Rob Couhig could upset Derby County fans again with Reading transfer hijack
When Derby County went into administration in September 2021, they could have so easily done so as a League One club.
The Rams survived on the final day of the 2020/21 campaign thanks to a remarkable 3-3 draw at home to Sheffield Wednesday, with Marlon Pack’s goal for Cardiff City against Rotherham United sending the Millers down alongside the Owls.
However, it was Wycombe Wanderers who finished 22nd that season, just behind Wayne Rooney’s side. The Rams were deducted 21 points just months later for entering administration and for historical financial breaches.
Derby have recovered well, and with investment on the horizon at Pride Park, the new campaign is one of hope for John Eustace. But, they now face competition from Reading as they seek out a deal for a defender, and there is one familiar face in this potential transfer hijack.
Reading look to beat Derby County to Paudie O’Connor
The Rams have been in talks with Paudie O’Connor as the centre-back prepares to leave Lincoln City, but the Royals have now entered the race.
As per James Earnshaw, Reading have been chasing a deal for the defender throughout the summer who has links to manager Noel Hunt’s brother, Stephen Hunt.
The 27-year-old has also been the subject of interest from League One clubs Barnsley and Huddersfield Town, according to Derbyshire Live, and he is one of the most highly sought-after free agents in the EFL right now.
Rob Couhig has a history with the Rams
Rob Couhig purchased Reading back in May, saving the club from the unknown after years of financial trouble. However, they are not the first EFL club that he has worked on, having previously been the owner of Wycombe.
In 2021, the American accused Derby of ‘systematic cheating’ as the Chairboys were relegated to League One while the Rams survived – they have not returned to the Championship since.
Former Derby owner Mel Morris invited both Wycombe and Middlesbrough to the High Court to settle claims with him in 2022, and it was reported by the Daily Mail that Couhig was set to meet the Rams’ administrators.
If Reading can beat the East Midlands outfit to O’Connor, then that will hand the ex-Wycombe chief a little bit of pride, as John Eustace looks to make his first signing of the summer.
These Derby County players have a point to prove to John Eustace this season, 2025/26 is make or break
This summer is vital for Derby County, and the path that the club will take in the next few years.
The Rams are still waiting for investment at Pride Park, but with a new Chief Financial Officer in DE24, work is going on behind the scenes in preparation for a huge season.
CEO Stephen Pearce outlined Derby’s transfer plans early, and the majority of the Championship outfit’s major deals will be conducted in the latter stages of the window.
However, while some Rams players may be axed by John Eustace this summer, EFL Analysis has picked out three more who have a point to prove in the East Midlands in the upcoming campaign.
Three Derby County players who have a point to prove this season
Ben Osborn
Ben Osborn’s homecoming has not exactly gone to plan so far, and the 30-year-old has struggled with injury throughout his time in black-and-white.
The midfielder left the Rams over 20 years ago as a boyhood supporter, joining bitter rivals Nottingham Forest, and he made a name for himself at the City Ground. In 2019 he earned a move to Sheffield United, getting his first taste of Premier League football before joining Derby as a free agent 12 months ago.
He made 25 appearances in the Championship last season, picking up just one assist. However, Osborn has plenty of experience and he has proven throughout his career that he has the ability to become a key component in this team. Yet, he must stay fit if he is to force his way into the starting XI.
Corey Blackett-Taylor
After joining the Rams in January 2024 from Charlton Athletic, there were high hopes about Corey Blackett-Taylor. However, he has found it tough to stay fit over the course of the last 17 months and 2025/26 is perhaps his last chance at Pride Park.
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