With just ten regular season matches left for the Rams, it isn't too early to start thinking about the Rams squad for next season and the changes we might see during the summer.
There are an unusually large number of players out of contract this summer, as well as several contracted players with questions regarding their future. And of course loan signings like Wisdom, Whitbread, Bamford and Thorne all returning to their clubs.
First, let's look at those players with first team experience who are out of contract this summer, and look likely to be leaving.
By my reckoning, those likely to be let go will be Adam Legzdins, Michael Hoganson, Lee Naylor (no Rams first team experience), James Bailey, Ben Davies and Callum Ball.
John Eustace is also out of contract, but as I wrote last week, I think there is little doubt that he will get another year. In addition, James O'Connor and Valentin Gjokaj have the option of another year on their contracts, which seems unlikely to be taken up by the club.
Kieran Freeman and Tom Naylor are under contract beyond this summer, but seem to have little future with the Rams. It would seem likely that they would spend next season out on loan if they are not permanently transferred this summer.
Personally I would also add Conor Sammon to the last two, many may disagree but with two more years on his contract and only two league starts this season, he offers little to the club going forward.
Then there is Shaun Barker, Mark O'Brien and Paul Coutts; all are under contract for another year but having played under Steve McClaren due to injury. O'Brien has at least begun appearing on the bench but it’s difficult to see how Steve McClaren might see all of them fitting in to his team, or even whether their fitness will allow them to even come close to returning.
Jamie Ward is out of contract this summer, but has an optional year built in which would seem a certainty to be activated for 2014/15.
The players who are under contract beyond this summer and without question have a role to play are Lee Grant, Craig Forsyth, Jake Buxton, Richard Keogh, Will Hughes, Jeff Hendrick, Craig Bryson, Simon Dawkins, Chris Martin, Johnny Russell and Mason Bennett. This means there are just 11 players in this category; 12 if we add Jamie Ward.
So how many players do we see coming in this summer? I could see the club using the likes of Kelle Roos or Mats Morch as substitute goalkeeper; perhaps signing someone on loan if a longer term keeper is needed.
Clearly we need defenders: a right back at least and maybe several cover players; the cover players do not necessarily need to be experienced if Steve McClaren believes that Barker and / or O'Brien are fit and ready to go in August.
We also need a holding midfielder; John Eustace and someone else to provide both cover and competition for the position.
Should Paul Coutts' return injury free, his versatility may eliminate the need for further midfield signings.
Strikers are a tough call but we certainly look at the moment as though we need help. Bamford will be gone and as mentioned earlier, I don't see Sammon playing much of a part next season.
We have plenty of ability up front, but we need a goal scorer. This is one position where I could see the club splashing some genuine cash to acquire someone with proven ability in this area.
So, we should expect to see several players leaving, decisions being made about the futures of several more, and a small number of players coming in; likely players of proven quality if they can improve on what we already have. Of course much of this speculation relies on which division we'll be playing in.
I wonder…..