[ad_pod ]Derby County's return to the Premier League has been put on hold for another year after they were beaten 2-1 in the Championship Playoff Final.In his first season as manager Frank Lampard guided the Rams to the final after a superb comeback against Leeds in the semi-final, but they could not make that extra step and their exile from the top-flight continues.Jody Morris, Lampard's assistant, tweeted to congratulate Villa on their achievements and Sky Sports commentator Danny Higginbotham praised Morris for his accomplishments this season.

Lampard built a very well balanced squad this season, with the likes Richard Keogh, Martyn Waghorn and Bradley Johnson proving the perfect foil for the exuberance and energy of Mason Mount, Harry Wilson, and Jack Marriott.

Derby will lose some of their more prominent players in the summer because their loans will expire, however, Lampard has extensive contacts in the football world and will no doubt be looking to use them to get another batch of talented youngsters to move to Pride Park.

The Chelsea legends' spell so far has been positive and, though they did not get promoted, he is putting the foundations in place to help Derby return to the Premier League.

As Higginbotham has alluded to, Morris and Lampard deserve immense credit for their achievements this season.