The 2017-18 campaign was a season of soaring ambition and significant progress for Derby County as The Rams secured a crucial 6th-place finish under manager Gary Rowett, clinching a Championship play-off spot. Leading the charge was the sensational Czech forward Matěj Vydra, whose league-high 21 goals earned him the coveted Golden Boot and the club's Player of the Year award. His prolific form was highlighted by his goal after just 24 seconds against rivals Nottingham Forest. Although the season ended in play-off heartbreak against Fulham, the contributions of the side, including the 17 clean sheets of goalkeeper Scott Carson, cemented this as a pivotal year that re-established the club as a force in the second tier.