Curtain falls and now there’s no time to waste in getting Rams on their feet again
CHAMPIONSHIP CAMPAIGN ENDS WITH HOME LOSS AS LEAGUE ONE BECKONS
DERBY County’s final fixture of a relegation season in the Championship saw them lose 1-0 at home to Cardiff City.
Jordan Hugill’s close-range finish was the only goal after 55 minutes, and despite having 69% possession, the Rams could not find a way back into the contest.
They were denied three times by visiting keeper Dillon Phillips in a goalless first half. He saved from Liam Thompson, Tom Lawrence and Louie Sibley, but he was not worked enough in the second half as Derby fell short in the creativity and flair departments.
“The game wasn’t played at the tempo I wanted it played at. We knew we would get a lot of the ball, we just had to switch that tempo in the final third and play with more intensity,” said Rams boss Wayne Rooney.
Derby should not have lost, nor should they have when the teams met in South Wales in March, but they did and that has been something of a theme this season.
They have been in games and done well in games but they have not emerged on the right side of the result on enough occasions. That is something to look at and try to improve for next season.
They failed to score in a League game for a 14th time in 46 matches and boosting the number of goals in the team is another issue in need of attention.
“We knew they’d have a lot of the ball, they’ve done excellently, it was very much like the game against them at our place. We frustrated them, didn’t give them clear-cut chances and knew we would grow into the game,” said Cardiff manager Steve Morison.
Derby rounded off the campaign by losing three of their last four matches and their last two at Pride Park Stadium, which is a shame because their home record all season had been right up there with the best of them in the division.
They have signed off with the 11th best home return but Saturday was always going to be about much more than just a game.
It was an afternoon when the fans wanted to show their appreciation of the commendable efforts the players have given all season despite mountainous odds stacked against them in the shape of administration, points deductions and transfer embargoes.
In return, Rooney, his staff and the players wanted to say thank you to the fans and did so in a lap of appreciation after the final whistle.
Emotions have been stretched and shredded all season. There has been deep concern for the club’s future, disappointment in dropping into League One and yet fierce pride in how a torrid time has pulled everyone together.
Any visitor not armed with prior knowledge of the Championship table would have thought Derby were chasing or celebrating success, such was the wonderful atmosphere. Pride Park has been bouncing in the face of adversity for much of the season and many are pushed to recall a better atmosphere at the stadium than has been witnessed in the past few months.
The contribution of the fans has not gone unnoticed and the bond created between them, Rooney and the team has been one of the pluses and will be a major strength in League One, if maintained.
“For myself, my staff and the players it has been very tough this season. For the fans, it has been horrendous. It is their club. The last 12 to 18 months, what they have had to go through, it’s really been horrendous,” said Rooney.
“The support they have shown us, the bond which we have created with the players, the staff and the fans is unique and we will need that next season. I’ve never seen a team get relegated and be applauded off the pitch like we did.
“As a staff and players, we’re really thankful and grateful for the support they have given us this season. It has really been a big help.
“I’ve said to the lads in the dressing room to take everything in and remember that because it’s rare what happened after the game.”
Saturday was also about what is happening off the pitch.
Prospective new owner Chris Kirchner watched from the stand and the American businessman was given another taste of what Derby County means to the supporters and the passion they exude for their club.
The hope now is that the proposed takeover can go ahead, the club can move out of administration. where they have been for eight months, and begin to edge forward again.
Rooney, his staff and the players deserve that for their efforts and the fans certainly deserve it for their loyalty.
The curtain has come down but will rise again on a new season before we know it. For Derby, there is much work to be done off the field and on it between now and then, and a takeover remains the priority, as it has been for months.
There is no time to waste, it has to happen.