It was not as he would have liked to bow out but Robbie Savage's career at Derby ended in a 2-0 home defeat to Bristol City. The veteran midfielder will leave the club at the end of the season and is expected to retire.
But Rams boss Nigel Clough hailed the impact of his captain on County's battle against the drop.
He added: "Unfortunately we have just seen a couple of teams relegated like Sheffield United, who are maybe a similar club to ourselves.
"We've managed to escape that, which we don't deserve too much credit for, and Robbie's played a part in that keeping our heads above water.
"We will have a go at it (replacing Savage)."
