Paul Warne: Under-pressure Derby County boss defiant after latest loss

Derby’s failure to pick up a point since late December leaves them third from bottom in the table and two points adrift of safety.

And not for the first time in that dire run, sections of the crowd voiced their dissatisfaction with boos after full-time.

“It’s pretty sad – I dedicate my life to the club, but I also understand it. ,” Warne said when asked about the jeers.

“As long as it’s me and not the players, that’s fine.

“I was well aware the fans sung abuse at me, but then cheer the team on, which I thank them for. It’s sad and there is no point putting it any other way.”

Warne points to the mounting injury problems – which have only be made worse by a knock taken by Ryan Nyambe against the Blades – and the overall strength of his side when talking about the lowly place his side finds itself in.

The defeat came just a day after the club sold defensive lynchpin Eiran Cashin to Premier League side Brighton for £9m.

“I actually think we are getting a lot out of this group, but it does need help,” Warne said.

“It needs people to come back and does need enhancement in this window. If we are going to be competitive, both those things need to happen really.”