Jewell has yet to see his side win in the Premier League

Derby boss Paul Jewell was brutal in his assessment of the club's season as they were relegated to the Championship following the 2-2 draw with Fulham.

"It has been a long, hard season, a terrible season and a very difficult time," Jewell told BBC Sport.

"Now that relegation has been confirmed there is only one thing that matters and that is the start of next season.

"I've seen what a fantastic club this is - with the right players and the right mentality we can move forward."

It's important we get a bit of momentum for next season Derby midfielder Robbie Savage

In 32 Premier League games so far this season, Derby have managed only one win, a 1-0 victory over Newcastle in September, and have scored just 16 goals.

Saturday's draw left Derby bottom of the table on 11 points, 13 adrift of the second-from-bottom side Fulham.

"It has been inevitable for a while to be honest," added Jewell, who has yet to see his side win a Premier League game after taking over as boss in November.

"We know relegation is out of the way now officially and we can try and take some crumbs of comfort out of the rest of the season.

606: DEBATE Give your reaction to Derby's relegation

"Hopefully this time next season we can put the supporters in a better mood and be back in the Premier League and be competitive."

Derby have six games to earn the five points needed to avoid officially becoming the worst side in Premier League history.

Sunderland currently have that dubious honour, with 15 points in the 2005-2006 campaign.

"It is important we get a bit of momentum for next season," said Derby midfielder Robbie Savage.

"You listen to people saying 'you're awful' and it's not nice."