Following the departure of Frank Lampard, Derby County are set to begin another new era at the start of next season, as Phillip Cocu prepares to take charge at Pride Park as the Rams look to build on their run to the Championship play-off final last season.

As ever, a new manager means a new opportunity for current members of a club's squad to prove themselves, and potentially win their place back in the starting XI.

One such player who finds himself in that position at Derby currently is striker Chris Martin. It's an interesting situation that the 30-year-old finds himself in, and we've taken a more in depth look at it here, in our latest six point opinion piece.

Firstly, what's Martin's history at Derby like?

"Pretty varied.

"The striker initially joined on loan from Norwich City in early 2013, making 13 appearances and scoring twice.

"After joining permanently that summer, Martin enjoyed a prolific few years at Derby, scoring 60 goals in all competitions in his first three seasons at the club.

"Things however started to fall away after that, with the striker seemingly falling out of favour at Pride Park and spending a good chunk of the last three seasons away from the club with fellow Championship sides Fulham, Hull and Reading."

What was his record like during those past few years?

"Not great in all honesty.

"Across the past three seasons at Derby and on loan elsewhere, 102 appearances in all competitions and scored just 14 goals during that time.

"While the striker may be keen to earn himself a new chance at Pride Park, that doesn't really feel like the sort of record that will convince Cocu to take too much of a chance on him, especially when he is looking to push his side towards Premier League promotion."

So what next for Martin?

"It's going to be a big pre-season for the 30-year-old.

"Firstly he will have to do enough between now and Derby's opening game of the season - away at newly relegated Huddersfield Town on 5th August - to convince Cocu that he is worthy of being given a chance next season.

"From then, he will have to hope he can do enough throughout the season to earn a new contract at the club, with his current deal at Pride Park set to expire at the end of next season."

Is it possible he could leave this summer then?

"That remains to be seen.

"Given his contract is set to expire at the end of next season, Derby may be tempted to cash in on Martin this summer while they still can.

"As yet however, there appears to have been no other sides linked with a move for the 30-year-old, and given his record over the past few seasons, you do wonder how many sides at this level will be willing to take a chance on him."

Would he want to go?

"It would appear not.

"Speaking to the club's official TV channel recently, Martin admitted that he would like 'stick around a bit' at Pride Park.

"Despite that, you imagine that like most players, Martin wants to play more than anything, and at 30-years-old, he may be running out of time at the peak of his career, which he may be reluctant to spend on the bench at Derby.

"It may therefore suit him better to look for another club now, rather than become a forgotten man at Derby who clubs won't even consider taking a chance on when his contract there expires in 12 months time."

Finally, what do his chances look like at Derby for next year?

"It doesn't look too promising for him really.

"Having impressed as much as they did last season, Cocu may be tempted to stick with Derby's tried and tested method where possible as they look to build on last season's promise, and that wouldn't be good news for the previously exiled Martin.

"With Martyn Waghorn, Mason Bennett and Jack Marriott all still available to the club up front following impressive campaigns last year, it could be difficult for Martin to force his way back into the setup at Derby, meaning he could be facing a long 12 months at Pride Park."