Derby County will play in the third tier of English football for the first time since 1986 next season after being relegated on Easter Monday.
The troubled Rams, who have endured a clutch of off-field problems including administration and working under a transfer embargo, were beaten 1-0 away at Queens Park Rangers. That result, combined with Reading's superb comeback in a 4-4 draw at home to Swansea City, means Wayne Rooney's side are unable to pull off a survival act.
Of course, Derby's 21-point handicap played a major role in their demise. They were handed two separate deductions this season, for entering administration in September which came with it a 12-point hit. A further nine-point docking for a breach of accounting policies followed in November.
Despite a brave fight and some stand-out victories this season, it proved to be a step too far for Rooney's side to overcome. On merit they would have accrued 52 points and would be well clear of safety.
Luke Amos struck late for Rangers at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium. He scored on 88 minutes and try as they might, Derby couldn't force an equaliser that would have seen them live to fight another day. To add insult to injury Derby captain Tom Lawrence was shown a red card deep into stoppage time.
The club are currently in the process of trying to get a protracted takeover done. Their prospective new owner Chris Kirchner earlier this month confirmed he wants Rooney to stay in charge next season.
The American was recently announced as the preferred bidder for the club as an end to the protracted administration saga appeared to be in sight. Kirchner’s initial attempt to buy the club fell through four months ago but he has since returned to the table.
When asked if the former England and Manchester United great would remain as manager, Kirchner said: “He will. He’s a big reason I came back. I believe he is the best young manager in the game.”
Reading's comeback ultimately sent Rooney's side down. It was a scarcely-believable game at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
The Royals took an early lead through Lucas Joao's penalty only for Swansea to stun the hosts with three unanswered goals before the break.
The visitors then went 4-1 up just before the hour mark and at that point it looked as though it could give Rooney's side a stay of execution. But Reading forced their way back into the contest with Tom McIntyre's goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time sealing an extraordinary result that means they are just two points away from safety.
Peterborough beat Barnsley in a game between two of the bottom three. Posh won 2-0 at Oakwell but they are still seven points behind Reading with three games left to play.
