Hector was the best

As I reflect on this upsetting news and read how it's affected so many I feel that I must let it be known how much my matchday experience will never be the same again. I have sat in the same seat in the East Stand since it was built, together with my wife, and sat right in front for many years was Daniel and his dad. I am a regular reader of this forum but rarely contribute. I do remember when there was much speculation as to who top fan B4 was. It eventually dawned on me that he must have been sat in front all that time. He reluctantly admitted that he was indeed the one and only B4.
I should have known because I had been discussing team selection and tactics every game for years. Half time changes that were always needed were rarely implemented by the manager, who should have known better. Sweets were often handed around and whatever happened on the pitch Daniel's support was unwavering and I sometimes felt ashamed that I couldn't raise my game when things just weren't happening and I had a feeling of impending doom.
It was a shock not to see and hear him yesterday but it was a privilege to have known Daniel.
 

Never met B4, but in 2020 I  mentioned my mum passed away in a post somewhere and within minutes B4 private messaged to say he was there if I needed to talk - he regularly messaged me checking to see if i was ok anr I can only thank him for showing such compassion to somewhere he never knew and had nothing to gain from this.
 
Reading through these posts, this seems to be a similar theme and shows what a lovely human being he was.
RIP mate, thanks for the positive vibes and I hope Derby do it this year 🙏 

Sad news. #COYR

Stunned and saddened in equal measures. 
RIP Daniel, you've touched more lives than you'll ever know.

The lad was so positive and so Derby County to the point it made people laugh at times, but that was just him. Unwavering in his love and belief in Derby.
Stark reminder for everyone, none more so than myself, to be a little bit more B4. 
Best wishes to his family. 

OMG that’s awful news. I thought it was unusual that he’s not been on here.
My thoughts go to his family and friends.
So, so sorry.

First and foremost, my thoughts are with Daniel's friends and family, I cannot imagine what they are going through right now.
I heard the news last night and it came as a huge shock, B4 as we knew him so fondly by will be a huge loss to the forum.
He was Mr Positivity, Derby County's biggest cheerleader, even during the bad times his positivity would shine through.
I know his Dad was at the game today with a scarf on his seat, whilst we haven't closed the gap on Portsmouth in Daniel's final rallying call on this forum, I'm sure he will be over the moon with the 3 goals and 3 points today.
DCFC Fans will be honouring Daniel in time to ensure he remains in our memories, we will also be contacting the club in due course to see what can be done during a game.
Suggestions are welcomed as we all come to terms with the loss.
Rest in peace Daniel. ❤️🐏

Oh f****** hell. Love the lad and I hope he knew we collectively loved him too.

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.
 

A day of surprises. More changes than I expected, especially considering the EFL rules for selection for the Trophy.

Brown never really got into the game. He's a better player than he showed last night but got no decent ball

Wilson took 25 minutes to get the better of their left back but was brilliant after that

Collo started poorly, his first 4 involvements were committing 2 fouls and being caught offside twice. After that he played well and got the hattrick. Also Barks' MOTM. Not mine though.

Young Weston replaced Brown at HT and was a revelation. All action, getting stuck in, an assist and a goal.

My favourite player on the day was Fapetu. You wouldn't think he was making his senior debut. That cheeky 50 yard attempt shows he has great vision to go with his skill and work rate. Gets stuck into the oppo as well. We might see him and Weston on the bench in one or both of the next 2 games.

watched the EFL game v Wolves last night (with the other 5 who could be bothered) Warne went with 2 upfront with Collins and Brown  who just kept getting in each others way.
 
Then a sub was brought on and how he changed the dynamic only about 5' nowt but superb control and so pacy and imagine this (he knows where the goal is 😉)
Well played young man, a low COG player in the mould of the late Franny Lee and a  pleasure to watch .Once he bulks up a bit he will be someone to watch. What a shame you all missed it (cue excuses)
 
 

Imagine having Washington and Bird in the middle of the box and thinking the best way to score is by putting high crosses in

I watched it and yes we were camped in their half. However, it's not just the amount of the ball we have but what we do with it that matters. Watching the Northampton game I wondered if the form and reaction of the fans had finally got Warne to reassess. We looked far more creative and menacing. Today, it was back to switching it to the flanks, putting a ball in and hoping something breaks for us in the box. Couldn't disagree more with angieram either, the second half lacked subtlety, movement, pace, or precision. It was one lump into the box after another and was far too easy to defend against. 

Did Crewe really have 6-7 regular first team players absent?

You're right. Apart from attacking, or defending, we did ok.
That was nowhere near good enough against Crewe reserves. It's a meaningless game, but we were just doing the same thing again and again and again. Rubbish.

I thought we played well. Making progress.

To stick with one up front when trying to claw back 2 goals is pathetic.

Got out of jail there 

No surprise both our goals came from playing the ball on the ground and not from one of the 300 crosses aimed at the 6'5" striker we don't have. 

Still get him gone.

I’m ashamed of myself I actually got annoyed we equalised. I’ve never thought this about Derby, ever.
That man is ruining our club 😭 

Rubbish. Got out of jail. We can't win 4-0 and then follow it up like that, zero ideas except for cross the ball and hope.
Things need to improve consistently, and quick.

Still Warne out for me I’m afraid

Great to have equalised but Warne does not deserve this - his failings costs us again today.