Wayne Rooney has worked wonders and Derby's relegation is harsh, says Craig Bryson

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Former Derby County hero Craig Bryson says Rams boss Wayne Rooney worked wonders at the club this season, and their relegation from the Championship was harsh.County fell to the third tier of English football for the first time since 1986 on April 18 when Queen's Park Rangers ran out 1-0 winners.A 12-point deduction for entering administration, caused by historical mismanagement that occurred under former owner Mel Morris, followed by a nine-point penalty on November 16 for breaking EFL accounting rules, meant the Rams were docked 21 points in total, which they were fighting a losing battle to overcome.Without that, with their results this term, Derby would have been 17th and safe from the drop.Looking on from afar, St Johnstone midfielder Bryson reckons the whole thing could have been avoided, but now just hopes that preferred bidder Chris Kirchener succeeds, and Derby County survives for next season.Bryson, from East Kilbride, said: "It is harsh, on the fans, the playing squad and the staff, because they've been relegated, because of something outwith their control."The club has obviously been mismanaged from the top, but I'm not here to start name-calling or whatever.

It is what it is, but like any club to survive after getting deducted 21 points would be unbelievable."For them to take that to...

I think it was the 43rd game of the season, is an incredible achievement in itself."I think most clubs would probably have been relegated by Christmas if that had happened."I think it's all credit to Wayne, the players and the staff."When I watch Derby now, and compare them to my time when I was down there, I don't think the fans and the players have ever been as close.;"I think it has brought everybody at the club closer