Derby County missed out on promotion narrowly once again last season, with fans consistently frustrated by their inability to show consistency in the run in.

With Darren Wassall no longer manager, fans are optimistic about the future with talented coach Nigel Pearson in charge with Chris Powell his assistant.

Chairman Mel Morris strongly invested in the squad at the start of the season backing manager Paul Clement with a sizeable amount of money.

Jacob Butterfield, Tom Ince, Bradley Johnson, Jason Shackell, Nick Blackman and Marcus Olsson all brought in over the course of the season and Derby were top of the league by Christmas.

But the goals of Chris Martin dried up and injuries to key players hurt their challenge and it slowly faded.

When Clement was sacked in January. Darren Wassall led them to the play-offs, but they were well beaten by Hull in the semi-finals.

Mel Morris is likely to back Nigel Pearson well too and he must bring in the right players if they are to finally make the Premier League dream a reality.

Here are the THREE Derby players that will dictate the club's 2016/17 season....

 

Will Hughes

Will Hughesmnf

One of the most talented youngsters in the country, he is a key player for Derby who was sorely missed after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligaments at the start of last season.

When he returned in April he became a first team regular, forming a dangerous midfield three alongside Hendrick and Bryson who will also be key next season.

Linked to big Premier League clubs and an England U21 regular, he is one of the best players in the Championship and he will be huge for Derby if they can keep him fit, as he possesses a lot of flair and pace.

Richard Keogh

Richard Keogh

The Republic of Ireland international is Derby's most important defender and captain and formed a good partnership with Jason Shackell last season.

One of the big problems Derby have had over recent seasons is finding a consistent partner to play alongside Keogh, but they managed it with Shackell and despite a few mistakes from Keogh, he still had a solid season.

He won their Player of the Season award and is a fan favourite.

Keogh is also a regular in the PFA Team of the Year and highly respected by opposition players and has been a regular for Ireland in EURO 2016.

Chris Martin

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Pretty much every Derby season hinges on the form or Chris Martin and his consistency in recent seasons is unerring.

Derby have struggled to find him a good strike partner with Darren Bent failing to get off the mark this season, and January signing Nick Blackman also failing to find the target.

He scored 14 last season, down from his totals from previous seasons with some good contributions made by Ince and Russell.

Martin will be the main focal point of the Derby attack next season and Pearson will need to hope he is fit and firing.

Thoughts and opinions Derby fans? Leave thoughts and opinions below!