Derby County's new manager Gary Rowett has a very tough task ahead of the season's closure in terms of contemplating this squad, and we may very well see a major clear out at Pride Park in the upcoming summer.

For years now, the Rams have succeeded in disappointing the supporters with bottling a play-off ambition mid-way through and that has continued this year, although it was the clear opposite.

In the first month or two Derby endured a horrible start to the campaign, but under the guidance of Steve McClaren it seemed a promotion push could have been on the push apart from the fact that they can't score.

The formation has been chopped and changed numerous times but the stereotypical one for this team is the 4-3-3, and the squad Rowett has inherited has far too many forwards - my guess is the ex-Birmingham City and Burton Albion man will be tackling this before the 2017/18 campaign.

Here are THREE stars Gary Rowett needs to make a decision as to whether keep or axe at Derby County.....

 

Nick Blackman

Nick Blackman arrived at Pride Park in January 2016 from Reading, but it is fair to say the 27 year-old attacker has failed in fulfilling expectation of him at Derby County having previously impressed at the Royals.

The Salford-born player is tied down to a deal until 2019 at the Rams but that doesn't mean he shouldn't be axed this summer.

He has played in just eight Championship matches this season, which clearly doesn't justify the amount the club paid for him.

Blackman also does not strike me as the sort of striker Gary Rowett would consistently play, and, as a result, he may need to be axed to make room for someone who can meet the manager's objectives.

 

Abdoul Camara

Similar to Nick Blackman, Abdoul Camara's chances in Derbyshire have been few and far between.

The attack-minded player has often played on the wing under previous bosses, but it is unclear as to whether Gary Rowett will also utilise him in a similar way.

The Guinea international was another arrival in January of last year and hasn't quite met the price tag of which Derby County paid for his services.

The new manager may be able to get the best out of Camara in the next few months before the campaign comes to an end, and if he can impress then there is no doubt he'll have a future at Pride Park, but the 27 year-old is definitely a player's future who will be considered.

Matěj Vydra

Vydra is very much a favourite at Derby, especially having cost exactly £8 million; a whopping amount of money for any club in the Championship.

The 24 year-old forward arrived from Watford last summer, but his four goals just sums up the squad's incapability to hit the net for the majority of this season, perhaps it's the service which needs improving.

The Czech Republic international has to be kept because of his potential and the fact that there is a reason why so much was spent on him.

Rowett will have the final say but it is one that needs to be pondered because the new manager will want a striker who can guarantee goals.

Derby County supporters, do you agree? Are there too many attackers at the club? Does Gary Rowett's arrival mean a massive overhaul this summer? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!