Wayne Rooney will have done everything possible, but the former England striker failed to keep his Derby County team in the "Championship", the second English division.
Largely handicapped by a withdrawal of 21 points for "financial mismanagement" and a placement in receivership, the club is now mathematically sure to descend to the English third division, "League One", next season.
Three games from the end of the season, Derby is 23rd out of 24, 10 points behind 21st and first non-relegation player, Reading.
The descent was made official following the club's 1-0 loss to Queens Park Rangers on Monday afternoon.
At the end of the match, the former captain of the England team (120 caps, 53 goals) explained that he was "disappointed, sad, annoyed, but proud" of what his team had given this season.
Without this withdrawal of points, the club would currently be 17th in the championship.
The Derby coach said he hoped to stay at the club despite the relegation, and that he was waiting for a buyer for that.
“I want to rebuild the club.
It's a special club, a big club, and we're all proud to be here.
I want to be the one who brings back the happy days.
But the recovery must take place quickly.
If not, I have no idea of my future, or that of the club.
According to the British press, the American businessman Chris Kirchner would be in pole position for the takeover of the club.
He would even have met the English League to discuss this project.
At the end of the match, Wayne Rooney also made a nice speech to thank his supporters, surrounded by his players.
Wayne Rooney speaks to the fans of Derby County who have gathered outside their training ground after their relegation today...
Fantastic from Wazza!
👏
📹 @gasmanscott1#DCFC pic.twitter.com/BUWHoeohkq
— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) April 18, 2022
The top scorer in the history of Manchester United took the opportunity to send a message to the former management of the club: “We knew that we would not be in danger without the sanction that was inflicted on us.
That's how the previous owner left us, we tried to pick up the pieces and make something amazing out of them.
We were almost there, but we didn't make it”.
Wayne Rooney turned down an offer from his parent club, Everton, to coach the Toffees last January, saying he had to be loyal to Derby and had "a job to do".