r/DerbyCounty

Came across an old Kevin Campbell story about Rooney being involved around Everton’s first team at just 14.

It’s almost unthinkable compared to modern academy systems, especially with how strict safeguarding rules and structured development pathways are now.

It makes you wonder whether early exposure to senior environments like that actually helped accelerate players back then, or whether it would just be seen as too risky in today’s game.

Do you think any player at 14, could join the premier league in today's day and age and dominate, the way Rooney did for Everton?

Not saying anything’s happening, but @Turki_alalshikh following a load of Derby County accounts is definitely a bit weird.

For anyone out of the loop, he’s a massively connected Saudi sports/entertainment figure who’s been involved in huge boxing and football money.

Does this mean anything for us?

He only follows 300-ish accounts and about 11 of them are Derby County related.

Already missing Derby games so looking for transfers realistic and most definitely speculative.

Looking for some recommendations on some of people's favourite creators and podcasts in the Derby space?

Rotherham at our place, 9/5/86