Derby manager Paul Jewell admitted he was a relieved man after the club's long winless streak in the league ended with a deserved 2-1 victory over Sheffield United at Pride Park.
A 70th-minute goal from former United striker Rob Hulse clinched the points in the Coca-Cola Championship clash and gave Derby their first league win after 36 matches in nearly a year.
It was on September 17 last year that Derby last won a league game and Jewell admitted: "My feelings are a mixture of joy and relief for everyone at the club because it has been painful."
He added: "It hasn't been nice but I am a big boy and you've got to take criticism on the chin. But I believe that we can now get on a decent run and we will improve as the season goes on.
"I also think that the supporters have been the most patient anywhere in the world after what they've had to put up with in the last 12 months. Hopefully I can repay them in the long run."
Copyright (c) PA Sport 2008, All Rights Reserved.
