Sterjovski was one of eight new faces brought in by Jewell during the transfer window to try to help revive the Rams' fortunes.

Midfielder Sterjovski, signed from Turkish side Genclerbirligi, was joined by Robbie Savage, Roy Carroll, Emanuel Villa, Alan Stubbs and Laurent Robert, whilst Hossam Ghaly and Danny Mills were loan moves.

Robert barely figured before being released to sign for Toronto, with Mills making only three appearances prior to sustaining a knee injury that sidelined him for the season.

Of the remaining six, Jewell earlier this week questioned their contribution as he remarked: "When you come to a club that is on the floor it is difficult to show your best.

"But I would have expected the players I brought to the club in January to show more than what they did."

Sterjovski, preparing for Australia's World Cup qualifying game with Ghana in Sydney next Friday, countered: "I don't agree with that.

"I think we all came into a difficult situation. We tried our best and we worked hard.

"He's got the right to his own opinion and it's up to us to change that, work hard and keep going."

Despite the fact the Rams were relegated with a record low points total and they failed to win for another unwanted record run of 32 league games, Sterjovski has no regrets.

"I wouldn't change this past year for the world," said Sterjovksi, speaking to the Australian media.

"I've experienced every different type of football; we were quite successful in Turkey and then coming to the Premier League was a big step.

"I really enjoyed my time there, even though results didn't go our way.

"Everyone will now have to be ready to change things around next season, and there will be an expectation for us to do that.

"I would have loved to have won some games in the Premier League, but that hasn't happened.

"Now the main goal is to return to the Premier League."