January window, 2026.

[Ramshank72]

I'd say that the dross Jewell bought in the Jan window was even worse, that was supposed to be the foundations of a promotion the following year.
I know it's the Derby way, but we can't forever fear promotion because of how we fared in the one season. I'd rather go up and come back down, then linger as an also-ran forever. Nearly 20 years since our last top flight outing, is this our longest spell outside?
All academic, we won't go up, and I don't expect any miracle January purchases. Midtable will feel frustrating, but considering many feared promotion from L1 would be disaster, I think we're doing well.

[ramAnag]

I'd say that the dross Jewell bought in the Jan window was even worse, that was supposed to be the foundations of a promotion the following year.
I know it's the Derby way, but we can't forever fear promotion because of how we fared in the one season. I'd rather go up and come back down, then linger as an also-ran forever. Nearly 20 years since our last top flight outing, is this our longest spell outside?
All academic, we won't go up, and I don't expect any miracle January purchases. Midtable will feel frustrating, but considering many feared promotion from L1 would be disaster, I think we're doing well.

Personally I don’t fear promotion. I fear being unprepared for promotion. I think I’d rather stay in the Championship than have a repeat of last time when each weekend just seemed to be a matter of ‘how many are we going to lose by’ and it was one of the least enjoyable seasons I can remember.

With the right additions and a little good fortune I still wouldn’t absolutely rule out a top six finish and then it becomes a lottery.
Honestly though, whatever my heart may feel, my head says, have a decent, stress free second half of this season that acts as a springboard for proper strengthening and having a real go at promotion next time around.