What are Derby County's traditional rivalries?

Derby County's traditional rivalries include Nottingham Forest, Leicester City, and Stoke City. Derby's rivalry with Nottingham Forest is rooted in their close proximity and has been described by some as the ‘East Midlands Derby’. This rivalry has been heated since the two clubs first played in 1896 and has intensified over the years. Derby have won the most matches in the rivalry, although the two clubs have drawn more often than either has won.

The rivalry with Leicester City has been described as the ‘M69 Derby’ due to the motorway which links the two cities. The two clubs first played in 1927 and have had a competitive rivalry ever since. The rivalry has intensified since the two clubs have been playing in the same division. Derby have won more matches in this rivalry than Leicester, although the two clubs have drawn more often than either has won.

The rivalry with Stoke City is more recent but has been described as feisty and intense. The two clubs first played in the FA Cup in 1968 and have had a bitter rivalry ever since. The two clubs have been in the same division for the majority of their matches and have been evenly matched, with Derby winning more matches but drawing more often than either has won.