Jim Smith became the new manager ofDerby County in the summer, replacing former bossRoy McFarland. Although the new season started slowly, the signing of sweeperIgor Štimac in the early autumn proved pivotal.[1] Throwing his brief of "a top-half finish" out the window, Smith guided the Rams to a second-place finish and promotion to thePremier League.
The following players all appeared for the first team this season.[2]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined underFIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
The following players did not appear for the first team this season.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined underFIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
^Carsley was born inBirmingham,England, but qualified to represent theRepublic of Ireland internationally through his grandmother and would make his international debut forIreland in 1997.
^Powell was born inLambeth,England, but qualified to representJamaica internationally and would make his international debut forJamaica in 1998.
^Trollope was born inSwindon,England, but also qualified to representWales internationally and would make his international debut forWales in May 1997.