Animal is a Ram

It's not that there's anything outrageous about this statement, there isn't. Of course, he's right, but it's also blindingly obvious; loans going back and contracts expiring - we'll need those signings regardless of the league we find ourselves in.
It's that it consistently happens in the wake of a win, which makes it look like Bris is content to urinate on everyone's chips and bring the mood down. All people want to do is enjoy the good feeling 3 points bring, and be excited about promotion.
Let us worry about next season after (hopefully) basking in the glow of a first promotion in 17 years. I'm going to enjoy it and praise the good job Warne has done this season. Record points tally, record away wins in a season... it is about time the club and fans had some good times.
 

It's a way down my list of priorities for going.
I just said, I don't expect to be entertained. Mostly because, especially this season, there's always a team doing their damndest to stop that.
Yes, sport is entertainment, but only really for a neutral. In my opinion.

I believe the club have been drip releasing seats, especially the ones closest to the away support in the East stand.
It'll also be that all the hospitality has sold out, I expect?

It's not that there's anything outrageous about this statement, there isn't. Of course, he's right, but it's also blindingly obvious; loans going back and contracts expiring - we'll need those signings regardless of the league we find ourselves in.
It's that it consistently happens in the wake of a win, which makes it look like Bris is content to urinate on everyone's chips and bring the mood down. All people want to do is enjoy the good feeling 3 points bring, and be excited about promotion.
Let us worry about next season after (hopefully) basking in the glow of a first promotion in 17 years. I'm going to enjoy it and praise the good job Warne has done this season. Record points tally, record away wins in a season... it is about time the club and fans had some good times.
 

Unscripted 

The modifier you're missing out on is the emotional component for a lot of people.
I go to Derby games because I like watching football and I have an emotional connection to the club. I don't expect to be entertained, because it's not guaranteed.
 

The modifier you're missing out on is the emotional component for a lot of people.
I go to Derby games because I like watching football and I have an emotional connection to the club. I don't expect to be entertained, because it's not guaranteed.
 

It's not that there's anything outrageous about this statement, there isn't. Of course, he's right, but it's also blindingly obvious; loans going back and contracts expiring - we'll need those signings regardless of the league we find ourselves in.
It's that it consistently happens in the wake of a win, which makes it look like Bris is content to urinate on everyone's chips and bring the mood down. All people want to do is enjoy the good feeling 3 points bring, and be excited about promotion.
Let us worry about next season after (hopefully) basking in the glow of a first promotion in 17 years. I'm going to enjoy it and praise the good job Warne has done this season. Record points tally, record away wins in a season... it is about time the club and fans had some good times.
 

For he's a Jolly, good fellow.

It's not that there's anything outrageous about this statement, there isn't. Of course, he's right, but it's also blindingly obvious; loans going back and contracts expiring - we'll need those signings regardless of the league we find ourselves in.
It's that it consistently happens in the wake of a win, which makes it look like Bris is content to urinate on everyone's chips and bring the mood down. All people want to do is enjoy the good feeling 3 points bring, and be excited about promotion.
Let us worry about next season after (hopefully) basking in the glow of a first promotion in 17 years. I'm going to enjoy it and praise the good job Warne has done this season. Record points tally, record away wins in a season... it is about time the club and fans had some good times.
 

It's not that there's anything outrageous about this statement, there isn't. Of course, he's right, but it's also blindingly obvious; loans going back and contracts expiring - we'll need those signings regardless of the league we find ourselves in.
It's that it consistently happens in the wake of a win, which makes it look like Bris is content to urinate on everyone's chips and bring the mood down. All people want to do is enjoy the good feeling 3 points bring, and be excited about promotion.
Let us worry about next season after (hopefully) basking in the glow of a first promotion in 17 years. I'm going to enjoy it and praise the good job Warne has done this season. Record points tally, record away wins in a season... it is about time the club and fans had some good times.
 

It's not that there's anything outrageous about this statement, there isn't. Of course, he's right, but it's also blindingly obvious; loans going back and contracts expiring - we'll need those signings regardless of the league we find ourselves in.
It's that it consistently happens in the wake of a win, which makes it look like Bris is content to urinate on everyone's chips and bring the mood down. All people want to do is enjoy the good feeling 3 points bring, and be excited about promotion.
Let us worry about next season after (hopefully) basking in the glow of a first promotion in 17 years. I'm going to enjoy it and praise the good job Warne has done this season. Record points tally, record away wins in a season... it is about time the club and fans had some good times.
 

Good point.  I think we remember the Reading game because of the way the season collapsed in the last 10-12 games, well I do anyway.  T going into that game we were on a shocking run of form.  Plus, it’s a typically British trait to look on the dark side and imagine the worst.
This season is totally different.  We’re in good form, we’re playing bottom of the league at home and we don’t need to rely on anyone else.  When it’s come down to clinching automatic promotion we can get over the line.  We did in 86, 87 and 96.

It's not that there's anything outrageous about this statement, there isn't. Of course, he's right, but it's also blindingly obvious; loans going back and contracts expiring - we'll need those signings regardless of the league we find ourselves in.
It's that it consistently happens in the wake of a win, which makes it look like Bris is content to urinate on everyone's chips and bring the mood down. All people want to do is enjoy the good feeling 3 points bring, and be excited about promotion.
Let us worry about next season after (hopefully) basking in the glow of a first promotion in 17 years. I'm going to enjoy it and praise the good job Warne has done this season. Record points tally, record away wins in a season... it is about time the club and fans had some good times.
 

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
 

It's not that there's anything outrageous about this statement, there isn't. Of course, he's right, but it's also blindingly obvious; loans going back and contracts expiring - we'll need those signings regardless of the league we find ourselves in.
It's that it consistently happens in the wake of a win, which makes it look like Bris is content to urinate on everyone's chips and bring the mood down. All people want to do is enjoy the good feeling 3 points bring, and be excited about promotion.
Let us worry about next season after (hopefully) basking in the glow of a first promotion in 17 years. I'm going to enjoy it and praise the good job Warne has done this season. Record points tally, record away wins in a season... it is about time the club and fans had some good times.
 

It's not that there's anything outrageous about this statement, there isn't. Of course, he's right, but it's also blindingly obvious; loans going back and contracts expiring - we'll need those signings regardless of the league we find ourselves in.
It's that it consistently happens in the wake of a win, which makes it look like Bris is content to urinate on everyone's chips and bring the mood down. All people want to do is enjoy the good feeling 3 points bring, and be excited about promotion.
Let us worry about next season after (hopefully) basking in the glow of a first promotion in 17 years. I'm going to enjoy it and praise the good job Warne has done this season. Record points tally, record away wins in a season... it is about time the club and fans had some good times.
 

Since Ronnie Moore gave them 4 cobsexutive seasons in the Championship during the early 2000's, Rotherham have only survived in the Championship on 3 occasions.
14/15 (Steve Evans), 15/16 (thanks to Warnock's 24 points in 16 games), then 22/23 (Warne's 14 points in 9 games and Taylor's 36 pounts in 32 games).
Just a year after Warnock averaged 1.5 points per gane, Warne picked up just 16 in 28 games. The question here is how much damage Stubbs (6 points in 13 games) did to the squad in the summer to make it harder for Warne.
Warne's last 2 seasons at Rotherham also showed signs of end of season fatigue, where if the had maintained their early season form over their final 10 games, they would have won the league in 20/21 (finished 2nd), and stayed up in 21/22 at our expense (finished 23rd). The 19/20 season was cut short due to Covid.
Burnout is also something we experienced last season, picking up just 12 points from our final 10 games. Continuing early season form would have meant a 5th place finish. This season, whilst there are arguments for pushing players too hard, results over these final 10 games haven't suffered. Potentially due to having a bigger and better balanced squad than he's had previously?

Been on this forum with you for well over a decade now Bris, for the love of f****** god please enjoy yourself
You’re not the CEO of Derby you’re a bloke posting on a forum, you don’t have to qualify that you want better results next season (Paul Warne is neither reading nor respecting your comment) you can just enjoy that we won’t be playing in 4,000 seat stadiums next year
No promotion at this club in 17 years (over half my lifetime btw, I was in primary school) and you’re sat here posting that we need to be better next season, cheers you bloody football genius
Feel free to reply but I’m out on the piss and shan’t be reading it

The bloke is a league one promotion specialist who was hired to get us out of league one and has successfully got us out of league one
Love Paul Warne
Love bobble hats
Love him being a bit of a weirdo
Love s****, hard to watch, un-entertaining football
Love more points and away wins than a club that founded the football league over 100 years ago has ever had in one season
Love getting out of league one in just two seasons off the back of a huge crisis
YOU RAMS 🐏❤️

Great to see Clowes supporting too - hoping the one club approach does wonders for developing the women's too.
Fantastic achievement, up the Ewes!

Very unfortunate with the disallowed goal today.
However, when they were in the s*** and about to be bought by asset strippers SISU for a pound,  they got a lot of support from Derby as we had previously been their target.
When we were in the s*** and a few months from going under, they gave us a rounding rendition of Derby County die and started throwing s*** at our fans.
So feck em

Slight deviation from topic since it's about Collins, but nice to see the locals are still bitter about 'snowgate' 🤣
 

If we're promoted at PP, it'll happen. I hope it doesn't happen at Cambridge though, should we have results go our way there.
They said the same thing just before the Brighton play-off semi. I may or may not have been on the pitch that day.