DerbyPride

Andy, who is Daniel's dad, has just rung me to say that he has started to read through all your wonderful messages today. They have made him and Daniel's mum Lynne, cry and laugh in equal measure. 
Andy, Lynne, Daniel's sister Claire, their poodle Marley (Daniel was his butler!) and all the rest of the family are very grateful for the kind messages.
Regarding a tribute, they would prefer a round of applause on the 38th minute of the next home League game against Bristol Rovers on 25th November. There will be more friends and family who know Daniel there on that day, so it would seem more  appropriate than the cup replay this week.
 @David and @Owen87ITK, I  don't know if you can help organise this? And is it possible to have a photo on the big screen or is that not allowed? 
Andy has also asked me to share this photo of Daniel's seat yesterday, with a big thank you to all who came up to him to chat or offer condolences. He really appreciated it. 
 
 
 

Over 9 years ago I took my lad to his first away game. Charlton, midweek in the 6 weeks holidays. 
 
A game I’ll never forget. He was only 5 at the time. I could see that as soon as we walked into the ground, he might struggle with just how loud it was. We got to our seat and the game just about to kick off and everybody standing. He was only 4 foot tall so I told him to stand on his seat. He still couldn’t see properly but at least it was better. The next minute, a friendly face appeared offering us both a sweet, unbeknown to me at the time it was B4 - my lad then fell down the back of his seat hurting both his legs. B4 was straight there making sure he was OK and for the next 90 minutes made regular check ins with him to see if he was OK and reassuring him not all games are like that. 
 
At HT we spoke at length and swapped user ID’s on dcfcfans. The next day I received the below message direct from Daniel. It epitomises everything about the guy and from that moment, he’s always held a special place in my heart and always will do. Not many like him but I’m so glad our paths crossed that night. 
 
RIP buddy, DCFC won’t be the same place without you. 💙💙
 

A stranger we had yet to meet.
Our paths had never crossed.
And yet, it seems, we knew him well,
A dear friend we have lost.
A heart of gold, a Kindly soul,
A friendly word to each.
A clumsy gaff may oft appear,
But ne’er offence be reached.
A call to arms, a plea for fight,
A positive embrace.
Defiant stance, a pumping fist,
A smile on his face.
Hatred of pink, and all things red,
More strangers for him to meet.
“A sea of black and white” he’d call,
“Let’s all stand at our seat”!
A disregard for marriage,
for relationships of two,
“Never, ever” he would wail,
“That would never do”!
Yet he loved all, and we loved him.
His quirks always forgiven,
His stubbornness frustrated,
But missed, now he’s in Heaven.
The truest Ram, amongst us all,
Now gone for evermore.
For Daniel, for DCFC
Let’s all be more B4
xxx
🐏🤍

I have some very sad news this evening.  Daniel (B4) died earlier this week. He was just 38.
As you know, he has been battling numerous health conditions for a long time, but always remained cheerful  and was the most loyal supporter of his beloved Rams, home and away.
He was at the match at Crewe and gave his full support as always. 
Daniel leaves behind a grieving dad, mum and sister. Our thoughts go out to them and we only hope they get a little comfort from knowing how well loved Daniel is by all who know him. 
Here are a couple of photos that his dad agreed could be shared. I'm sure many of you have others, as Daniel loved a selfie at the game.
David is hoping to arrange a more fitting tribute in time, but for now please raise a glass in his memory and a good Derby win today. I am sure that's what Daniel would have been doing tonight.
 

After watching Paul Warnes Cambridge interview regarding the Josh Vicars situation, I can't help but feel we have it wrong about what we value in a manager. 
I understand football is about results and success, but sometimes, seeing a managers humility and connection as a humanbeing with the players, especially at times of trauma, beats the lot for me.
I've been critical of Warne, as have a lot of us, but I would love nothing more than for Warne to get us promoted. I know his "let's be mates" mentality can be a bit cringe, and his 352 does your head in, but you can tell he really cares about those around him, and I would much rather be in the trenches with a man like Warne than someone coming here for a quick cheque. 
I'm crossing everything that things go right on the pitch, but regardless of that, I just wanna commend him for the person he is.
 
Salute to you Mr Warne.
🫶
 
 

I already sense disharmony in the dressing room. Fozzy is already behind him giving the w4nker sign during his first interview.

I already sense disharmony in the dressing room. Fozzy is already behind him giving the w4nker sign during his first interview.

I already sense disharmony in the dressing room. Fozzy is already behind him giving the w4nker sign during his first interview.

I already sense disharmony in the dressing room. Fozzy is already behind him giving the w4nker sign during his first interview.

I so hope that someone with the surname "Lake" joins in that conversation (one for the oldies).

I so hope that someone with the surname "Lake" joins in that conversation (one for the oldies).

I so hope that someone with the surname "Lake" joins in that conversation (one for the oldies).

Can we have Host on the home shirt and Stay on the away shirt?

I so hope that someone with the surname "Lake" joins in that conversation (one for the oldies).

I so hope that someone with the surname "Lake" joins in that conversation (one for the oldies).

I so hope that someone with the surname "Lake" joins in that conversation (one for the oldies).

I so hope that someone with the surname "Lake" joins in that conversation (one for the oldies).

I so hope that someone with the surname "Lake" joins in that conversation (one for the oldies).

I so hope that someone with the surname "Lake" joins in that conversation (one for the oldies).

I so hope that someone with the surname "Lake" joins in that conversation (one for the oldies).

I so hope that someone with the surname "Lake" joins in that conversation (one for the oldies).

I so hope that someone with the surname "Lake" joins in that conversation (one for the oldies).

I so hope that someone with the surname "Lake" joins in that conversation (one for the oldies).