in March, where he made his debut against Morocco.
At the close of last season, Derby head coach Paul Warne called up Robinson to the first-team squad. He was an unused substitute in April’s 1-0 victory over Blackpool and dramatic 2-2 tie with Portsmouth.
Robinson has been with Derby since the under-12s and has risen through the ranks. Now that he has accepted professional terms, he will be a permanent member of the under-21s under Jake Buxton. The centre-back is highly regarded at Pride Park and one to keep an eye on.
Lennon Wheeldon
Wheeldon, 18, is described as an old-fashioned centre forward who joined Derby from Notts County as an under-16 player. The striker had an immediate impression, scoring nine goals during the 2022/23 season, including an amazing hat-trick in a 5-2 victory over Liverpool Under-18s.
His performance prompted Derby to offer him a professional deal in the summer, with the club having high expectations for the gifted striker. He scored the first goal of the Premier League 2 season in a 1-0 victory over Newcastle United. He also scored in a 3-2 defeat to Manchester City.