JASON Koumas has hailed the impact of Tony Mowbray at The Hawthorns, insisting: "He's the man to take the club forward."

The Welsh wizard lit up the new Wembley with his silky skills but could not find a way to unlock a stubborn Rams rearguard.

And Stephen Pearson's 61st-minute winner sentenced the Baggies to another season in the Championship.

Despite his promotion disappointment, Koumas has thanked the Albion boss for allowing him to flourish during his seven-month reign, which has seen him scoop the Championship Player-of-the-Year award.

"We had a bad spell around March which cost us big time," said Koumas.

"Yesterday, I thought we did the pressing and we had chances.

"They had one break away and scored, which sums our season up to be honest.

"The gaffer is the man to take the club forward. He is a pleasure to play for.

"I've enjoyed every single training session we have had this year.

"He is so positive and just after the game, in the dressing room, he was picking the lads up.

"He has been great for me.

"He is a great fella off the pitch.

"It's just disappointing to be speaking about this now."

The Baggies midfielder has now linked up with Wales for their Euro 2008 qualifier against the Czech Republic on Saturday.

But he admits it is going to be hard for him to lift his spirits for the Millennium Stadium encounter after yesterday's Wembley woe.

"After Derby scored they got men behind the ball and it was hard to break them down," added Koumas.

"We had a chance to get back into the top league and we didn't take it.

"It's devastating the way we got beaten but we'll pick ourselves up and go again.

"We haven't won this game and it feels like it has been a waste of a season, to be honest.

"To come this far and get beat is hard to take."