Football Season Review

This is a season of what might have been for Derby. They carried on where they had left off last term when they lost in the Championship play-off final to QPR. They looked the best side in the division at times and led the table in February. But when they really needed to push on, a confidence and injury crisis hit them badly. Just two wins in their final 13 games cost Derby not only an automatic place but ultimately a play-off spot, dropping out of the top six on the final day for the first time since September with a 3-0 defeat at home to Reading. The inquest led to Steve McClaren losing his job and being replaced by Paul Clement, with McClaren's interest in the Newcastle job proving to be one of the factors. Derby seemed to have quality all over the pitch but injury to 21-goal top scorer Chris Martin hit them hard as did the continued lack of fitness of highly-rated midfielder George Thorne. Derby will again be expected to challenge next season but there is a feeling this was the season that got away.

Player of the Season: Chris Martin