How Derby County's parachute jump into the Championship can be a blessing in disguise

Derby County had spent five years languishing in the Championship before Billy Davies’ remarkable play-off success last May, but a promotion that they were never ready for has brought with it millions in income and more to come through two years of parachute payments.

Derby have theoretically moved from being an average Championship side to a top Championship side in a little over a year - technically progress.

Relegated clubs with these increasing parachute payments are said to be 50% more likely to challenge for promotion. Granted, only Watford out of last year’s relegated sides have reached the play-offs this year, but Charlton and Sheffield United still have the added financial clout which allows them to invest more heavily than the likes of Burnley and Preston.

Paul Jewell says he wants Derby to be the "best Championship side ever" next season, and after a flurry of transfers in January he has begun to build a side which he would hope to take down with him.