Wayne Rooney told his Derby County players to stay calm as they avoided relegation on a dramatic final day in the Championship.
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But the Manchester United and England legend delivered a rousing half-time speech to inspire Derby's survival comeback.
They hit back with three second-half goals as they drew with Wednesday - with the point enough to keep them in the second tier.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, he revealed: "Today at half-time I spoke to them and told them to stay calm.
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"There were 45 minutes left and we could still win the game.
"I'm just really pleased for them because they put a lot of work in and also for the fans who weren't here.
"We will get better, I can assure them of that."
Rooney continued by demanding the club to sort out their takeover situation.
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He added: "It's been a very difficult season for everyone connected to the club and we need to make sure now we get everything sorted as soon as possible off the pitch to give ourselves the best chance of moving forward as a club.
"It has to start tonight. We have to have positive news to move forward as a club.
"We cannot have a season like we've just had because it won't end well."
Derby finished in 21st place with 44 points on the board, one point ahead of Wycombe Wanderers.
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Rotherham and Wednesday join Wycombe in dropping out of the Championship.
Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports/PATopics: Football News, Derby County, Football, Wayne Rooney, championship