Skipper Robbie Savage has reiterated his desire to lead Derby County back to the Premier League after their relegation was confirmed following Saturday's 2-2 draw at home to Fulham.

The point could have kept Derby's hopes alive but Birmingham City's 3-1 success against Manchester City condemned them to a quick return to the Championship.

Savage expects there to be plenty of changes at Pride Park ahead of the 2008/09 season kicking off - but he wants to play a part next season.

"I'm sure there will a huge shake-up in the summer," he told www.dcfc.co.uk.

"I wanted to establish myself and I hope I've done that now and I look forward hopefully to leading this club back into the Premier League.

"That's the place to be and it's going to hurt next year not being there. The Championship will be a new experience for me.

"I have never played in the Championship and there are more games but I would rather play than train and if we get the right players we can bounce back.

"The manager has his own ideas. He is a fantastic guy and he wants to be surrounded by winners.

"In the next six games the players are playing for their future either here or elsewhere."

Savage is one of a number of players signed by Paul Jewell during the January transfer window.

It has been something of a transitional period and for the new faces it hasn't been particularly easy to settle.

But two of his fellow transfer window arrivals, Mile Sterjovski and Tito Villa, both showed plenty against Fulham to back Jewell's judgment.

Villa scored twice, the second assisted by Sterjovski, and Savage feels both will be fine buys.

He added: "I've been around the block and it was difficult for me coming to a new club so it must have been especially tough for Mile and Tito coming in from abroad.

"Both looked like they have settled today and Tito's second goal was a fantastic header and he worked his socks off.

"The manager wants people with belief who are winners and it's vital next season that we make a good start."

We are Derby - get your 2008/09 Derby County season ticket secured!