Wayne Rooney has delivered a poignant message to Derby County fans following the club's relegation from the Championship.
Derby's defeat at Queens Park Rangers, couple with Reading's comeback draw against Swansea City, means the Rams will be playing League One football next season. It brings to an end one of the boldest survival escapes of all time, with County fighting against a 21-point handicap imposed for entering administration and breaching financial rules.
In the immediate aftermath of relegation, former England and Manchester United striker Rooney admitted he was experiencing a whirlwind of emotions including sadness but also pride. A video has since emerged of boss Rooney addressing a group of supporters.
In it, Rooney said: "We're grateful for the support you've shown us all season. It's been f***ing tough, been hard. Difficult moments for us, for you (fans) especially. But we've tried our best, we've given everything we can. It's unfortunate we've been relegated but now we'll plan to make sure this club comes back."
His mention of rebuild reaffirms his commitment to club, which is hopeful of securing a new owner with American businessman Chris Kirchner involved in negotiations to finally end their spell in administration which dates back to last September.
Asked about his future following confirmation that Derby will play in the third tier of English football for the first time since 1986, Rooney said: "The takeover has to happen. If it doesn't I fear for the club. It has to (go through). If it happens, I want to rebuild the club. This is a special club, I've said all along. I want to try and bring the happy days back.
"In some ways we can draw a line under everything that has happened and really start the rebirth of this club. The quicker the takeover happens the quicker we can develop the squad.
"I feel for the players. We've taken 52 points and in normal circumstances we'd be safe by now. We've paid the price for what the previous owner has left behind.
"It's no-one's fault - not mine, not the staff, not the players' - other than the previous owner. We're paying the price and I'm sure it's a sad day for Mel (Morris) too because I know he's a Derby fan. I'm sure he'll be very disappointed."
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A late goal from Rangers' Luke Amos settled the contest in West London, with Mark Warburton's side inflicting a 17th defeat on Rooney's side.
To add insult to injury, County captain Tom Lawrence saw a second yellow card deep into injury time. Despite not getting the fairytale ending they wished for, Lawrence insists happier days are on the horizon for the Rams.
He told BBC Sport: "We wanted to take it to the last game if we could, but it wasn't meant to be. I'm super-proud of everybody involved with Derby County, the way everyone's united together. I'm struggling for words for what to say but I'm super-proud of everyone and the fans.
"I'm gutted for the fans, but better days are coming."
