Fulham's 1-0 win at Portsmouth rendered the Royals' success at Pride Park irrelevant as they were condemned to the Championship along with County and Birmingham.

The Cottagers' superior goal difference proved to be the decisive factor after both sides finished the season with 36 points - 25 clear of the rock-bottom Rams.

And Coppell, who has been in charge at the Madejski Stadium since 2003, failed to confirm he would still be at the helm come the start of next season.

"I have got to look at things," he said. "It's too close (after the game) now. I have a huge affection for this club and I want to do what I think is right for this club."

Despite just two places separating the sides in the final league table, the gulf in class today was marked.

It was a performance to be proud of for the visitors' loyal following as James Harper curled home a superb opener before Dave Kitson, Kevin Doyle and Leroy Lita completed the rout in the second half.

Coppell conceded he expected the three points to be enough to keep his side afloat but paid tribute to the recent form of Fulham, who won four of their last five games to complete an unlikely survival bid.

"I thought if we had got three points here today it would be enough," he said.

"At the end of it all, you have to give huge respect to Roy (Hodgson) and Fulham. We wouldn't have been looking forward to going to Portsmouth today.

"I don't know how they have played but, whatever, Fulham had to go there and get a result and that was to their credit.

"The run they have had has been brilliant. Obviously, to say we are bitterly disappointed is a huge understatement.

"The dressing room is a very sad place at the moment and it's difficult to know what to say to ease their pain.

"I'm lost for words, there is no comfort in words at the moment. It is a bit of a numb feeling.

"We have brought some good stuff to the Premier League so it is a shame for it to end that way."

While Reading at least went down with their heads held high, the same could not be said for dismal Derby, who were second best from the off.

Manager Paul Jewell said: "I think it sums up the season, the players are not good enough for the club.

"The supporters are quite right to say they are not fit to wear the shirt because collectively and individually this season, we haven't been.

"I'm the manager so I'm part of that group but I know I've got the desire, the fire in my belly and the passion to have a good go at turning it around.

"Too many of those players haven't, it's as simple as that."

County have now become only the second team in the history of English football to win just once in an entire league season - the first was Loughborough College 108 seasons ago.

They can also add the unwanted record of lowest goals tally to earliest relegation and smallest points total in Premier League history.

A furious Jewell added: "You can't believe it really that a team that's fighting for their lives, who are nervous and edgy would come and dominate a game here like they have.

"But they have, it's a complete embarrassment."