‘I can see why’ - Kevin Phillips backs John Eustace over tough Derby County exit

Elder was one of four players to leave the club with Ben Osborn, Andi Weimann and Jake Rooney also not being offered new contracts after revealing their retained list last Friday.

Derry Murkin's arrival in January put Elder's position in jeopardy but the Australian leaves with a promotion under his belt having helped the club finish second in League One in the 2023/24 season.

Former Derby coach Phillips worked with Elder at Leicester City where the left-back started his career which, after a series of loan spells, led him to Hull City and then Derby.

And the ex-Sunderland striker feels that from the club's perspective, it was the right call.

"I know Callum and he’s a fantastic lad," Phillips told BestBettingSites.

"I had him at Leicester when I was a coach and watched his career develop, and he’s a very good player, but he suffered with a couple of injuries late on, towards the back end of the season.

"He’s 31 years of age so I can kind of almost get where the football club are coming from.

"From a sentimental point of view, it’s a tough one for the player.

"I can see why the fans have a mixed reaction, but from the football club, from a football decision, probably, it’s the right decision."

Elder was first-choice at the beginning of the season, but missed the back end of the campaign due to a fractured toe and then underwent minor knee surgery.

Derby fans were unable to give him a proper send-off but in a message to supporters about his exit he said: “It’s been a privilege and honour to represent this football club for the last three years.

“To achieve another promotion and help the club progress over the last 12 months has been a special part of my career.

“Pride Park is an incredible place to play football and I’m truly grateful I got the opportunity to experience that.

“Thank you for your amazing support and I wish you all nothing but success in the future.”

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