REACTION: ‘Very Proud of the Progression We’ve Made’ - Eustace

John Eustace spoke of his immense pride in the Rams’ squad and predicted a bright future after a campaign of progression this season.

The Rams took the lead in the contest as they chased the final play-off spot, and the table placings looked favourable for much of the afternoon – but a Hull City win over Norwich City elsewhere saw the top six spot out of reach.

A Sam Szmodics goal in the fifth minute saw Derby into the driving seat, but a turnaround in the second half, through goals by Tom Cannon and Sydie Peck, saw the Blades go 2-1 up – a lead they held onto despite a late fight from Eustace’s side.

The Head Coach spoke to RamsTV after the season-closing contest.

On Narrowly Missing Out on the Play-Offs

I'm disappointed we didn't win the game, of course. When you look at the results, it obviously didn't matter. But it's been a fantastic season.

I'm very, very proud of everyone connected with the football club. The progression that we've made has been very good. It's really important now that we build on that.

We've got that buzz about the city again, that the football club's really rocking. Today's atmosphere was top, top draw. You know, I thought our first half performance was excellent.

It's the standards that I expect, the levels that I want. And, unfortunately, we couldn't continue that second half. But, you know, I think everyone connected with the football club should be very proud of the progress that we've made.

I'm really excited about the future.

On Controlling His Emotions as Fortunes Ebbed and Flowed

It was about us winning the game. That's all I was focused on. We couldn’t control what's going on elsewhere.

The most important thing is that we won the game. We didn't win. And that's what's most disappointing for me.

But, you know, the effort of the group, again, was top draw. I think we should be very proud of every single one of the players who have stepped up this season in the squad.

We've got a lot to be positive about.

On The Contrast Between the End of This Season and Last

There has been a lot of hard work done behind the scenes. David Clowes, Stephen Pearce. We’ve built a fantastic squad of players.

When we've had injuries, big injuries to really important players, whoever’s stepped up has always been 100% committed and done well.

And that's why on the last game of the season, we still had an opportunity to get in the top six.

You have to remember that we're competing against teams that have spent tens of millions of pounds to try and get into that top six - and they haven't achieved that.

We're up against teams with a lot of parachute money as well. So, you know, the effort of the group has been excellent. And I couldn't be any prouder of every one of those players.

On the Backing from the Pride Park Staff - And Supporters

I’m proud too of every one of the staff and also the fans. I think just the way they stayed behind today and really showed the support of the team is outstanding. And that's one of the reasons I came back to the football club, because of the passion of the fans.

They really appreciate hard work and teams that are going to be 100% committed. I want to be part of this football club going forward and help build it. And that's why I came to eventually try and get them in the Premier League.

On Planning Ahead of Next Season

It starts straightaway. We've been thinking about it last week - and the week before that. You know, it's important that we get that momentum going forward.

You know, we don't want to go backwards at this football club. We've got four or five loan players I'd love to sign.

They've all improved. They've all made a big impact. And then it's important that we add top quality to that group and keep ourselves competitive.