Jewell praises his Derby battlers

Derby boss Paul Jewell remained upbeat despite seeing his brave County side battle a 2-1 defeat at Upton Park. A chorus of boos rang around Upton Park as the Hammers were unable to take the lead for most of the game.

He commented: "I thought we played well in the second half. I think West ham were hanging on at the end.

"We just didn't have that final pass or killer instinct, but the second-half performance augurs well for next season.

"The whole mentality of the club will change in the summer. Some people will be going out and some will be coming in. I know there will be new players coming and the mentality will change.

"What keeps me going is the support we've had, they have been unbelievable. They have encouraged us even though they know we are not good enough. They have stayed with the team.

"We want to give them something to cheer about next season. We have just got to get the team right.

"Most of the stuff they have had to watch this season has been rubbish, but they stayed with it.

"The Premier League eats you alive if you are not ready for it and this team wasn't."