It just wasn’t meant to be this season for Derby County.

A poor year saw a managerial change, with former Birmingham City boss replacing the hapless Steve McClaren in the dugout by March.

Rowett was able to change the fortunes of the ailing Rams, and guided Derby to a respectable 9th placed finish.

After investing heavily last summer, finishing 13 points off of the play off places is an extremely disappointing end to the year for the club, and new boss Rowett has much to do this summer if he is to mount the promotion challenge fans so desperately crave.

It has been 9 years since Derby’s last Premier league adventure, and it was certainly one to forget.

The Rams recorded just a single top flight victory that season, and acquired the unfortunate tag of the worst team in the history of the Premier League era after registering only 11 points all year. Ouch.

Changes will be made at Pride Park this summer, and a number of players will be brought in.

Rowett has already discussed his desire and willingness to scour non-league football for his latest gem, and one man he may consider a move for has just fired his side out of the doldrums of non-league football.

Christian Doidge has been a revelation at National League Play-Off winners, Forest Green Rovers, this season.

The former Dagenham striker spent his younger years in the academies of Southampton and Bristol Rovers, before returning to his Welsh homeland to play for several clubs in the country.

Since joining Rovers last summer, it has been Doidge’s goals that have fired the club to the Football League, having amassed an incredible 27 regular season goals this year.

A further goal in Sunday’s playoff win over Tranmere Rovers capped a remarkable year for the 25-year-old striker, and his form will have turn heads further up the football pyramid.

A move to Derby County would be an excellent transaction for all parties.

Forest Green would receive a sizeable fee, and Derby would acquire a man who has proven deadly in front of goal.

Doidge would have to prove himself at the higher level, but the prospect of competing in the top half of the Championship would be be a major lure.

Rowett should look to tie up a deal for the player, and Doidge would jump at the chance to join a club where not only his Premier League dream may be achieved, but also his dream of representing his country.