Derby County have been out of the Championship for two years after their relegation in the 2021/22 season.
However, they will return in the summer after an excellent year in League One which broke points records and gave Derby their first promotion since 2007.
When the Rams were relegated, they were in a state of turmoil, with many not knowing if the club would continue to exist as the threat of liquidation was serious.
They were relegated on the 18 April 2022 after a hard-fought battle against a seemingly impossible task after they were docked 21 points by the EFL.
Wayne Rooney’s side failed to beat Queen’s Park Rangers at Loftus Road on that day which sent them down in heartbreaking fashion.
But what has happened to the Derby team that played that day?
When the Rams were relegated, they were in a state of turmoil, with many not knowing if the club would continue to exist as the threat of liquidation was serious.
![Full back Nathan Byrne left Derby after his contract expired at the end of the relegation season in 2022. He then signed for Charlotte FC in the MLS on a two year deal and has since made 36 appearances for them.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmUxYzFlMmMzLWU4MjQtNDgyNS05OTg3LTg1YWU0ZmM2NGJkMjozYWI4NGIxYi01MmI3LTRiMmUtOTUwNi1mNTdmNmMzZjUzY2Q=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
5. Right back: Nathan Byrne
Full back Nathan Byrne left Derby after his contract expired at the end of the relegation season in 2022. He then signed for Charlotte FC in the MLS on a two year deal and has since made 36 appearances for them. Photo: Nathan Stirk:Getty
![Bielik wanted to leave Derby to play in the Championship so that he would make the Poland World Cup side in 2022 which he did. Initially, the midfielder went on loan to Birmingham City. He then signed a three year deal last summer and will be with the Blues in League One.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/T0FLMTM2ODI3NzUx.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
6. Centre midfielder: Krystian Bielik
Bielik wanted to leave Derby to play in the Championship so that he would make the Poland World Cup side in 2022 which he did. Initially, the midfielder went on loan to Birmingham City. He then signed a three year deal last summer and will be with the Blues in League One. Photo: www.jmpuk.com
![The second player on this list to still be at Pride Park Thompson was just 19 years old when Derby were relegated. He has become more of a consistent starter and is lined up to earn himself a long-term deal at Derby.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2023/09/07/11/Liam%20Thompson.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
7. Centre midfielder: Liam Thompson
The second player on this list to still be at Pride Park Thompson was just 19 years old when Derby were relegated. He has become more of a consistent starter and is lined up to earn himself a long-term deal at Derby. | Getty Images
![Ebiowei managed to get himself a big name deal after an excellent season for Derby in the 2021/22 season. He moved to Premier League Crystal Palace at the age of 18. He has since made loan moves to Hull City and Belgian side RWD Molenbeek. Ebiowei remains a high potential star at Selhurst Park.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2022/07/31/14/GettyImages-1391663975.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
8. Right winger: Malcolm Ebiowei
Ebiowei managed to get himself a big name deal after an excellent season for Derby in the 2021/22 season. He moved to Premier League Crystal Palace at the age of 18. He has since made loan moves to Hull City and Belgian side RWD Molenbeek. Ebiowei remains a high potential star at Selhurst Park. | Getty Images