Steve McClaren has rejuvenated Derby of late, guiding them to six consecutive Championship wins, which have propelled them from 19th to 5th.
The former England boss has arguably been their most successful in recent years and his reappointment was met with glee by Rams' fans.
The man he replaced, Nigel Pearson, never kick-started his Derby career and after they were teetering very close to the drop zone, he was axed.
This was also amid a controversial bust-up with the powers that be.
The Rams have come so close in recent years and they have struggled to seal the final step to promotion, falling in the play-offs in two of the last three seasons.
McClaren is working largely with Pearson’s squad, so January will be crucial for him to put his own stamp on the squad and hopefully see Derby over the line.
Here, I will look at 2 transfers who McClaren cannot miss out on in January…
Jordan Rhodes
Rhodes has slipped down the pecking order at The Riverside with Alvaro Negredo taking over the starting striker role.
Rhodes started on Sunday but failed to make an impact and this could mark the end of his Middlesbrough career.
Rhodes has been one of the most clinical strikers in recent years, regularly scoring roughly 20 goals in Championship seasons.
Darren Bent and Matej Vydra are Derby’s two main attacking options, neither of whom are as prolific as Rhodes.
Adrian Mariappa
Mariappa has spent a large part of his career at Vicarage Road but his time now may be coming to an end, with first team opportunities looking to be limited.
As Watford have established themselves as a Premier League side, their squad is now very strong and there may now not be a space for Mariappa.
Derby ideally need a new right back after Cyrus Christie suffered a long-term injury.
Mariappa would add some defensive solidity and his experience could be key in Derby’s run in.
Derby fans - would you take Rhodes or Mariappa? Who would you like to see? Let us know in the comments below...