Derby County struggled throughout the 1990 – 1991 season in the first division and suffered a rock bottom finish at the end of the campaign s they finished it off in 20th position. They met Sheffield Wednesday in the fourth round of the league cup and suffered defeat against the eventual winners of the competition.
The 1991 – 1992 season saw Derby reach the fourth round of the FA Cup and they played out a classic encounter against Aston Villa as the rams were onto eh receiving end of a 4-3 result in what proved to be a cracking match. Derby were unfortunate not to gain promotion into the premiership as they finished the season off in third position to no reward.
The 1992 – 1993 campaign was a frustrating one for the rams as they could only manage an eight position finish as now they had been established a s a die in the second tier of English football. They also enjoyed a fine run in the FA cup, reaching the quarter finals of the competition, suffering defeat against Sheffield Wednesday in the last eight of the competition. Marco Gabbiadini was prolific in front of goal for the rams during this time period; however they could not gain promotion back into o the premised land. The 1993 – 1994 season saw the club finish off in sixth position.