Joe Royle admitted he will miss skipper Jim Magilton when the Northern Irishman leaves Portman Road over the summer. Magilton played his final game at Portman Road as the Blues defeated Derby 2-0.
Royle said: "It was a nice way to end the home programme. The fans were terrific and gave Jim Magilton a big send-off.
"I shall miss Jim immensely because he has been a terrific captain. His big personality will leave a massive hole but we can get over that by having success next season.
"I want to make two or three signings in the summer, but even now I think we will be going into next campaign stronger than we went into this one.
"We were fortunate to be level at the interval today but the introduction of Jaime Peters gave us more bounce and better balance. We had more width and more threat.
"Once Nicky Forster scored one could feel the pressure fizz out of the place. He is a threat and we haven't had that sort of threat for most of the season. You are only as good as your forwards."
The departing Magilton enjoyed his special afternoon: "I knew when I woke up this morning it would be an emotional day for me and it turned out that way.
"I can't thank the fans and the lads enough for the reception they gave me. It really meant so much to me.
"I've had seven magnificent years at this club and will carry so many happy memories with me and that ovation will be right up there.
"I was choked to be honest, just walking around the pitch at the end, knowing I won't be back here next season
"I've been lucky enough to have played with some great players here, and there are young lads like Owen Garvan and Shane Supple who will go on and be great players, but most of all I have played for a great football club."
Derby caretaker boss Terry Westley, a former Town youth coach, says his side don't score enough goals: "We have won only two away games all season and you could see why today.
"If you don't score you are not going to win. With our away record it's a miracle we will start in the Championship next season.
"We passed the ball well and created chances in the first half but self belief disappears when the opposition score.
"If we'd gone one-up it would have been easy to set up five across the midfield and play for a break. It was not to be.
"There is a lack of mental strength after we fall behind. We were very poor in the second half and I am annoyed that we have not got anything out of the game.
"We are a professional club and have not got a centre-forward on the books. I had a right-back playing wide right and a right-winger as centre-forward.
"I wish I knew what was happening at the club. At present there is no chairman, no manager, no chief scout and no director of football. On top of this there is talk of a takeover."