What’s Welsh for Blaugrana? Between Swansea’s deep blue and red away kit, and the way they effortlessly knocked the ball around amid Derby’s calamitous defending, watching Vitor Matos’ men was like watching Barcelona. Okay, not quite. But witnessing the way that The Rams were toyed with on a grim Saturday afternoon will have left many fans at the end of their tether.

Across the football world, deals are being sealed with handshakes, arms are extended to beckon new players in. The crescendo of silly season is upon us. While fans and the media revel in it, clubs are desperately trying to ensure that they do not get their fingers trapped when the window slams shut next week. Having spent the back end of last season talking about a desire to get deals done early Eustace still wants three or four players through the door. Indeed, the more Th

Derby County Head Coach John Eustace marked a year at the helm with a Valentine's Day victory over Swansea City which had all the hallmarks of the side he has developed. With defensive resilience, swift transitions, and deadly dead balls, this was a fitting way to mark a year which has seen him transform The Rams' fortunes.

If there is one thing that is coming to characterise this Derby squad, it is players stepping up in the hour of need.