Derby County's loyal supporters experienced a nerve-racking time last season. The Rams were deep in relegation trouble from the start, losing numerous games and sinking lower and lower in the table. Manager George Burley seemed unsure of his best team, as bad turned to worse and fans prepared themselves for life in the Second Division. But slowly and steadily, Derby managed to turn their season around. Loan players were brought in and they mixed well with the promising youngsters already establishing themselves in the Derby team. Victories that had previously slipped through their grasp were now being secured, and every point proved absolutely vital as the season came to a climax. The Ram's First Division status was finally secured and there were scenes of, if not jubilation, then certainly exuberant relief around Pride Park. With a tough campaign over, Derby were able to start looking enthusiastically towards a far better season next year.