Derby County is completely focused on achieving promotion back to the Championship. The Rams need four points to confirm their return to the second tier when they face Cambridge United tomorrow afternoon.
Paul Warne is confident and relaxed about his team’s chances after putting themselves in a strong position; however, they must finish the job without drama.
Derby’s 3-0 success against Leyton Orient last time out set up this opportunity, while Bolton drew with Shrewsbury Town in midweek.
Warne hasn’t had time to consider the club’s transfer business, despite the fact that promotion to the Championship will require them to sign a “outstanding” League One striker.
Jonson Clarke-Harris, one of the most prolific League One strikers of the last decade, will be available on a free transfer this summer.
Peterborough are expecting to lose their talismanic figure, with numerous clubs vying for his signature, including recently promoted Wrexham.
If the Rams get promoted to the Championship, they will be an appealing offer for most players, and Clarke-Harris should be at the top of their list of targets.
With 52 goals in his last three seasons for the Posh, the 29-year-old striker has a remarkable 107 goals in 276 third-tier appearances and a reasonable 19 goals in 87 second-tier games.
Clarke-Harris is a devil in front of goal, combining strength, power, and explosive finishing to terrorise opposing opponents.
Indeed, the Rams would covet his prolificacy in the Championship, especially because James Collins’ future is uncertain.
Collins is Derby’s leading scorer this season, with 18 goals across all competitions. This is his greatest scoring season since Luton’s 2018/19 season, when he scored 25 goals.
Despite his great performances for the Rams, the 33-year-old’s contract expires in June, and the club must decide whether to keep him.
The Republic of Ireland striker has only 27 goals in 114 Championship matches, so if Derby win the Championship, he will be less likely to score.
However, he might establish a lethal partnership with Clarke Harris, and most fans would be delighted if he signed a new deal at Pride Park.
Although Collins leaving the club would further exacerbate the desire to lure Clarke-Harris to Derbyshire, a move that would be increasingly likely following promotion.
