Stubbs will have 11 new team-mates for the new season

Derby County defender Alan Stubbs believes a good start is the key to the Rams having a successful campaign in the Championship this season.

Stubbs knows the importance of new players gelling with the current squad, especially as Derby have 11 new men on their books for the coming campaign.

"We're all focussed on having a really good start," he told BBC Radio Derby.

"If we can hit the ground running then it's going to have a massive bearing on the season."

Derby's campaign starts in eight days with the visit of Doncaster Rovers to Pride Park and Stubbs thinks a strong opening statement is especially important in the Championship.

"I think every manager wants to start off well but in this division you've seen in the past that some teams have not started well, and they've been right there at the death," he said.

"If you do start well it gives you the breathing space, if you need it, to have a hiccough here and there."