Gary Rowett had nine games after to being appointed to assess his Derby squad ahead of a promotion challenge next season.

After another season of inconsistency which included some pretty dire performances, a lot of Derby fans want to see dead weight offloaded this summer, as they feel there are way too many players in the squad that simply aren't good enough.

The Rams eventually finished ninth in the league table, but spent very little time in the top six after a horrific start that left them chasing the promotion pack, and once what was then Steve McClaren's side did catch up, they crumbled and were resigned to mid-table.

There are talented players in the Derby squad however, Tom Ince, David Nugent and Chris Baird have put in some convincing performances this season, but there have been more players that have underperformed or simply not performed at all.

Gary Rowett does need to axe players this summer and bring in replacements but this has to be done cleverly, as the Rams have thrown money at their squad in recent years and it's just not worked at all.

Here's TWO players that must go, and TWO ideal signings for Derby...

 

Axe: Cyrus Christie

Cyrus Christie joined Derby in 2014 from Coventry but has been inconsistent during his time at Pride Park.

The Republic of Ireland international was impressive at first before dipping in form, and last season he improved as he picked up the club's Young Player of the Year Award.

This season however, Christie has been poor. His service into the box wasn't to the standard Rams fans had seen from him previously, and he struggled defensively too.

Fellow right back Chris Baird in contrast had a good season in a Derby shirt, which pushed the 24-year-old to the subs bench, and after a poor season overall, most Derby fans wouldn't mind Christie moving on.

 

Axe: Nick Blackman

Nick Blackman's game time has been restricted ever since he first joined Derby from Reading in January 2016.

The winger has made just seven league starts for Derby, scoring just once and his performances haven't been great.

Blackman's 2016/17 season was hampered by injury but when he was fit he didn't play very well and played just 11 minutes of football under Gary Rowett.

The 27-year-old is surplus to requirements at Pride Park and a move away this summer could be beneficial to Blackman.

 

Sign: Andre Wisdom

Andre Wisdom is no stranger to Derby County, having had a successful loan spell with them in 2013/14 when he helped the Rams reach the play-off final.

Wisdom's consistent performances in which he brought energy, power and pace to the Derby XI is something they have failed to replace since the 24 year old's loan expired.

Andre Wisdom has been linked with a summer move to Derby and would be an improvement on Cyrus Christie, so a return for the right back would be much welcome.

 

Sign: George Boyd

George Boyd's contract is up this summer and has been linked with Derby on a free transfer.

Boyd has bags of Championship experience and has gained promotion from the second tier twice, with both Burnley and Hull City.

The 31-year-old is a talented midfielder and made 36 Premier League appearances in 2016/17, helping the Clarets to top flight survival, contributing 2 goals.

Boyd would be a good signing for the Rams and he wouldn't cost a penny so he'd be an ideal signing as Gary Rowett looks to build a team capable of pushing for promotion next season.

Derby fans... What's your opinion on who should be sold or bought? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!