When the goals were flying in at a record rate for Derby County at Bristol City last month, the normally poker-faced John Eustace couldn't contain his smile. It was a crucial point with club-defining purpose as the Rams avoided an immediate return to League One. Pragmatic football, finding substance in results rather than style in approach, has largely defined the 12 months Eustace has been in charge. "I just want to win," Eustace started in his typical matter-of-fact way. "When we lost in the play-offs [in 2014] and the season after, I thought we were a top-performing team.

Source: BBC February 13, 2026 17:19 UTC