Rooney's four-point plan to help Derby bounce back after X-rated speech

Derby County's Championship fate was sealed on Easter Monday.

The Rams' defeat to Queens Park Rangers, coupled with Reading's scarcely-believable comeback draw against Swansea, means Wayne Rooney's side will be in League One next season. It will be Derby's first taste of life in the third tier of English football since 1986. The 21-point handicap handed down this season ultimately proved too much for them, despite a valiant effort all season.

Despite falling short of their aims, Rooney and his players have won plenty of plaudits this season. And the togetherness at the club was plain for all to see when footage emerged last night of the head coach addressing fans with a passionate message.

Here, Mirror Football has devised a four-point plan as to how the former England captain can ensure County's stay in their new surroundings will be short but sweet.

Channel the togetherness

It might be a well-trodden cliché, but if ever a club was in dire need of a '12th man' then it was Derby County this season.

Given all the off-field dramas and troubles, it had almost been forgotten that what happens out on the pitch is just as important. To that end, Derby's fans were certainly vocal in backing their team against the odds and roaring them on when needed. You only have to witness post-match scenes from the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium following relegation to see the bond that has developed between the supporters and Rooney's side.

How many other teams would be serenaded as heroes immediately after a sobering demotion? The supporters realise the effort put in by an under-strength squad that had no right in pushing their survival bid for as long as they did.

Even in the third tier, season ticket sales at Pride Park will surely be among the highest in the division in 2022-23.

Keep key assets and build around them

Granted, Derby have not got much in the way of a squad heading beyond this season. A grand total of five players are contracted beyond June, including key men such as Jason Knight and Krystian Bielik.

It's obvious a vast rebuild is needed. Rooney made passing mention of this, when quizzed on the subject recently although the revamp may not be quite as busy as he hopes. He said: "I have said I think we need 40 players in the summer between first team and under-23s, that is 40 players you have to convince to come to the club, convince them the club is moving in the right direction, convince the right players to come to the club."

Can Rooney guide Derby to promotion next season? Let us know here

The hope will be that the proposed takeover by Chris Kirchner can be completed as soon as possible so Derby can attempt to make reasonable offers to those nearing the end of their deals.

Skipper Tom Lawrence and Ravel Morrison are two whose futures are far from clear, but Lawrence dropped a big hint speaking post-QPR. He said: "I'm super-proud of everybody involved with Derby County, the way everyone's united together. I'm gutted for the fans, but better days are coming."

Those supporters will hope Lawrence will stick around to see if his prediction rings true.

Work the loan and free agent market

Given the vast amount of players that Rooney presumably has on his summer shopping list, there's a high probability that he may need to dip into two particular markets.

He was strictly limited to free agents this season, given Derby's treacherous financial position. Nevertheless, the additions of Phil Jagielka and Morrison were canny signings. Jagielka, prior to his January exit (owing to Derby being unable to extend terms), offered nous and experience whilst Morrison has surpassed many people's expectations and has gone a long way to shedding preconceptions surrounding him.

Rooney will be hoping he can unearth more gems like this and with Derby a big fish in the third tier, they are likely to enjoy being at the front of the queue when it comes to blue chip free agents.

Similarly, loan signings could prove crucial next season. Rooney's relationship with Man United and Everton could open the door for exciting young talents to hone their skills in the East Midlands during what Derby hope will be a promotion campaign.

Relish the journey

When Derby kick off their League One campaign on the final weekend of July, it will be more than 36 years since they last competed in such surroundings.

Granted, all Derby fans would have loved to have completed a great escape this season but if relegation offers anything it is a genuine chance to press the restart button. Next season will give fans the chance to experience some new sights with Derby supporters getting the chance to cross the likes of Forest Green Rovers, Cheltenham and Accrington Stanley off their 'grounds to visit' list.

As Rooney has said ample times now is the moment, with a new era hopefully in the offing, for the club to start afresh.