Derby County have had a very successful season so far with Gary Rowett’s men currently occupying the second automatic promotion place in the Championship.

However, there is still around a third of the season to go and the January window was seen as a crucial stage of the campaign, allowing clubs to boost their squads for the run-in.

Whilst some of the Rams rivals enjoyed a positive January, it’s fair to say it was mixed for Derby.

Striker Cameron Jerome joined from Norwich City and Kasey Palmer was a very late arrival on deadline day on loan from Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Chris Martin, Johnny Russell and Darren Bent were the more high-profile departures from Pride Park.

Despite the two signings, there’s a general feeling among Rams supporters that more could have been done and it has been revealed that Rowett failed in late moves for the likes of Ademola Lookman and James McClean.

Here we look at two mistakes Derby made in the window.

Selling Johnny Russell

It was a surprise to many that the Scottish winger turned down a new contract with the Rams to move to America and play for Sporting Kansas City.

With his contract up in the summer and Russell revealing he wouldn’t be signing a new one, Derby thought it best to sell and are believed to have received around £250k for the wide man.

Is that really worth it?

Russell does have his weaknesses but he also has real pace, can beat players and always gave his all when playing for the team. More importantly, he was wanted by Rowett who used him 23 times this season in the league.

Given the position Derby are in and the fact the MLS season doesn’t start until March keeping Russell for the remainder of the season made sense.

Derby’s squad is weaker now and for a nothing fee when you consider what promotion is worth.

Lack of width

Following on from that, the failure to replace Russell is also a mistake from Derby.

Sure, Kasey Palmer has arrived and is an extremely talented player but he will naturally come into the centre of the pitch as that’s where he plays.

With Tom Lawrence and Andi Weimann two players who also aren’t the typical wingers who could beat the full-backs it could make Rowett’s side predictable and easy to defend.

You have to have sympathy that a move for Lookman didn’t go through but that’s the risk in the January window.

Ikechi Anya came from nowhere to feature at Millwall last time out and could be needed for the final part of the season.

Thoughts, Derby fans? Let us know in the comments below.