Dean pleas to best Bees

JOSE MORAIS paid the price for Barnsley’s relegation after his three-month reign was ended.

The Portuguese boss (below), along with assistants Dimas Teixeira and Joao Cunha, was axed, having won three of his 15 matches since arriving at Oakwell. Within an hour of Barnsley’s two-year stay in the second tier ending, the club activated a relegation clause in Morais’ contract.

A club statement read: “The Club acknowledges the disappointment of relegation and shares the view of supporters that this has been a disappointing season of results.

“The aim is now to have a proactive summer both on and off the pitch in order to gain promotion back to the Championship.”

Derby confirmed their play-off spot – and will meet Fulham – after a win which was never in doubt after Cameron Jerome’s 14th-minute opener. The visitors pushed for a leveller but always looked vulnerable on the break as Jerome turned provider for Matej Vydra.

Vydra’s 21st goal of the season won him the league’s Golden Boot and sparked a three-goal second-half blitz. David Nugent and Tom Lawrence extended the home side’s lead before George Moncur bagged a late consolation. Rams boss Gary Rowett said: “Our attacking players have all come to the fore when we need them to. Jerome has four in three games, Nugent has a few goals recently and Vydra has been a threat all season long.

“We looked very, very comfortable as the game went on and if you leave space for us we can be clinical. We showed no nerves and that’s what pleased me the most.”