Football Season Review

Derby had an outstanding season and will be devastated they could not get over the line having been easily good enough for promotion based on their exploits in the regular season. The Rams have been a mid-table side for a number of campaigns but the excitement returned around Pride Park when Steve McClaren replaced long-term manager Nigel Clough in October. Derby's young side with Craig Bryson, Will Hughes and Jeff Hendrick particularly coming of age looked determined with each passing game. They were scoring goals for fun - 84 was a record in the division - with Chris Martin scoring 25 and Bryson 16 from midfield. Defensively they were not as solid but McClaren got his side playing winning football. They seemed destined for promotion when QPR had a man sent off in the play-off final but a dramatic defensive error meant they lost out. Loan players Andre Wisdom, George Thorne and Patrick Bamford have all returned to their parent clubs and McClaren will need to replace them in the summer to continue the feel-good factor.

Player of the Season: Craig Bryson