Championship preview: Derby County

Ben Davies
Ben Davies has climbed the league ladder to become Derby's main main in midfield. Photo: PA

Manager: Nigel Clough

Position last season: 12th

Nickname: The Rams

Ground: Pride Park

Capacity: 33,597

Players in: Michael Jacobs (Northampton, undisclosed compensation), Paul Coutts (Preston, undisclosed), Richard Keogh (Coventry, undisclosed), James O'Connor (Doncaster, undisclosed), Michael Hoganson (Newcastle, released)

Players out: Paul Green (Leeds, free), James Severn (Scunthorpe, free), Chris Maguire (Sheffield Wednesday, free), Lee Croft (Oldham, season-long loan), Miles Addison (Bournemouth, undisclosed), Jason Shackell (Burnley, undisclosed), Callum Ball (Coventry, season-long loan)

Key man: Eleven assists from midfield last year makes Ben Davies (pictured) the Rams' creative heartbeat. Having spent much of his career in the lower leagues with the likes of Shrewsbury and Notts County, the 31-year-old is at last impressing on a bigger stage.

Chances: Progression under Nigel Clough continued last season and after strengthening his defensive options this summer, the Rams boss will be looking for his side to break into the top 10.

ITV prediction: 13th