GOAL-DEN GOODBYE: Zamora fires QPR into the Premier League in injury time

BOBBY ZAMORA scored the goal that put QPR back in the Premier League – but he might not be able to enjoy the big time with them.

GOAL_DEN GOODBYE: Out of contract Zamora sealed promotion for QPR

The striker, 33, came on as a substitute and struck in the 90th minute to maintain his remarkable Championship Play-Off record.

Zamora’s goal came out of the blue after Derby had penned Rangers into their own half for virtually all the match.

Rangers were also down to ten men after Gary O’Neil had been sent off in the 60th minute.

It was a magic moment for boss Harry Redknapp, who showed once again he is still a major force in English football. Redknapp is a remarkable manager and deserved the rapturous applause that greeted him when he lifted the cup at the end.

He turned Rangers around when they were on their knees, torn apart by dressing-room rifts and players who were earning peanuts doing more than the in-coming big earners.

Without him, there is no doubt Rangers would have disappeared into a black hole.

But victory for Rangers meant there was no fairytale return to Wembley for Derby boss Steve McClaren, who had hoped to complete a career turnaround by leading the Rams back to the Premier League.

GOING UP: QPR secure promotion to the Premier League

He was back at the scene of his lowest ebb – and it turned into an even bigger nightmare.

He will wonder how this game got away from his talented side.

For long periods, the man cruelly dubbed ‘the Wally with the Brolly’ – a reference to his time as England boss – looked liked exorcising his Wembley ghost.

Derby were all over Rangers like a rash from the opening minute but lacked the killer touch that had seen them score 90 goals which took them into the play-offs.

Rangers packed their defence and, as Derby gradually ran out of steam, Zamora struck at the death.

Junior Hoilett crossed the ball from the right, defender Richard Keogh fl uffed his clearance and the old war horse – who is out of contract.

McClaren’s head slumped in despair.

The Rams’ chief had stayed in his seat, avoiding the Wembley touchline as he knew the cameras would be on him.

But Derby’s players could have done with him as they lacked a killer touch – even after O‘Neill had been red-carded on the hour for bringing down Johnny Russell as he homed in on goal.

History has shown clubs who finish third in their respective divisions usually win.

But Derby tossed that theory out of the window yesterday.

Their team of young, virtual unknowns badly needed the old heads Rangers had in vast numbers, like Richard Dunne, Joey Barton and their unfl appable keeper Robert Green.

Derby were dominant in all areas but they just could not control the ball when it mattered.

Perhaps that was a good thing as their last visit to the Premier League, six years ago broke all records – but not in a good way as they were relegated with
just 11 points.

They looked good on the b a l l yesterday – but they were missing the X-factor.

And for long spells the match did look to be sticking to the script – but Derby just could not fi nd the fi nish.

Redknapp patrolled his line, never fl apping and his calm approach rubbed off on his team.

They remained unfl ustered and when their chance did eventually come it was coolly taken.

BARTON AND UP: Barton and Tony Fernandes celebrating promotion

As the Wembley showpiece started at breakneck pace.

QPR ’ s leading scorer Charlie Austin fired in a 20-yard stinger that whistled over Derby’s bar in the 7th minute.

Craig Forsyth wasted a close-range header in the 24th minute as Derby gradually established their hold on the game.

Referee Lee Mason rightfully rejected Derby’s claim for a 27th-minute penalty when Will Hughes slipped under pressure from Richard Dunne.

Austin then wasted a 56th-minute chance, angling his side-footed shot wide following a continual bombardment of the Derby goal.

Rams sub Craig Bryson forced Rangers keeper Green to dive low and palm out a shot as McClaren’s side relentlessly pushed forward.

And so it went on.

Derby gradually took over but sadlsadly lacked the quality and experience to get over the line and take the prize.