Derby County defender Jake Buxton has insisted that the club will "improve" next season after missing out on promotion to the Premier League in the cruellest of circumstances.

The Rams finished third in the table and then cruised through to the playoff final before suffering a last-gasp defeat to 10-man Queens Park Rangers at Wembley.

"It is cruel really, football didn't win. We played the best football and have done all season, and they have won the game," Buxton told the club website.

"But you don't always get what you deserve and nobody says that the team that plays the prettiest football should win - that is why we love it really, it went against the script and the run of play.

"We will try and take all the positives from something which hurts, and try and improve ourselves as people and as footballers."

Derby are likely to be one of the favourites for promotion next season. They will be attempting to return to the top flight after six years in the Championship.