Derby County's players and staff returned to Moor Farm Training Ground last week to begin preparations for the upcoming 2023/24 Sky Bet League One season.
As part of those preparations, the Rams will take on five different opponents in pre-season friendlies over the coming weeks in order to rid of that ring rust and be ready for the 2023/24 season opener against Wigan Athletic at Pride Park Staium on Saturday 5th August.
Here, dcfc.co.uk have taken a look at what's to come over the course of July.
Matlock Town Vs Derby County
Saturday 8th July
Kick-Off: 3pm
Causeway Lane
Derby's first test of the 2023/24 pre-season schedule is a short trip to local Northern Premier League side Matlock Town.
Their home, Causeway Lane, is one of the most scenic in football and can be found right in the heart of Matlock town centre.
The Gladiators had a strong campaign last time out, finishing fifth and cementing a place in the play-offs under former Aston Villa, Stoke City and Peterborough United striker Martin Carruthers.
Unfortunately for Matlock they did lose out to eventual winners Warrington Town but their impressive season will give them belief that they can go one better in 2023/24.
Please be advised that tickets for this match are SOLD OUT.
Salford City Vs Derby County
Saturday 15th July
Kick-Off: 11am (UK TIME)
Pinatar Arena, Spain
Just like in 2021, Derby will take on Salford City as part of their pre-season preparations, though this time the setting will be slightly different.
The Rams squad will travel to Spain following the friendly with Matlock for a week long pre-season training camp and to round that week off will be a clash against the Sky Bet League Two outfit.
Managed by Neil Wood, Salford are preparing for their fifth season in the EFL after a rapid rise through the non-league scene.
The Ammies finished seventh in 2022/23 and cemented a place in the Play-Offs but lost out in the Semi-Finals after a penalty shoot-out defeat to Stockport County.
Looking to go one better in 2023/24, they will no doubt provide a very tough challenge for the Rams in the heat of the Spanish sunshine.
The stadium hosting the game has a 3,000 capacity and supporters wishing to attend can buy them online from the Pinatar Arena's website.
Chesterfield Vs Derby County
Wednesday 19th July
Kick-Off: 7pm
SMH Group Stadium
The final road trip of pre-season takes the Rams to North Derbyshire to face National League outfit Chesterfield.
Managed by the vastly experienced Paul Cook, the Spireites missed out on a return to the EFL in heart-breaking fashion as they lost to Notts County on penalties at Wembley Stadium back in May following a 2-2 draw after 120 minutes.
Chesterfield now head into their sixth year in the National League following their relegation out of the EFL in 2017/18 but the recent signings of former Ram Tom Naylor and experienced Northern Ireland international striker Will Grigg will have them believing that next year could see them return to the EFL.
Tickets are available from Chesterfield through their official website ONLY and tickets can be sent as mobile tickets or print at home. Purchases can be made directly by clicking here.
Derby County Vs Stoke City
Saturday 22nd July
Kick-Off: 3pm
Pride Park Stadium
Derby's first home fixture of the pre-season calendar is a special one as it will serve as Craig Forsyth's Testimonial.
The Scottish defender marked his tenth year with the Rams last season and surpassed 300 appearances in the black and white in the process.
Whilst the friendly against Stoke will be played in a full competitive manner, it will be an occasion to celebrate Forsyth's long and brilliant association with the club.
The match against the Championship outfit will also provide a step up in class an intensity for the Rams as the season begins to edge closer.
Tickets for the game are on sale now and can be purchased here.
Derby County Vs Sheffield United
Saturday 29th July
Kick-Off: 3pm
Pride Park Stadium
With just one week before the real stuff gets underway, the Rams will entertain Premier League side Sheffield United at Pride Park Stadium.
The Blades had an incredibly successful season in 2022/23, achieving automatic promotion to the Premier League after just two seasons back in the Championship.
Former Rams defenders Jayden Bogle and Max Lowe could feature for the Blades whilst striker Will Osula, who spent the first-half of the 2022/23 season on loan at Pride Park, could also get some minutes for the visitors on his return to Derbyshire.
The game will provide the perfect test for Paul Warne's new look side ahead of the campaign getting underway just seven days later.
Tickets for the game are on sale now and can be purchased here.