WANDERERS were consigned to relegation from the Championship with a whimper at Derby County – with Jimmy Phillips admitting the meek display summed up a wretched campaign.

Johnny Russell scored twice for the Rams, with Tom Ince and Jacob Butterfield supplying the other two goals in a win every bit as comprehensive as it sounds.

Zach Clough scored a consolation from the penalty spot as the Whites tumbled out of the top two divisions for the first time in 23 years.

Phillips, who has seen the team concede 14 goals in his four games as interim manager, could not disguise his upset after the final whistle at the iPro Stadium.

Travelling fans hung up a banner displaying the message “No Effort, No Hope” as they watched another wretched away performance.

“Today was confirmation of the season everyone has witnessed,” Phillips said.

“We played a Derby team that were first to every ball. It was only when Emile Heskey came on that we had any attacking intent or threat, and he’s 38 years of age. That just about sums this season up – it has gone from bad to worse.

“We have tried a combination of giving the younger players a chance, reverting today to a more experienced team, we have tried different formations and tactics and as yet we have not had a response.”

Relegation marks the zenith of a campaign of perpetual problems on and off the pitch for the club.

“It has been a really sad year,” Phillips said. “The only positive thing we can say about this season is that we still have a club called Bolton Wanderers, which at one point was in some doubt.

“That is the only clear-cut positive thing I can say right now.”

Phillips had sympathy for more than 400 fans who made the trip to Derby knowing that relegation was a mere formality.

“I feel really sorry for them,” he said. “Again we have a good travelling support and again we haven’t even stayed in the game until half time.”