“My head’s on the door”: Eustace takes responsibility as Stoke edge it at Pride Park
Sunday 18 October 2026 · By Kevin Moss
Derby County were much better on Saturday, but the result was the same. A 1–0 home defeat to Stoke left the Rams still without a home league win this season and with just one win from 11 games overall. Luke Graham headed the only goal from an Ethan Galbraith free-kick four minutes into the second half. Derby are 23rd on six points, two behind Burnley and two ahead of bottom club Preston.
The performance was a big improvement on Tuesday’s 4–1 defeat at QPR. Derby competed, pressed and pushed hard late on. David Ozoh almost equalised in the 89th minute, but Stoke goalkeeper Viktor Johansson made a fine save.
John Eustace felt the decisive free-kick should never have been given. He said Ryan Hedges had been fouled in the build-up, according to Derbyshire Live. But he did not use that as an excuse. Eustace said he was “frustrated and angry”, and he was clear about where the buck stops. “My head’s on the door,” he said. “It’s my responsibility.”
He also pointed to the problems he has faced since the summer. “We obviously recruited very late, didn’t we? The injuries haven’t helped,” he told Derbyshire Live. Eustace said six or seven starters were missing. Even Stoke boss Mark Robins mentioned a key injury to Patrick Agyemang, and suggested Lewis Travis had been playing through an ankle problem.
There has been no update on Sondre Langås, who suffered a groin injury against QPR on Tuesday. Eustace said after that game that the defender was “in a bad way” and needed a scan, but no timescale for his return has been confirmed.
The crowd was around 30,000, according to Eustace, and the supporters stayed behind the team. That backing will be important. Derby finished eighth last season, so the slide to the bottom three has been a shock, and the late recruitment and injury list have clearly played a big part.
Eustace remains in charge, and no change has been reported. He will need results soon, though. The positive is that the team showed fight on Saturday, and the gap to safety is only three points, with Norwich in 21st on nine.
Next up is a trip to Sheffield United on Saturday 24 October (12:30 BST). Chris Wilder’s side won 1–0 at Bristol City on Saturday and are in decent form, so Bramall Lane will be a tough place to go. Derby then travel to Millwall on Saturday 31 October (15:00 GMT).
Two difficult away games lie ahead, but if Derby can bring the energy they showed against Stoke, they can pick up points. Eustace knows a first home win cannot come soon enough, but before then the Rams need to start finding results on the road.
Pride Park Stadium has been home to Derby County since 1997. It sits on Pride Parkway, Derby, DE24 8XL, a short walk from Derby railway station and just off the A52 (Brian Clough Way). Capacity is 33,597, all seated. For visiting supporters it is one of the easier Championship grounds: compact, well signposted, and close to the city.
The bowl is continuous but still named as four stands. The West Stand is the two-tier main stand. It holds the tunnel, dressing rooms, dugouts and hospitality. Opposite is the East Stand, a long single-tier side. The North Stand is behind one goal and is the quieter family end. The South Stand is behind the other goal and is where Derby’s louder support gathers. Away fans sit in the South-East corner, between the East and South Stands. A typical league allocation is about 2,700; cup ties can take more.
Views are generally excellent. There are few pillars. Upper-tier seats along the West or East give the fullest picture of the pitch. Lower-tier seats put you closer to the play. The away corner still has a decent sightline of both goals. Legroom and concourse space are better than many older grounds.
Train is the simplest option. Derby station is roughly 10–15 minutes on foot. Leave the station, follow Pride Park Way, and you will pick up match-day pedestrian flows toward the ground. Local buses also stop close to the stadium on match days. If you drive, book official parking early. Derby Arena and other nearby official sites are used when available. Away parking is often directed toward the Derby Conference Centre on London Road, then a 10–15 minute walk. Resident parking zones operate around the ground; street parking can mean a fine. Accessible parking for visiting Blue Badge holders is usually in the South-East area, close to the away turnstiles, and should be booked through the club.
Turnstiles for away supporters are in that South-East corner. They normally open about 90 minutes before kick-off. Pride Park is cashless, so cards or contactless only for food, drink and any on-site purchases. Concourse kiosks sell hot food, snacks, soft drinks and alcohol. Stewarding around the away section is usually straightforward. Follow the stand and stair printed on your ticket.
For a pint before the game, many visiting fans head toward the station rather than the immediate stadium perimeter. The Brunswick Inn and The Alexandra Hotel, a short walk if you turn right from the station, are long-standing real-ale stops and generally used to mixed crowds. The Navigation Inn sits nearer typical away parking. Admission at pubs closest to the ground can vary with the fixture, so have a backup. After the match, expect a short hold leaving the car parks while pedestrians clear Derwent Parade and Royal Way.
Inside, facilities in the away section include toilets and refreshment points. Accessible seating and companion tickets can be arranged in advance; wheelchair spaces for visitors are concentrated around the South-East corner. Stewards and supporter liaison staff can point you to the right gate if you need step-free access.
Pride Park is a modern, enclosed ground with a proper match-day noise when the South Stand is in voice. Arrive early, use official travel and parking, keep cash off your list, and you should have a clean, simple away day in Derby.