Leeds United's season ended with a whimper last night as they went down 4-2 at Elland Road to a determined Derby side.

The result meant they lost their two-legged tie with the Rams 4-3 on aggregate and a season that promised so much has delivered very little.

Everything looked on course last night as Stuart Dallas gave them an early lead and a two goal cushion over the two legs. Jack Marriott pulled one back before half time, levelling the tie on the night and after that they took control.

At the end of a frantic evening of football Leeds were on the wrong side of the result, leaving the recriminations and reprisals to begin. Everyone weighed in with an opinion; pundits, players and supporters alike.

One Twitter message came in from a huge Hollywood icon.

Russell Crowe, star of Gladiator, Robin Hood and a number of other big-budget films, tweeted his condolences to Leeds, claiming next year would be their year.

Crowe, a Leeds fan, took the time out of his schedule to try to lift the players and supporters, although it might take more than five words to settle their anger this morning.

The Verdict

Russell Crowe is a star across the world, famed for churning out top films as well as for his no-nonsense persona.

Sadly, his team didn't have the same no-nonsense approach to their play-off semi-final. If they'd been as unrelenting and aggressive as he is often portrayed as being, perhaps they'd be in the final right now.

They'll take little comfort from the high-profile message an although he suggests next year could be their year, it remains to be seen if they're equipped to go again after this disappointment.