Some bitter rival on some message board, I can't remember where, called it the 'Tax evaders cup'
I hope he chokes on his own vomit while his house is burning down.
We sang a David Clowes song in the south stand at the Leyton Orient match.
David Clowes my lord, David Clowes
David Clowes my lord, David Clowes
David Clowes my lord, David Clowes
Oh lord David Clowes.
Saved our club my lord, saved our club
Saved our club my lord, saved our club
Saved our club my lord, saved our club
Oh lord David Clowes.
Pride Park Stadium
KO - 12.30
Ticket Update: Forgeddaboutit
Match is also live on Sky Sports
What it is to be a Derby fan. After Northampton, even yours truly was feeling a tad deflated. With Blackpool, Pompey and Wycombe next up, my mood was more pensive and hopeful, than upbeat, as many others seemed to feel that we'd blown another golden opportunity. In fairness, that was understandable, if only to a point. Happily though, it appears that Warne and the chaps did not get the memo informing them of their impending capitulation and decided to go on an 5 game unbeaten run instead. That effort not only cemented us in the top 2, as others buckled under pressure, but now sees us teetering right on the edge of promotion glory; agonisingly poised, we have one foot in the sunlit uplands of the Championship (*shudder), the other remaining firmly planted in the nightmarish possibility of yet more play-off induced football terrors. But need we really be worried?
After recent history and the near demise of our great club, I think it's understandable that some Derby fans might adopt a mildly cautious outlook and demeanour. In recent years, whatever may go wrong, typically has done and in so much, it's fair to say that a robust constitution is a mandatory requirement for a group of fans who've had more than their fair share share of emotional kickings over the last decade. Most Rams will confess that in some ways, it's hard not to expect the worst, based on recent history, but then isn't the dream what it's all about? After all, if you strip away the hopes and dreams, what do you really have left? It's been a season to test our nerves, that much is clear, but despite a lot of infighting, we've hung it all together in the end and here we are, fate firmly in our own hands. Remember too, that for some of our young 'uns, Saturday is a potentially momentous day. Automatic promotions don't come around every year and many won't have experienced one in their lives to date and for our elder statesmen and women, this could be an emotional roller coaster too.
Outside the club itself, expectations are sky high. The bookmakers have all but closed the book on our promotion chances and after all, a single point is all we require against a Carlisle side who remain 10 points adrift at the very foot of the table and with seemingly nothing other than professional pride at stake. The oddsmakers are undoubtedly right from a statistical standpoint, but playing devil's advocate for a moment, Carlisle will view this as a free hit and will play without pressure (think Wycombe) and for some, the game provides an ideal opportunity to showcase their talents in a high-profile game with the Sky cameras watching on. Summer moves may beckon, for any player who shines.
Worthy favourites then, IMHO, but doubtless a good few will still be anxiously awaiting Saturday's outcome.
Not me mind. I’ll be drunk from @noon on Wednesday.
The Permutations:
Quite simple now, on paper at least; a win or a draw and we say, 'hasta la visa, baby' and kiss this league goodbye, hopefully forever. A loss, by a single goal would leave Bolton needing to beat Posh 3-0 in order to break the hearts of the Rams faithful, snatching 2nd place by virtue of having scored more goals. Not quite the proverbial slam-dunk then, but we're strong favourites, all the same and rightly so IMO.
Elsewhere, we, along with Bolton, will be hoping Posh slip up midweek; Posh will be hoping they don't and Barnsley and Lincoln will be nervously looking over their shoulders with both Oxford and Blackpool snapping at their heels. I'd dearly love to see Blackpool snatch the last playoff slot!
The key fixtures for the final rounds, with promotion hopefuls underlined, are as below:
Tuesday 23/04-2024
Cheltenham vs Peterborough - 19.45
Saturday 27/04/2024
Barnsley vs Northampton - 12.30
Exeter vs Oxford - 12.30
Lincoln Vs Portsmouth - 12.30
Peterborough vs Bolton - 12.30
Reading Vs Blackpool - 12.30
My guesses are Posh to beat Cheltenham and draw with Bolton. Barnsley to beat Northampton, Oxford to turn over Exeter, Lincoln and Pompey to draw and Blackpool to beat Reading. Make of that what you will!
Our Opponents – A Brief History:
Founded in 1896 as Shaddongate United, Carlisle United Football Club is a professional association football club based in Cumbria, who have played their home games at Brunton Park since 1909. The club's traditional kit is blue with white and red detail, whilst the badge takes elements from the city's coat of arms by including two Wyverns. They are nicknamed the "Blues", due to their kit, as well as the "Cumbrians". The club is the northernmost English professional football club seated close to the Anglo-Scottish border. Crowned Lancashire Combination, Division Two champions in 1906–07, they entered the North Eastern League in 1910 and went on to win the league title in 1921–22, before being elected into the Football League in 1928.
Head to Head:
Sadly, Carlisle have a pretty decent record against our beloved Rams. Twenty-three competitive fixtures have seen Derby win 9, draw 6 and lose 8. Our first fixture, in the old Division 3 North back in 1955, saw Derby win 3-0. More recently, the two teams have met three time in the last decade with Derby bookending the decade with 2-0 wins, with a 1-1 between them.
Games Played: 23
Games Won:9
Games Drawn:6
Games Lost:8
Our last Meeting:
The corresponding fixture at Brunton Park was way back in September with a James Collins brace giving the game a rather more comforting veneer than was perhaps warranted. Carlisle looked tidy and Gibson and Moxon in particular, gave Derby plenty to think about. On that performance, you might have been forgiven for thinking Carlisle would do ok this season, but it’s fair to say that things have not gone well for the Cumbrian outfit and their relegation was a formality from some way out.
Carlisle United - Recent Form:
Carlisle's recent form has been distinctly patchy, with their last 5 games comprising a 3-1 home loss to that awful club near Henley, another home loss by the odd goal to Blackpool, a hard-earned away win at Cheltenham, before consecutive losses to Northampton and Lincoln.
Saturday 20th April
Carlisle United 1 Wycombe Wanderers 3
Saturday 13th April
Carlisle United 0 Blackpool 1
Tuesday 9th April
Cheltenham Town 0 Carlisle United 1
Saturday 6th April
Northampton Town 2 Carlisle United 0
Monday 1st April
Carlisle United 1 Lincoln City 3
Carlisle United - Key Players:
Quite a relief that we won’t be facing Owen Moxon, snapped up by Pompey in the January window. Most of what was good about Carlisle seemed to start with him, but in Jordan Gibson, they still retain some meaningful threat. He's tricky with ball at feet, looks to attack and has a shot on him. He tops the scorer’s chart with 7 goals and 3 assists whilst Sam Lavelle with 4 assists is a goal provider to note. Mellish with 5 goals and Butterworth and Garner with 4 a piece, round out the principal Carlisle goal threats. it would be remiss not to mention also that their current manager, is none other than the much respected, Paul Simpson. Nudge, nudge, wink wink, Paul! The other ex-Rams fun fact would be that Luke Plange had a brief and unremarkable spell with the Cumbrians this season, before seeking warmer weather with HJK Helsinki.
Rams Team News:
Some will be itching for change after a stuttering performance at Cambridge. My own thoughts on that game are that Cambridge fought ridiculously hard and we had to try and match that extreme intensity before we could even think about playing our game. The pitch looked both short and narrow to me had clearly been subject to a hosepipe ban and I think all of these factors led to a feisty and extremely combative game, from which we did well to emerge with maximum points. Back on home soil, a larger pitch and a (marginally) better surface, I’d expect us to look rather more fluid.
Sadly, this will be the last time we get to watch young Max Bird play for the club. There’s been some really silly stuff written about our most technically gifted footballer and I have to confess that seeing him leave for Brizzle will be like a kick to the gut. That said, the fee garnered enabled some key signings and it could be argued that in hindsight, this was smart business. Nah, I'm not convinced either, but needs must? Quite possibly. Irrespective, I’d love to see him among the starting 11 for his swansong. I’m sure the Derby faithful will give him the send-off he deserves, in what may be a somewhat bittersweet celebration, for both us as fans and Max himself, lest we forget.
With that in mind, here’s my team selection, which will of course in no way resemble the gaffer’s:
The defence really needs to remain unchanged. A more determined and obdurate back 3 you’d struggle to find. Wildsmith retains the #1 jersey, despite some idiosyncratic ball distribution. To my way of thinking, he makes saves that matter and that outweighs his wayward passing.
I’ve drafted in Bird to replace Korey Smith, who would perhaps be hard done by should Warne follow suit. Max would partner the irrepressible Ebou Adams, a pairing that ought to give us a solid foundation in midfield. Working hard on the flanks, I’d have Wilson and Sibley, two players I absolutely love. The latter especially, has really matured over the course of the season, proving yours truly and others wrong in the process and he has oodles of ability if this progress and work ethic can be maintained.
Thommo is also retained and will hopefully sit a little higher and rat like his life depends on it. He and Collo put in Herculean shifts against Cambridge, doing the work that seldom attracts the plaudits, but is often key to our success. He can also interchange with a front two of Collo and Nate, who should give Carlisle plenty to think about. Barks, Gayle and Smith appear the obvious change-ups, with Hourihane, Vickers and Elder in reserve, but much will depend on who is truly healthy on the day.
And that, ladies and gentlemen is me done for the season. I’m fancying us for a decent performance, with a little style on show after an early goal to settle the nerves. 3-0 is the call with Collo, Nate and Sibs my fancies as the scorers. After some 55 games across the season, this one has definitely felt like something of a marathon, but in spite of the divided fan base, I’ve enjoyed seeing us tough it out. The football has been mildly bipolar, great one week, not so much the next, but I think all sides at this lowly level are inconsistent, only us and Pompey slightly less so than the others. Should we progress, of course we will face different challenges, but we will also have a very different playing roster. Doubts about the style of football will persist, but personally, I don't think Clowes will even contemplate letting Warne go and as such, Warne will retain my support until such time as he doesn't!
Here’s hoping then, for a resounding win, a respectful but joyous celebration of an important and healing day for all connected with the club and one that the majority can safely enjoy. Also, calm and stress-free journeys for any fans travelling significant distances and a bright and shiny, new future for Derby County Football club.
COYR
BE MORE B4
Sky TV is f****** s***.
It’s ruined the game as we know it. The benefit goes to parasitic agents, for reasons I have never understood (why don’t the players pay them - why the clubs?) and players exorbitant wages whilst those of us who actually go to the matches are merely ignored and inconvenienced at the whim of a TV schedule.
Football is nothing without the fans they all said during Covid. What a load of s*** that was. Sky TV can f*** right off as far as I am concerned.
Anyway, anyone want to talk about the good and bad bits about the game ? Individual performances ?
Or is this just the usual polarised Warne is a clown, Bradley is a liability, recruitment is rubbish, Sibley should play for England, Collins is a donkey, Ipswich were better than us. Etc etc etc ?
for me, I had big hopes for Ward but he seems to have self doubt, doesn’t instinctively seek front foot which he is undoubtedly capable, thought Sibs did a couple of stormingly good tackles then spoilt it giving the ball away and being too lightweight. Back line did well, major blooper apart. Adams is a machine that bites, Collo just never gives up and gives everything and is effective. NML full of fight but carrying that foot injury took his edge away. Birdy looks much freer with Adams behind him. Not moaning about the ref except as far as his lack of interest in wrestling
Evening Rams, first time poster on here and a Charlton fan with a bit of a soft spot for Derby.
I just wanted to share my thoughts, vlog, and get some ideas for the fast approaching away tie (first visit). Unfortunately, I lived in Nottingham for 3 years and never quite ventured to Derby, only for a solo house viewing once. What's some good spots for away fans and what are the good touristy things that represent your city in a good light, I like to try and capture the place I visit on my vlogs if I can.
Congrats on the win, I didn't think there was much in it, and thought it was a classic away performance, you slowed the game, frustrated us and had a moment of quality on a mistake to seal the 3 points. My thoughts on Warne are, I believe he will get you promoted, whether it's this season or the next, but I think he'd have yous struggling in the championship. I think back to how good yous were in the early 2010s, and it's night and day. I remember a game at the Valley where we won 3-2 but you played liquid football at times, I've seen a few of your fans say the football is negative and hard to get behind, I'm always stuck in two minds if results matter more though overall.
Anyway here's my vlog:
My uncle Antnony features on here and he's a life long Ram, not sure if he'd be a familiar face.
Always had a soft spot for yous for two reasons, the first being we shared an FA cup final (way before my time of course) and that I actually donned one of your kits when I was younger. It was the away strip from the late 90s, my uncle was trying to convince me to be a Derby fan and bought me it. Funny story is, I ate too much pizza one night and threw up all over it, resulting in it having to be thrown away, a week later I attended the Valley and the rest is history! I was probably one bad pizza party and a trip away from Derby to being a full time Ram haha.
All the best for the season, I hope to see some of yous at Pride Park and look forward to my visit. Good luck in the hunt for promotion, hope yous can do it 👍🏻
Just listened to the Gaffers post match interview. Really honest and thoughtful. He clearly cares for his players and loves the Club. Well done Paul and thanks for all you are doing to get promotion despite the wrist slashers constant carping and sniping, mainly from Sunday league arm chair experts.
It's all subjective, and the best anyone could say about the last 3 matches is they have been incredibly frustrating. My memory might be playing tricks on me, but the John Newman team of the 80s played dire stuff week in week out, and the 83-84 relegation, initially with Taylor and then McFarland, was truly awful, despite the run to the Cup Q-finals. Maybe its an age thing but that season was so demoralizing as a fresh faced 17 year old, as I really believed Taylor would lead us back to Division 1. Turned out John Robertson was past it, and so was Taylor sadly. Took Cox two seasons to sort it out, and this is where I get a bit annoyed with PW. We did play football in 85-86, as did Ipswich last season, not just relying on athleticism. However despite the crowds, we don't have the financial pull we had in the Cox era. Gregory, Micklewhite, Christie all dropped divisions to come to Derby, and we paid fees for gems like Geriant Williams and Mel Sage. The madness of Mel (Morris not Sage!) and the punitive actions of the EFL have left us shopping at Age Concern, and as a support we don't like it as our self image is we are better than this. So do I think we have the league One Guardiola - definitely not, do I think Warne can get us promoted - maybe. What can we do about it? Try and stay behind the team when Cheltenham or similar have spells of giving us the run around and don't think we've won the league when we have nights like Oxford (A). In the end we scrapped over the line in 85-86 with a dodgy penalty v Rotherham. It might be the same this season, it might not - we are too inconsistent for me to make any predictions. But don't let the frustrations get to you as being a Derby fan, if you haven't realised already, drives you mad if you let it. 🙂
Up the Rams
Just come on to catch up on the afternoon's "Great day at the office", and was immediately hit with this thunderbolt!
Utterly gutted! 😢
Yes, he's wound me up in the past, on occasion. Sometimes I've had a nibble at him. Sometimes I've bit my tongue and said nowt.
But oh so much more than that, his total and utter positivity was never disregarded, and his loyalty to, and passion for, DCFC was never... ever... doubted.
I'm not ashamed to say, He's been... and will remain for eternity... more of a Ram than I'll ever be. 🐏
Such devastating news does indeed put everything into perspective.
Today's game comes a distant second behind this... even to the point that I'm really not in the mood any more, for a catch up on the matchday thread... but do you know what... today was precisely the sort of performance and result that would have delighted him... and just what he would normally have predicted with his blind, unwavering faith. Despite my mood, I'm gonna read the lot... and read every single word in his memory... with a raised glass in hand! 🍻
I hope you were watching from above, B4, (Of course you were... silly me!) and I hope it put a massive grin on your face... and a spring in your step, now you are finally free at last, from your physical pains.
Feel free to bellow through the clouds "I told you so"! 😁
I'm sure many of us will mark your gut-wrenching passing in any number of ways in the coming matches... be that privately and/or publicly, and it is no less than you deserve.
I won't hesitate to twirl my scraver in your honour at future games, and my DCFC flange will forever be at half mast.
Sleep well, dear Buddy. Up The Rams. See you at the promotion party.
xxx
😢🍻🐏
Devastating news and thoughts go to his family. As a long time lurker who never posts, his posts are always a bright light and I think most of us aspire to be half the fan he is. RIP B4
For heavens sake, why don’t some of our so called fans show some positivity and back the team and manager rather than trying to create an atmosphere of negativity. Like him or not, Paul Warne is going nowhere soon so for Christ’s sake, back him!
Put whatever device your using to post these messages down. Walk to the nearest mirror and take a good hard look at yourself.
If you want us to lose, then, you're the problem.
