Derby County are 4/1 with Sky Bet to gain promotion to the Premier League next season, following their 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa in the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final.
Derby's Wembley heartbreak is their second in five years, following their play-off final loss to QPR in 2014, and leaves them facing a twelfth season in the second tier.
The Rams have not tasted Premier League football since 2008, when they were relegated with a record low points tally of just 11.
If the 2019-2020 Sky Bet Championship is to be the one to see them finally return to the top-flight, where they are 14/1 to win the league, then the summer break could decide that.
Frank Lampard in his first season in management has dealt with a steep learning curve incredibly well. By sticking to his principles and breakable belief in his systems he transformed an old, scared, tiring outfit into a young, talented, exciting side and, against the odds, guided them to the verge of the Premier League.
Derby County Sky Bet Odds
- Derby to win the Sky Bet Championship - 14/1
- Derby to be promoted - 4/1
- Derby to be relegated - 16/1
Odds correct as of on 27/5/19
Because of that, despite the showpiece final defeat, there appears plenty of positivity and momentum behind The Rams moving into the next campaign. But what type of Derby side will be left?
Lampard himself is being linked with a return to Chelsea, where he gained legendary status as a player. If he goes, who do Derby turn to next, as they look for their ninth permanent manager since 2013?
If the former England midfielder does stay, he may well have to rebuild his squad for a consecutive summer.
Loanees Mason Mount, Fikayo Tomori, both Chelsea, and Harry Wilson, Liverpool, will return to their Premier League parent clubs and may feel they need top-flight football next season to continue their fine development.
Former England left back Ashley Cole could retire, while the likes of Scott Carson, Bradley Johnson, Richard Keogh and Tom Huddlestone are now well into their 30's.
Added to all this is more off the field drama, with Derby being accused by Middlesborough of breaking FFP rules. Lawsuits and threats of points deductions could dominate talk around the Pride Park club next term.
Whoever is their manager, and whoever makes up their 2019-2020 squad Derby will always be there or thereabouts come promotion time. They've made the top six in the previous two seasons, and three times in the last four.
They've finished in the top ten in the last seven seasons, and not been below 12th since 2011.