Derby County become latest English club to launch B team
Written by
Ian Westbrook
June 25, 2025
Derby County have become the latest club in the English game to launch a B team.
The new side will take part in the Central League and Derbyshire Senior Cup as well as playing several elite senior friendlies, while the club’s Under-21s will continue to play in Premier League 2 and the Premier League Cup.
The plan has been supported and approved by the club’s Board of Directors, as well as men’s First Team Head Coach John Eustace.
The Rams follow the likes of Brentford, Huddersfield and Southampton in setting up a B team, although the Saints’ one has since been stopped. Brentford’s and Huddersfield’s have both been successful since launching in 2016 and 2020 respectively.
Derby’s Academy Manager Matt Hale (pictured) spent 10 years as Academy Manager at Southampton, during which time the club introduced their B team. Just before he left St Mary’s in May 2023, the side won the Premier League 2 Division 2 title. However, shortly after that, the Saints scrapped the side following the departure of Game Team Coach Dave Horseman.
Speaking about Derby’s B team, Hale said: “This innovative concept will provide a base for our high-potential Academy players to get game time alongside and against senior footballers, with a key aim of bringing the First Team methodology closer to the Academy.”
Keith Briggs will move from his role as Professional Development Phase Coach with the club’s Under-21s to become the B Team’s first Lead Coach. He will manage the team through their matches and ensure the club’s best young players “perform the key principles and skills required by the First Team”, said the club.
Rams promote Johnson into new role
Derby are making other changes to their coaching set-up.
Keith Gilroy returns to the club as Head of Academy Coaching from Burton Albion, where he held various roles in their Academy, including most recently Academy Manager. He previously worked in the Rams’ Academy from 2011 to 2019.
Former Rams defender Jake Buxton moves into the new role of Senior Transition Coach. Buxton, who had a spell as First Team Manager of Burton during 2020, worked with the First Team towards the end of last season and will now concentrate on individual player development with both First Team and Academy players.
Danny Maye has been promoted to Senior Professional Development Phase Coach, after working as Lead Under-18 Coach since arriving at the club in August 2023. He will be in charge of the club’s Under-21, Under-18 and Under-17 programmes.
Another former Derby player in midfielder Bradley Johnson, who had his first season as a full-time coach in 2024/25, has been promoted into the role of Lead Under-18 coach. He will lead the side in their season in Premier League – North, the Premier League Cup and the FA Youth Cup.
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