During summer the club transferred in defender
Rod Thomas and midfielder
Henry Newton. In his seventh season as manager,
Brian Clough took the Rams to the 3rd spot through Autumn, however, he left the club after a turmoil against Chairman Sam Longson. Therefore, the Club Executive Board appointed former player (1968–71)
Dave Mackay as its new manager. The Scottish ex-defender changed Derby's style of play from a solid defence with Clough to a more offensive deployment including the arrival of Midfielder
Bruce Rioch replacing McGovern and O'Hare as starters since February. After being ninth during winter, the squad recovered form and finished the league season in third place qualifying for the next
UEFA Cup. Meanwhile, the club was eliminated early by
Sunderland in the League Cup second round phase. Also, in the
FA Cup Fourth round stage the team lost against
Coventry City after one replay. ==Squad==