Plans for a pre-season tour in the USA have been shelved this time around because of logistical problems.

Supporters attending a recent Pride Park fans' forum were told it was hoped the squad would visit Chairman Andy Appleby's home area of Detroit this summer, but the club is now looking closer to home - Holland.

"We wanted to go to America for obvious reasons," Paul Jewell told dcfc.co.uk, "but logistically it wasn't going to work because of time differences and the most important thing is preparation for the new season so we have decided to stay in Europe."

The Rams toured the United States in the summer of 1999 when Jim Smith's side played MLS side Chicago Fire at Soldier Field and the USA national team at the Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado.

However, Smith and his coaching team were not entirely happy with training facilities on the Chicago leg of the trip.

"We're going to Holland which is a place I've been to on numerous occasions," said the Derby manager.

"It's only an hour's flight and the climate will probably be the same.

"It's a pity for the American owners, but the important thing in pre-season is the preparation of the players and for different reasons we couldn't get to where we wanted to get this time, but maybe next year we will get there."

The tour dates have yet to be confirmed but the trip is likely to take place in early July and will include training days and a low-key friendly in Belgium.

The announcement of the Holland trip coincides with confirmation that Derby County are in early talks with Dutch top flight set-up FC Utrecht about a link-up between the two clubs.

Manager Jewell has confirmed that the head of his scouting network Bill Green has visited Utrecht, adding: "Bill has been looking at coaching styles and how they run their youth set-up and we're talking about having a relationship where maybe we can loan them some of our younger players - a bit like Man United's link with Antwerp.

"Talks are in their infancy right now but we are keen to forge links with clubs right across Europe and beyond, obviously with the American connection."

Meanwhile, the Rams have so far confirmed four pre-season first team friendly games - all away from home. They are:

July 16: Burton Albion (A)
July 19: Rotherham United (A)
July 23: Oldham Athletic (A)
July 26: Lincoln City (A)

A Derby County XI will also play at Matlock Town on July 30 as a fund-raiser for the Gladiators' new stand appeal.

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