It's been another extremely disappointing season for Derby County this year, who will have to wait until they can partake in another battle for promotion next year...

They've failed to mount any real challenge for promotion this year, which at least differs from previous seasons in which they've looked like real promotion candidates and tailed off after some dire end of season form.

Next season, however, shows more promise than previous years, as they have Gary Rowett at the helm, who's proven himself as a fantastic motivator and has a record of getting it right, whether it be in the transfer window, promoting young players or just simply winning games.

He faces a massive task over the summer as it becomes more and more evident that Derby need an enormous clear out, with a lot of players in the first team who could easily be labelled as deadwood.

The upside is that Derby do have substantial financial backing, so here are two players who they should be looking at bringing in this summer.

Tom Barkhuizen

One of Derby's issues in their recruitment policy over the last few years is signing players on their way down rather than on their way up.

Examples of this would include Matej Vydra, Ikechi Anya and David Nugent, who have all joined from Premier League teams who don't think they're good enough.

Derby should scrap this policy, and turn to players who are up and coming, like Tom Barkhuizen.

Barkhuizen's form during the second half of this season is reminiscent of Scott Hogan's at the end of last year, and we all know how well he's done this year.

Derby should pounce on this man's talent before clubs realise how good he is.

Marc Roberts

In a similar vein to my last pick, Roberts is a strong, up and coming centre back who is playing the best football of his career so far - rather than on his way down.

He was reportedly close to sealing a move to Burnley in January, but no move materialised.

The Barnsley skipper is definitely affordable for Derby.

The 26-year-old has been one the division's leading defenders this season, and with Alex Pearce, Jason Shackell and Richard Keogh looking shaky at times this season, he'd be a fine signing.

 

Derby fans... What do you make of this opinion piece? Should you sign these players? Who do you want this summer? Let us know in the comments below.