“Stick Together”: Eustace’s Rallying Cry Ahead of Tough QPR Test
John Eustace has issued a clear message to his Derby County squad: unity above all ahead of what he expects to be a “very difficult” home clash with Queens Park Rangers. With the Rams navigating a challenging spell, the manager pinpointed togetherness as the foundation for any turnaround.
Since his arrival, Eustace has placed heavy emphasis on cohesion — both on and off the pitch. He revealed that recent team-meals and increased training intensity are not just cosmetic changes, but deliberate moves to build a “Derby family” philosophy. (insidefutbol.com) He told his players: “Whatever happens through thick and thin we have to stick together.” (upchelsea)
Ahead of the QPR showdown at Pride Park Stadium, Eustace acknowledged the calibre of the opposition. “They’re a really good team who have recruited very well. They are well-coached. It’s going to be a difficult game,” he said. (dcfc.co.uk) He knows that the intense Championship schedule leaves little margin for error — momentum can swing quickly and every fixture matters.
Yet, rather than focus purely on tactical tweaks, Eustace has turned his attention to mindset. He reinforced that the season is a collective endeavour involving not only players, but back-room staff and supporters. “It’s not just about the players. We’ve spoken about the staff playing a big part in helping us through it as well,” he pointed out. (upchelsea) He invited the fans into the fold too: “On Saturday, we will stick together through thick and thin … and we can keep building.” (dcfc.co.uk)
The timing of this call is significant. Derby have endured ups and downs and are still in the process of stabilising. The new-look group under Eustace have shown glimpses of improvement — players like Marcus Harness have spoken of better clarity in roles and a real sense of unity emerging. (insidefutbol.com) But the challenge remains tangible and immediate.
In light of that, Eustace’s message can be seen as a psychological anchor. He recognised that the Championship is relentless: “You can easily go two or three games without a win and two or three winning… we just keep level-headed, we keep working hard and see where it takes us.” (dcfc.co.uk) With QPR looming, this fixture isn’t just another match — it represents an opportunity to reinforce identity and build confidence.
For the fans, this is a moment to buy into the ethos. Eustace’s invitation is clear: backing the team, embracing the journey, and staying committed even when results are precarious. As he said earlier, the vision is long-term: “The one vision for this football club is to be back in the Premier League one day … The way we do that is by being together and sticking through the good times and the bad times.” (EFL Analysis)
As Derby prepare to face QPR, the emphasis is unmistakable — fight, unity and togetherness. The manager believes that if his squad hang together, the rest will follow. “Everyone has to be on board and everybody has to be heading in the right direction.” (upchelsea) For Derby fans, this is more than rhetoric — it’s a call to arms.
