When fans heard about the news of Nigel Pearson being appointed at the club at the start of the season, they must have been delighted.
After just missing out on a place in the Premier League last season through defeat at the semi-final stage of the play-offs, Pearson could have been the man to push them that one step closer to a return to the top-flight.
However, that has been the complete opposite for the Rams. Known for his ‘hot-head’ attitude, Pearson became frustrated with Derby’s poor performance this season, and was suspended last month pending a club investigation into his behaviour following a heated exchange with owner Mel Morris.
At the weekend, Pearson took the decision to leave Derby County, and previously Morris had described Pearson's appointment as "perfect" - but the Rams only won one of their nine league matches during the former Leicester manager's reign.
The Rams fans must be frustrated with sides attitude on and off the pitch, and FLW Writer Ashley Williams identifies FOUR thoughts every Rams fans has had this season…
What’s happened to Chris Martin?
Chris Martin has been Derby County’s top goal scorer for the past three seasons – netting 61 goals in total.
However, the Scottish international striker looked completely uninterested during Nigel Pearson’s reign at the club and many of the supporters have wondered what has happened to their prolific striker.
Martin’s performances saw him shipped off to Fulham on loan for the rest of the season that raised a mix response from the fans.
Feeling detached and disconnected
The supporters have, of course, been very frustrated with the sides performances this season, and are ultimately turning on the board that they want their ‘Derby back’.
The fans are not happy with the running of the club and it is certainly affecting the player’s performances on the pitch.
Chris Powell needs to inject some confidence into the players, who I think will end up taking over permanently at the IPro Stadium.
Morris Out
The Derby fans went absolutely ballistic on Twitter when a tweet from BBC Radio Derby stated: ‘You won't hear from Chris Powell on Sportscene tonight. Derby County have refused to make anyone available to BBC Radio Derby for interview.’
Blaming Mel Morris for the decision, the fans were calling for him to leave the club and felt that they were alienated from what was going on at the club.
Where did it all go wrong for Pearson?
The appointment of Pearson at the start of the season was regarded as a magnificent coup for the club and the fans were hoping that he would take Derby back to the Premier League.
With his experience and ‘can-do’ attitude, many thought he would rough his way to the top.
It certainly didn’t work out for the former Leicester City manager, whose fiery nature has landed him in trouble – calling a journalist an ‘ostrich’ during his days with the Foxes that ultimately lost his job, and now falling out with Mel Morris.
The Derby fans will want some answers from the owner quickly.
Derby fans… Have these thoughts ran through your head so far this season? Let us know in your thoughts and opinions below!