The 2015–16 season was Derby County's eighth consecutive season in the Championship in their 132nd year in existence.[1] Along with competing in the Championship, the club also participated in the FA Cup and League Cup. The season covers the period from 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2016.
^On 1 September 2015, Roos mutually terminated his loan spell with Rotherham United.[28]
Competitions
Pre-season friendlies
On 19 May 2015, Derby County announced Benfica would visit as part of their pre-season schedule. Also the club confirmed they would head to Netherlands for a week. Derby County will also play a number of friendlies in England.[38] On 24 May, Derby County confirmed the pre-season match against Benfica originally scheduled has been cancelled due to the Portuguese club being involved in the 2015 International Champions Cup.[39] On 16 June 2015, Derby County announced pre-season friendlies against Nuneaton Town and Alfreton Town have been cancelled and replaced by a trip to Grimsby Town.[40] On 26 June 2015, as part of pre-season preparations Derby County will host Spanish side Villarreal.[41]
On 16 December 2015, it was confirmed that Derby County would be drawn away against League Two side Hartlepool United after they won their second round replay against Salford City.[43]
As a result of Derby County finishing in fifth place in the Championship they qualified for the Football League play-offs. In the play-off semi finals Derby County will play against fourth placed team Hull City over two legs.