Football Season Review

Derby will be gutted as their play-off woe struck again, losing 2-1 to Aston Villa in the final, yet again failing to make a return to the top flight. Frank Lampard was a rather marquee choice to replace Gary Rowett as boss and made some good signings, not least in the shape of Chelsea loanee Mason Mount and Harry Wilson on loan from Liverpool. That pair were instrumental in some of the exciting, attacking football that the Rams played this season. Yet they were never consistent enough, only sneaking into the play-offs on the final day of the campaign. They became the first Championship side to progress to the play-off final having lost the home leg first as they memorably won 4-2 at Leeds with Lampard's going for broke tactics contributing. But they then lost to Villa for more disappointment. Unfortunately with financial fair play rules there may well be an uncertain summer. Mount and Wilson are unlikely to return again after going back to their parent clubs and there is further doubt over the future of Lampard. Without Mount and Wilson it is difficult to see how Derby can respond again and be a greater force next term.

Player of the Season: Mason Mount