3/1 To Win
When you think of Derby County’s ‘unsung heroes’ in recent history, who do you think of?
Quite often, it is the match-winners that take a lot of the credit – naturally in victory – but take a moment to think about those players whose job is, effectively, to ensure their attack and flair minded colleagues excel.
John Eustace was that player for the Rams.
A no-nonsense holding midfielder, he was a master of the arts when it came to the so-called ‘ugly’ side of the game
Being the extra coat of armour to the defence is a role that needs unwavering discipline and concentration; it involves putting your legs and head in places where it hurts, interceptions, vital blocks, organising and constant talking – all important qualities when the chips are down, backs are against the wall, and you need to keep the opponent at bay.
These players are vital cogs, but yet, they are so undervalued and are very rarely discussed when things are going so well.
Eustace never minded that, though.
Originally, he joined the club on a loan deal from Watford towards the end of the 2008/09 campaign.
He returned on a permanent basis in 2013 and was instrumental for the two years that followed – the first of which saw him help Derby reach the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final.
Craig Bryson, who scored 16 goals and was Player of the Year for his exploits during that campaign, has described Eustace as one of the best players that he has ever played with in his career, for the simple reason that his performances in the holding midfield role allowed him to excel.
Playing the role of the unsung hero did always suit Eustace, though.
“The 2013/14 season was fantastic. The football we played was breath-taking at times and to do that in the Championship, which is such a tough league, was fantastic,” he told RamsTV.
“Certainly, it was one of the most enjoyable seasons that I had. Unfortunately, getting suspended at Reading meant I missed the last 10 games – luckily for George Thorne!
“He took his chance, but that aside it was a brilliant season.
“Steve (McClaren) came in, changed the formation – albeit to one that really suited me – and I enjoyed working with (Craig) Bryson, Hughesy (Will Hughes) and Jeff Hendrick.
“I would like to think that I got the best out of them and, in turn, they enjoyed playing alongside me.
“I had very good players around me. I knew my job, kept it simple, kept everything organised and just let the better technical players play.
“I think in that role you have to accept that you’re a bit of an unsung hero at times and let everyone else get the praise.”
If there was ever someone you wanted by your side when you were going into a battle on the pitch, Eustace was the go-to man.
His last-ever game proved to be just that.
In January 2015, the Rams headed to Portman Road to take on Mick McCarthy’s Ipswich Town, who themselves were well in the thick of the promotion race.
Anyone who travelled to Suffolk will remember what type of game it was.
Under the cosh, Derby had to battle and scrap for their lives. It wasn’t pretty, but it was effective, and the Rams left with a 1-0 win thanks to Chris Martin’s second half finish.
In that scenario, Eustace was simply unplayable. A late red card ensured he would not finish the game, but he had already battled through the pain barrier during the second half – more than playing his part in getting Derby over the line.
Not for one second did he think what he thought was a ‘little problem’ would be the end of his playing career.
Eustace recalled: “I remember it (the Ipswich game) like it was yesterday!
“It was my final game and the lads put in a fantastic performance on the day. I got sent off with a couple of minutes left to go and I remember the game being a proper battle.
“Unfortunately, I suffered a knee injury half way through the second half and I haven’t played since. It’s a game I will never forget.
“I never thought it would be (career ending). We had just gone to the top of the league and after coming off I mentioned that I had a little problem with my knee so let’s get it sorted.
“I wanted to help the boys get promoted. There was such a great spirit at the time and the last thing that came into my mind was that I would have to retire. That was really disappointing.
“I had two operations whilst I was at Derby in that final season and at the end, I was told that I would be leaving, which was absolutely fine, I get it.
“The surgeon had said that there was a good chance I wouldn’t play again, but me being me I was determined to try and prove him wrong.
“The chance to go to Glasgow Rangers came up shortly after that. They wanted to sign me, the contract was there and I just had to go up there and prove my fitness.
“I couldn’t turn that opportunity down, it’s an unbelievable club. I tried my best for four or five weeks and the it turned out that the surgeon was right.
“My knee had packed in. Three surgeries later and I am still struggling with it, but it’s starting to get better now.”
His playing days may be behind him, but Eustace has turned his hand to management just as effectively.
His first year at Kidderminster Harriers proved to be hugely successful as he transformed the Reds from a side bruised by relegation to one on the cusp of promotion – only to be denied by Chorley in the play-off semi-finals.
This evening, he will be in the Kidderminster dugout when Derby travel to the Aggborough Stadium to kick start their pre-season games schedule ahead of the 2017/18 campaign.
It will be a special night for Eustace for sure. The 37-year-old only has fond memories of his time at Pride Park Stadium and he is hoping it isn’t too long before the club return to the top flight.
“The two years I had at Derby were fantastic and I loved every minute of it,” he said.
“The way it ended was a shame, but I wouldn’t change anything else from my time there.
“I was really grateful to the fans for the way they supported me – it’s an unbelievable club and hopefully it can get into the Premier League soon.”
What You May Have Missed...
Watch Derby's Friendly At Kidderminster On RamsTV
Kidderminster Harriers Ticket Information
I Loved Every Minute Of My Time At Derby
I Was Heartbroken When I Had To Retire, But Management Is The Second Best Thing
Kidderminster Harriers In Focus
