Derby now need to gain 27 points from 29 remaining fixtures to overtake Rotherham's dismal total from 2016- 17. In six weeks' time, they will begin to lose any of their saleable players. In the mean time, some of those players unless they are particularly keen to stay with Derby may become reluctant to play, or to play wholeheartedly, in case they pick up injuries and diminish their chances of a move. I think that the "worst team in history" in the Championship is very much on.
As a potential future disappointment, even after that pathetic points total in 2016- 2017 ( which came about without any points deduction), Rotherham still managed to get promotion back from League One at the first attempt the next season, after beating Shrewsbury Town in the play- off final. The difference I suppose for Derby is that the financial pressure they will be under (which includes the League's directed business plan) may limit their chances further. However, even then, it is sadly worth remembering that Leeds United got in the League One play- offs at the first attempt despite a minus 15 points deduction imposed in League One. A bonus fact: Leeds lost in the semi- final to Millwall, with Lewis Grabban providing the assist for the crucial goal.