WAYNE PAIN
Wayne Rooney’s Derby RELEGATED to League One after Reading’s last-gasp 95th-minute goal against Swansea
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DERBY COUNTY have been relegated from the Championship following a 1-0 defeat at Queens Park Rangers.
Wayne Rooney's side have battled the drop all season after having 21 points deducted.
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And it took a dramatic late equaliser from Reading to finally confirm their relegation.
The Royals trailed Swansea 4-1 at one point but clawed their way back with three goals, one of which came in the 95th minute - and a point was enough to send Derby down.
The Rams will now compete in the third tier for the first time since the 1985-86 season.
Derby could have been all but down on Friday if they failed to beat league leaders Fulham but produced a brilliant display to win 2-1 after falling behind.
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It was yet another example of the fight Rooney's side have displayed all season.
In fact, Derby would be on 52 points - and in 17th place in the table - if not for the points deductions this season.
They have had to cut costs since going into administration in September and in January lost senior players such as Phil Jagielka, David Marshall and Graeme Shinnie.
Rooney also had to patch together much of his squad at the beginning of the season, signing out of contract players like Ravel Morrison, who has proven to be a hit.
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Despite their limitations, Derby have lost just 17 of their 43 league games, leading Rooney to win several plaudits.
He was linked with the Everton job in January and since Sean Dyche was sacked by Burnley Rooney has been touted as a possible replacement.
But he could decide to stay at Pride Park having previously stated he wants to finish the project he has started at Derby.
Rooney has even identified former Manchester United team-mate Phil Bardsley as a player he wants to sign - but that might not be possible following Derby's relegation.
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