Eustace seemed like an arm around your shoulder man manager. His falling out with the hierarchy was obvious, maybe he created an us vs the big wigs mentality within the team. Then when he left and they brought in a manager who seems the complete opposite, it's likely those that had expiring contracts thought I'd rather not be managed by him, I'd rather move on, hence the eagerness to go to Derby with him.
 
	This happens at organisations all the time, team loves the manager, together they hate the hierarchy, manager leaves and many of the team are eager to go to his new job with him.
 
	The fact that they were so close to the play offs and missed out, probably helped in justifying their love for Eustace and dislike for those above him.
 
	It's possible Eustace is stubborn and wants everything his way and that Birmingham saw that and sacked him. It may explain why he was prematurely sacked. It would also explain why he left us so high up for a team so low down.
 
	So yes we are a mess, but its quite possible the above is a big part of why none of those with expiring contracts want to accept a new contract. 
 
	Not saying it's definitely the above, but it's plausible it's part of the reason.