Derby County, under the management of Gary Rowett, are hoping for a promotion push this season.

Despite promotion being the eventual target, the majority of Rams fans wouldn't be too disappointed if Derby didn't go up but still played convincing football and the players show fight and consistency, which has been lacking at Pride Park over the last couple of years.

Gary Rowett must build his own Derby squad, and slowly offload the dead weight that other managers brought in.

This will take time and whilst promotion is still most definitely the target, this season must also be about Rowett building and stamping his style of football on the team.

For the boss to do this, he must get rid of the players he doesn't want or need.

There are several players in the Derby squad that should be shown the door, as they have demonstrated that they aren't good enough to wear a Rams shirt.

Here are TWO players that could hold back Derby County next season.....

 

Nick Blackman

Derby County and Nick Blackman just never hit it off.

Blackman arrived at the club from Reading in 2016 following an great goalscoring spell with the Royals earlier in the season, but never repeated his form for the Rams.

In his time in the East Midlands, the forward has scored just one goal, and last season he suffered an injury blow that restricted him to nine league appearances.

However, even if he'd have been fit he wouldn't have played that many more games.

A move away from Derby would be the best possible option for Blackman, who needs a fresh start, although his poor form in a Derby shirt could make it difficult to find a buyer for the 27 year old.

 

Marcus Olsson

Marcus Olsson had a poor year in a Derby shirt in 2016/17, and could be shown the door this summer if a club comes in for him.

Olsson frustrated fans last season with his inability to win the ball back and close players down, allowing wingers to get past him on numerous occasions.

With the return of Craig Forsyth and Max Lowe from injury, the Swede is now third choice left back and could struggle for game time.

Furthermore, Under 23;s left back Calum MacDonald was given a first team appearance in pre-season, showing he could potentially be given a chance this season.

The 29 year old has made 51 appearances for Derby since joining from Blackburn in January 2016.

But whether he stays or goes this summer, Rams fans will certainly remember his one and only goal for the club, the winner in a victory over A52 rivals Nottingham Forest.

Derby fans... Would you like to see Blackman and Olsson leave this summer? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!