It has been a tough few years for Derby County fans.

Although sacking of Nigel Clough in late 2013 caused a major upturn in form, three managerial appointments later and the club remain in the Sky Bet Championship for the ninth consecutive season, after two play-off failures in three seasons.

Despite this, Derby have kept many of their key players from last season and have appointed the experienced Nigel Pearson, the man who guided Leicester City to the Championship title last season.

Many Derby fans believe that this year is the finally the one that their club can return to the Premier League themselves.

Here, FootballLeagueWorld writer Ryan Smart identifies THREE reasons why Derby will win the Championship title...

1) Stability within playing staff

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Stability is not a word that has been associated with Derby County over recent years.

They spent £20million last season after the appointment of Paul Clement, who was unceremoniously sacked by chairman Mel Morris in February.

This season, however, Derby have thus far not explored the transfer market, selling fringe players such as Jake Buxton and Stephen Warnock, both to fellow Championship side Wigan Athletic without making any incoming deals.

This may prove to be a solid decision.

Derby have one of the best sides in the division and given that they spent such a large sum of money in 2015/16, giving their current squad a full season to gel could allow them the biggest opportunity to gain promotion back to the Premier League.

2) Nigel Pearson

Nigel Pearson

Pearson was said to be on the shortlist of managers at Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest before he eventually took the reins at Pride Park.

The 52-year-old has experience of the Championship. His Leicester side stormed to the Championship title in 2013/14, and he was widely credited for starting the work that eventually led to Leicester winning the Premier League under Claudio Ranieri last season.

Pearson's experience and his attempts to implement an adaptable style to Derby's game will be prove crucial in what will be a much tougher campaign, with the likes of Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Norwich City now battling for promotion.

3) Euro 2016 experience

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This summer's Euro's featured many Championship stars, not least Derby's Jeff Hendrick, Richard Keogh and Cyrus Christie, who were all named in the Republic of Ireland squad.

Although Christie was an unused substitute in all games, behind Everton's Seamus Coleman in the pecking order, all three will have likely gained masses of experience which should help them deal with pressure situations in the Championship.

Derby have had a recent habit of starting seasons well before fading after January, a habit that may well be stopped this season should the players' Euros experience be used to great effect.

The tournament also allowed Hendrick to show his full potential; whilst he has been highly rated within the Championship over the previous couple of seasons, he starred in Republic of Ireland's four games and is likely to be a key figure in any success Derby have this campaign.

Derby fans... do you agree? Is this your year? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!