Rotherham United, like Huddersfield Town, are among the bookies’ favourites for the drop.
But Adam Hammill believes both have the ability to compete in the Championship.
The wideman made four starts and 10 appearances from the bench on loan from Town as Rotherham staved off relegation last season.
He admits he didn’t always see eye-to-eye with the Millers’ colourful manager Steve Evans.
But he said: “I wish the club all the best, and I certainly wouldn’t go writing them off.
“I think we’re certainly capable of finishing in the top half of the table.
“And with that season of Championship experience behind them, Rotherham could kick on as well.
“Steve Evans is a different sort of manager, for sure, and there were things we didn’t agree on.
“But you don’t win back-to-back promotions, then establish a team in the Championship like he did, without having qualities.
“Steve gets the best out of his players, and Rotherham are always well organised.
“All the players stick to their jobs, and they work really hard.
“When they out-work the opposition, they get results.”
Evans, whose squad includes former Town frontman Danny Ward, who signed on a permanent deal last January, made good use of the loan market last season.
And he has just brought in Derby duo Farrend Rawson and Kelle Roos on temporary terms.
Defender Rawson, 21, had a loan spell with the Millers last season, helping them claim a crucial 2-0 win over Town at the John Smith’s Stadium in March.
He has joined until next January while keeper Roos, 23, has signed a season-long deal.
Dutch-born Roos has played five times for Derby after joining them 18 months ago.
