Bald Eagle's Barmy Army

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. 💙💙
 

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. 💙💙
 

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. 💙💙
 

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. 💙💙
 

Can we have the B4 Match Thread so he is with us every single game we play?  

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. 💙💙
 

Hi all, I'm another long time reader of the forum but have never felt brave enough to join and post, until now. Like many of you I didn't know B4, but recognised him and his dad at away matches. Last season I was sat next to him at Bristol Rovers, and although we exchanged pleasantries, again I wasn't brave enough to say I recognised him from the forum! If I had, I would have said, as a confirmed "happy clapper" myself, how lovely it was to read his always positive posts, and how his absolute love for our club shone through. It's a measure of the man how many of us are saddened at his passing, even though we didn't know him. Heartfelt condolences to all B4's family and friends, and I hope in time all these lovely messages will bring them some  comfort. 

Absolute legend - so positive, totally unwavering and, strangely, a constant in life which is unusual for someone I only knew through here... but he was always here... his kindness stood out to me, can't really remember him having a bad word to say (other than about Forest, Leeds and a slightly irrational hatred of pink shirts).
He'll be missed more than he'll ever know...
Much love to B4 and his family 🤍🖤🐏

Repeating what I’ve just put in the other B4 thread: next home match can we change the pre-kick off song to “B4 Is Watching”?

Just a thought, hopefully somebody close to the club can make it happen v Bristol Rovers.
Rams shirt produced with ‘RIP B4’ on the back. It is shown on the scoreboard in either the 4th or 38th minute in the ground. A minute applause from fans whichever minute the family deem most appropriate. Shirt is signed by the squad post game and presented to his parents.
I appreciate the club cannot always show this level of tribute following the passing of a fan, but B4 was a one off, and everything DCFC epitomises. He deserves a tribute such as this in my opinion, and one which will give him the send off he deserves 🐏 

B4's family will be devastated but what amazing tributes reading through this thread in full. I hope it brings them a little comfort

Such sad news, lots of us when we weren’t grafting at Royce’s use to log on to the site just to see what B4 had to say, he was a DCFC legend as proven by this thread. I like many never met him but he was always positive and from some of the stories on here a caring and kind soul, if there were more like him the world wouldn’t be in such a mess as it is now
RIP B4

That’s brilliant @Mucker1884 😭 

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. 💙💙
 

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. 💙💙
 

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. 💙💙
 

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 few comments from the Barnsley forum regards James Collins
Aye, proper dark arts. He made a fool of Mael and Williams all game.

He old manned us unfortunately.

Absolutely disgusting tackle on de Gevigney in the first 15 and our players just stood doing double teapots.

James Collins. Lucky not to be sent off in first 20mins. Flopped over in the box for the pen, scored from a millimeter out, led with his elbow for every aerial challenge. Yet got man of the match? 

If we could afford him he's exactly what we need(we cant).
Always a threat with goals and his dark arts are a massive part of his game.
One of those you hate to play against but would love in your team.

…………….that’s more like it! 😄

The only down side to this thread is the number of folk who have mentioned spirit... and not one of you has mis-spelled it!  
We all loved flanges and scravers of course, but "Spirt" was a personal favourite of mine.  I'm gonna miss that!  😢 
 
Anyway...
Lots of usernames on here that I simply don't recognise.  A couple of dozen previous posts here, a few hundred there.
Countless claims of "Don't post very often but..."
Numerous lurkers clicking away on their keyboard.
Even a few new sign-ups for the sole purpose of passing on their condolences.
And a list as long as your arm, of posters who never met the lad... me included... "But felt like we knew him"!
I've also very briefly touched on my own PM's shared with B4... all at his behest I hasten to add... and I'll not add to that, as those conversations remain private, suffice to say, I shouldn't have been as surprised as I was (shame on me!) to now learn that he pretty much contacted anyone and everyone that had posted of the merest hint of troubles in their own lives... whilst the lad himself arguably suffered more than most.
Every word in this thread points to someone special.  Of that, there is no doubt.  Unique.  Caring to the core.  One of a kind, amongst many of a kindred spirt! (😉)
Arguably, the clearest evidence of that eons old adage "You don't know what you have until it's gone".
I hope to God that if he didn't know then, he knows now!  It's clear how his being... and now his parting soul... has touched so many of us.
He truly will be forever remembered. 
xxx
 
 

Jeez , reading all the posts this morning has brought tears to my eyes as did the news last night , when that happens over someone you’ve never met in person it tells you something 🤷🏻‍♂️,
was wondering if it would be fitting if we could chip in and have this thread printed and perhaps presented nicely in a remembrance book format for his family as a mark of what a special lad he was 

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.
 

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. 💙💙
 

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. 💙💙
 

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. 💙💙
 

Haven’t posted on the forum in a long time but was extremely saddened to see the news about B4 on Twitter. 
While I never knew Daniel personally, I used to recognise him at a lot of the away games and, on the forum, I looked forward to his weekly war cries. B4’s passion for Derby was always evident and I admired his ability to see the positives even at some of the darkest times in the club’s history.
Thoughts go out to Daniel’s family at this difficult time, he will be sadly missed by so many. RIP B4 🐏