Derby fell just short once again as promotion eluded them once more with them losing to Hull in the playoff semi-finals.
The season started with promise with chairman Mel Morris backing Paul Clement heavily in the transfer market allowing him to bring in a number of high profile targets. Jacob Butterfield, Bradley Johnson, Jason Shackell, Tom Ince and Nick Blackman were just some of the names that came in for a total season outlay of £25 million.
In classic Derby fashion they started well, with Chris Martin scoring the important goals but around Christmas time the goals dried up with Martin getting a lack of support.
After collapsing in the New Year Clement was sacked and replaced with academy boss Darren Wassall who saw out the rest of the season. Despite some tactical ineptness he led them to the playoffs but after a 3-0 defeat to Hull in the first leg their battling 2-0 win in the second leg meant nothing.
Nigel Pearson took over from Wassall renewing belief for next season and here is their dream defence for next season.
LB - Craig Forsyth
The one position Derby have failed to nail down this season was left back and that problem stemmed from the injury suffered by Forsyth in October when he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in a game against QPR putting him out for the rest of the season.
The 27-year-old has entered light training and will be available for selection at the start of next season. This season Derby mainly switched between left backs using Stephen Warnock, Chris Baird and eventually Marcus Olsson who will give Forsyth the sternest test for that starting position.
Derby fans are delighted to see Forsyth back and will also want Pearson too add some depth in that area with Ritchie De Laet at his old club Leicester an option as he is out of favor and spent last season at Middlesbrough.
CB - Richard Keogh
Should be the first name on the team sheet every week for Derby and has barely missed a game in the last 4 seasons.
The Irishman is Derby's leader on the field and inspirational figure showing his consistency time and time again. He was the rock at the back alongside partner Jason Shackell and Derby only leaked 43 goals this season making it one of the best partnerships in England.
He does make mistakes like when he gave the ball away to Bobby Zamora in the playoff final a few years ago but he is still the best Derby have. A Republic of Ireland international, he was named in the PFA Team of the Year last season and was named the Derby Player of the Season for this year for his consistent displays.
CB - Grant Hanley
The big Scottish centre back has been at Blackburn since graduating from their academy in 2010 and has made nearly 200 appearances since.
He played for them in the highs of the Premier League and the lows of struggling in the Championship.
At just 24 he is an imposing figure at the back, good in the air and strong in the tackle and formed a good partnership with Shane Duffy.
If Blackburn are to progress they must strengthen their midfield and attack, and keep their captain Hanley whilst it would provide Derby with a younger version of Shackell.
RB - Cyrus Christie
The 23-year-old Irish right back was one of stars of the season for Derby last year, impressing with his pacy displays down the right flank, linking up well with whoever he played with.
Christie was a model of consistency and gave an especially good performance away at Brentford scoring his first goal for the club.
He will only get better under Pearson and if nurtured well he is Premier League quality.
Thoughts Derby fans? Leave thoughts and opinions below!