Derby County preparations ahead of next season got off to a perfect start. The Rams recorded an impressive 3-0 win over Premier League side Southampton at Pride Park Stadium. Many a fan thought Gary Rowett’s side overachieved to make it to the promotion playoffs after a sixth-place finish last term. Derby County lost 2-1 to Fulham despite a narrow 1-0 win in the first leg. Fulham eventually won promotion to the Premier League after seeing off Aston Villa 1-0.

The Rams conceded 50 goals and netted 71 times last season with Matej Vydra scoring 21 goals. Rowett has since left to manage Championship newcomers Stoke City. The new man in the dugout is rookie manager and Chelsea legend Frank Lampard.

Lampard, like Gerrard – another member of the England golden generation midfield who is managing Rangers, is about to enter his first season in senior management in a few weeks.

According to Birmingham Mail, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry could soon join Lampard in the Championship managing rivals Aston Villa. There have been questions over how Lampard’s team would play. As demonstrated in the game against Southampton, Lampard has instilled the idea of hard work on and off the ball in his players.

After the win, Lampard said: “We have worked really hard on that. My first request of the players is hard work, and that is in every training session.”
“Hard work is not something you can switch on and off. You cannot train light and expect to be intense on the pitch.

“The lads have trained intense every session. They have worked very, very hard, and when you do it on the training ground you can do it out there on the pitch.”

“I am used to the rules of football which remain the same from top to bottom – hard work, desire and humility.”

This summer, Derby County have signed Florian Josefzoon on a permanent deal from Brentford. Lampard also drafted youngsters Harry Wilson from Liverpool and Mason Mount on season-long loan deals. The Rams have sold Charles Vernam to Grimsby Town and Andres Weimann to Bristol City. Chris Baird, Darren Bent and Jason Shackell have all left after seeing out their contracts.

Of course, all pre-season caveats apply and fans shouldn’t get carried away. According to WhoScored, Derby County’s weakest point was keeping possession of the ball. With the Derby County players willing to press and close down on the ball, the Rams may go all the way. Given the Rams’ impressive playoff run-in last season and the progress of Lampard’s project so far, Derby County can surprise everyone in the Championship next season and walk away as an easy winner.