Ninth in the table, and above both Leicester and Nottingham Forest after four games is surely more than all but the most ardent Rams fans could have hoped for.
By common consent the side put together by George Burley over the summer is considerably more talented than that which he was forced to field last season.
Everyone knows, however, that the squad is paper tin and it would take very little damage to the starting eleven to leave little room for manoeuver.
It is no secret that the club, along with many others, is deep in depth and stretched as far as resources are concerned.
A good run in the Cup competitions and a genuine stab at the playoff places and promotion can only seek to increase revenue both through the gates and spin offs such as replica shirts and associated merchandise.
It is always a fine balancing act but one worth the Board considering.
Whether they have the wherewithal is though a different matter altogether.