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After 3 seasons without reserve team football, the Rams have announced they will be playing in the Barclays Premiership Reserve League South next season.
The re-entry into the reserves leagues is due partly on the Rams rise to the Premiership and the need for top class opposition for the Rams squad. The Rams stopped fielding a reserve side during the previous directorship, who stopped the popular games as a cost cutting exercise.
Derby County reserves will play most of their matches at Pride Park but with a hectic schedule in the Premier League some games may have to be played on Burton Albion's Pirelli Stadium. Derby County has expressed their gratitude to the Brewers for their help.
Many fans who are unable to buy season tickets will be able to view the matches and some of the Premier Leagues biggest stars, who use the reserve leagues to get, or maintain match fitness before resuming their position in the first team line-up. Other Premiership clubs also work a rotation system, were again the reserve league gives them a chance to retain sharpness etc.
Derby County and Birmingham will replace Watford, who finished second in the league last season, and Charlton Athletic. Both clubs were relegated from the Premiership last season.
Teams in the Barclay's Premiership reserve league include Arsenal, Aston Villa, Birmingham City,Chelsea, Fulham and Portsmouth and the current Champions Reading.