Football Season Review

Derby had another frustrating campaign where they again failed to win promotion, despite so much promise after losing in last season's play-off final. They replaced Frank Lampard with Phillip Cocu. Despite the disappointing overall campaign, Cocu cannot be blamed too much and indeed was considered an impressive figure at the club. The big moment came very early in the season when captain Richard Keogh was seriously injured in a car crash caused by the drink driving of Mason Bennett with Tom Lawrence. Keogh was sacked and Bennett and Lawrence suspended by the club for a period with the whole incident tarnishing the club for the season. Wayne Rooney arrived in January and was a breath of fresh air on and off the field. His class in midfield so nearly took the Rams to the play-offs until a disastrous losing streak with the end of the campaign in sight. Cocu bravely played many youngsters including Louie Sibley and Max Bird and was rewarded by several encouraging displays. The Rams did lack all-round class and experience within the squad though - something that needs to be fixed if they are to challenge next time around.

Player of the Season: Wayne Rooney