In the draw, they were picked to play Premier League side Chelsea at home In early April 2013, it was confirmed by the club that ten youth team players had signed professional terms with Derby County.

[10] After completing two-year scholarships; goalkeeper Ross Etheridge, defenders Dylan Hayes, Sam Berry and Josh Lelan, midfielders Rhys Sharpe, Niall Dawkins, Andy Dales, Ayrton Wassall and attacker Adam Wixted were all given deals.

[10] First year scholar defender Jamie Hanson; who featured in matchday squads for the first team in the second half of the previous season was also offered terms.

Ahead of Derby's final League game of the previous season it was announced that veteran Welsh defender Gareth Roberts would be released in the summer after the expiration of his contract.

Frank Fielding and Adam Legzdins were made available for transfer, whilst Ross Atkins was reported to be joining fellow Derbyshire outfit Alfreton Town on loan.

[20] Contract talks were also underway with midfielder Craig Bryson, however Clough had fears that right-back John Brayford would join a Premier League club.

[31] Two long-speculated transfers were confirmed at the start of July, with goalkeeper Ross Atkins joining Alfreton Town on loan[32] and former loanee Craig Forsyth rejoins the club from Watford on a three-year contract for a reported fee of £150,000.

[38] Derby won their first pre-season game at Irish-based Bohemians 6–1 through a brace from Johnny Russell, with returning loanee Callum Ball, Ben Davies, Paul Coutts and Conor Sammon netting the other four in the second half.

[40][41] On 25 July, a £1.5 million bid from Premier League newcomers Cardiff City was accepted for right-back John Brayford, with move being completed the following day.

[45] Derby took the lead through a 43rd-minute penalty form debutant Johnny Russell after a handball from Alex Marrow, Leon Best scored a late equaliser on 89 minutes.

[46] Derby wouldn't have to wait long for their first league, as they won at Brighton & Hove Albion 2–1 in a come from behind win with a Chris Martin double, trumping a Leonardo Ulloa opener.

[50] Derby however, won consecutive away games, after beating Yeovil Town 3–0 in the first meeting between the clubs through late first half goals from Johnny Russell and Craig Bryson, with Chris Martin rounding out the scoring on 58 minutes.

Hendrick missed the game with after picking up chipped ankle bone injury in the Yeovil, with a scan revealing damage worse than expected[51] and was later ruled out for 12 weeks.

Derby's winning run on the road ended three days later after a 2–2 draw at basement side Bolton Wanderers, with Alex Baptiste and Chris Eagles first half goals being sandwiched by a Johnny Russell brace.