Breaking News: PRE-SEASON: Derby County Set to Kick Off 2025/26 Campaign With Opener at Matlock Town
Derby County is preparing to launch their 2025/26 pre-season with an away fixture against non-league side Matlock Town, marking the beginning of their summer schedule as they build toward the upcoming campaign. The Rams will travel to Causeway Lane, the home of Matlock Town, in what is expected to be a lively and well-attended opener that provides valuable minutes for both first-team regulars and emerging talents.
The match, scheduled for early July, will be Derby’s first opportunity to get back on the pitch following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season. It’s a tradition for the Rams to start pre-season locally, giving supporters a chance to see their team in action in a more intimate setting before heading into more competitive and high-profile friendlies later in the summer.
This fixture also offers manager Paul Warne an early chance to assess the fitness levels of his squad, integrate new signings, and provide crucial minutes to academy graduates aiming to make their mark. Pre-season is not just about results—it’s a time for experimentation, chemistry-building, and tactical fine-tuning. The visit to Matlock will help set the tone for the summer ahead.
For Matlock Town, welcoming Derby County is a significant event, both financially and from a community perspective. Matches like these draw in large crowds and media attention, creating a festive atmosphere for local fans and offering their players the unique experience of competing against a professional side. It’s a win-win for both clubs and an example of the strong relationships between league and non-league football in England.
Derby’s pre-season schedule is expected to include a mix of local outings and challenging matches against higher-tier opposition, both domestic and possibly abroad. The club is reportedly in talks to arrange training camps and overseas friendlies, though no official details have been released yet. These fixtures will play a critical role in shaping Derby’s readiness for the Championship—or potentially the Premier League—depending on their final placement at the end of the prior season.
Fans will also be keeping a close eye on new player arrivals during these games. With the transfer window open throughout the summer, there could be fresh faces lining up in Derby shirts as early as the Matlock Town clash. Whether it’s experienced signings or promising youth players breaking through, this first pre-season outing will offer plenty of intrigue.
Ultimately, while it may not carry the weight of a league fixture, Derby’s opener against Matlock Town is more than just a warm-up. It signals the start of a new journey, reignites fan excitement, and allows the club to lay the foundation for what they hope will be a successful 2025/26 season. As the Rams return to action, all eyes will be on how they begin to shape their squad, their tactics, and their ambitions—starting with that first whistle at Causeway Lane.
