ImARam2

I wish fans would accept that Derby cannot "splurge" the cash anymore. It's only just over 12 months ago that we were on the verge of total oblivion - no ground; no players; no club - nothing whatsoever.

We've been to the edge of the abyss, looked in and we don't ever want to go there again.

I do not want to see an owner "splash" the cash and offer us dreams, then run out of money and see it all collapse.

If we have to buy players who are, by other club or division standards, "cheap" or loans, so be it, until the club is back on firm footing, without any embargos or EFL restricted business plans, when, perhaps one day, we can go back to trading players in the normal way.

David Clowes has a plan which he set out in his interview a few months ago, in which he hoped that Derby would be back, and competing, in the Championship within 5 years and if Derby have to remain in Division 1 for another season, I will accept that because I love my football watching my home town club Derby County FC.

Let's not get over excited about who may or may not be transferred, in or out of the club, in the next few weeks, because there is still 27 days to go before the transfer window closes on the 1st September.

Let the games begin - COYR's

Oppenheimer should get an Oscar for best picture, as well as best actor for Cillian Murphy, however, as the American audiences can't watch anything without explosions, fights or car chases, nor any film over 90 minutes long, then probably not, as this film was superb.

The dialogue, intrigue and politics was just amazing which I was enthralled with from the start to the end, without once wanting to get up to go to the lavatory.

We're not that desperate, surely?

Warne has repeated several times they want players in the 24-29 age bracket who are quick & mobile, and with a bit of experience of playing league football.

Chris Martin has had his time at Derby County and we loved him when he was with us, but we now have to remember and move on.

10 minutes ago, CBX1985 said:

Does anyone know the regulation maximum?

For EFL league games, I believe a minimum of 10% of capacity has to be available to the away club, which would be 3,000.

For FA Cup games the minimum for away clubs is 15% of capacity.

There also has to be a percentage available for walk-up's, which if Derby have, say a limit of 22,000 season tickets + 3,000 away, which would leave approx. 5,000 available for non-season ticket holders/walk-up's.

2 minutes ago, Scott129 said:

He was in Belper Morrisons about an hour ago. Read into that what you will

He lives in Belper and I've seen him numerous times in Morrisons.

Yes, just purchased mine for another season of travels.

And. I can't wait for the trip to Exeter on a cold Tuesday night in February - not!!!!

21 hours ago, David said:

6 years is a long long time though, must have been points where you questioned if it was all worth it?

Absolutely. There was a saying though, which went that you have a bucket of bull-s**t, and a bucket of money, and when one outweighed the other you left.

So I kept taking the bull-s**t until that outweighed the money.

I went to work in Saudi Arabia (in the aviation industry) 40 years ago (1983) and trebled my UK basic salary overnight - and it was tax free!! I was also given a two-bedroomed apartment; free medical insurance and a free ticket back to the UK twice a year.

Although I had to work pretty damn hard in temperatures up to 40-50 Degs.C and 90% humidity, with many 12 hour shifts and the occasional 16 hours, but the I just thought of the money.

That bought me a very decent home back in Derbyshire, with no mortgage, as well as being able to afford holidays around the world which I would never have been able to do on my UK salary.

Yes, there were plenty of restrictions - such as no bars/pubs; cinemas or theatres, but that meant I was able to save more and after my 6 years contract finished I departed for other places.

Don't forget our "friends" Wycombe Wanderers, as well as Portsmouth, which, I think, will be in the mix for at least the play-off positions.

However, I agree with many on here, automatic promotion must be the aim next season, and absolutely nothing lower than the play-offs.

Leeds & Leicester to be relegated with Southampton. Everton have enough to beat Bournemouth.

Renewed my ticket last Friday, as well as buying a new one for my brother, so that's an extra one for next season.

Kevin Hector's home debut vs Huddersfield. He was fantastic and although Alan Durban got a hattrick and Derby won 4-3, all the talk was about 'Zac', the King.

I can honestly say, "I was there".

2 hours ago, CBRammette said:

Yes but look at Brighton now 😢

Then the question is, what did Brighton do that Derby failed to do to get promotion, and sustain to remain in the Premier League and now rise to within the top 6 places?

Did they "splash-the-cash" on top players or recruit a set of "team" players without breaking the bank, or did the owner(s) constantly change managers until they found one that eventually got them promoted?

Although I was absolutely  ecstatic over beating Leeds, however, for clear class the play-off 2nd leg semi-final against Brighton was pure joy to watch, from a team that should have just murdered QPR in the final.

That poxy, last minute goal was heart breaking.

6 hours ago, Jayram said:

I’ve been through thick & thin with this club for the last 42 years and was gutted at the final whistle yesterday. Then 5 minutes later me and my mate were discussing our away trip schedule for next season! COYR.

Only 42 years - wait until you've got to 61 years (1962-2023), which I reached this season, and will be renewing my season ticket the minute they are issued.

I've seen the lot from promotions & relegations, two administrations, endless board disputes & the 'three amigo's; good, bad & useless managers who have come and gone so regulary you can't keep up; the BBG & Pride Park; great international players and some that didn't deserve a paying for their lack of skill or energy, and the great European Cup nights.

When's the Fixture List out?

Always - if possible I'll be first in the queue!!!

Leeds Utd have sacked their manager and Sam Allardyce has taken over for the last 4 games

Let's not get ahead of ourselves.

We have to win at least one more game and possibly draw against Sheffield Wednesday to guarantee a play-off place, which is not going to be easy.

Let's celebrate, if and when we get there, and not speculate because we might be in a depression in 2 weeks time.

I want Derby to be there like everyone else, but I am also realistic enough to know how we stared this season and the "journey" we've been on.

David Clowes doesn't need any songs or chants as he's comfortable in just owning the club, financing the team, as and where he can, and watching the Rams, hopefully, getting promotion, either this season or next.

Remember, until May last year, he was just a season ticket holder in the North Stand and I doubt anyone knew who he was.

David Clowes is a Derby County supporter, just like me and 30,000 other Rams fans, but you don't have a song me you or me!!!

14 minutes ago, Leeds Ram said:

Perhaps experiment with Smith in the middle instead of Hourihane

Why would you want to "experiment" now?

Hourihane has had two very decent games last week vs Exeter & Burton, and apart from Burton hitting the post and the header over the bar near the end, Derby should have been out of sight by at least three more goals by FT.

Two wins with the same players and formation has proven the right balance and should continue.

I have just read the full article and if the Derby fans cannot appreciate what David Clowes has done, not only saving the club from oblivion but to restore the club's reputation with the EFL and other club's, then they don't deserve to be called Derby County supporters.

His integrity, passion, honesty and optimism for the club is unbounded and we should all thank him and his management team for saving the club.

To be within a matter of days, if not hours, of the club going out of existence, and to put together a business plan; a management team with the same attributes and inspirations, along with a set of young and aging players to compete for the play-off places, is nothing short of a miracle.

If we don't get promotion this season, the future of Derby County F.C. is in very safe hands and if, as David Clowes mentions, it might take 5 years, so be it, we have a club and team to support.

Thank you David Clowes and 'Long Live Derby County Football Club'

Got two tickets for Peterborough this afternoon and I was told there are about 100 left

1 minute ago, Woodley Ram said:

If you book the Toyota Suite do you get the Directors box or is that seperate?

I've had hospitality in the Toyota Suite on several occasions, which included a seat in the Directors Box three times.

However, the Directors Box tickets are given only when there are seats available and only when there is a small group of match day sponsors, otherwise you get a seat on the balcony outside the suite on the half-way line, more-or-less above the dug outs.

I've also been in the Igor Stimac Lounge and Captains Table, all of which are excellent places to have a pre-match meal, which, of course, are a cheaper option, which gives you a seat in the Toyota/West Stand (Captains), or on the balcony in the NW Corner (Igor's).

All-in-all, an excellent way to watch a game, in very comfortable surroundings, and, before anyone calls me a  member of the 'Prawn cocktail brigade', I am also a very long-standing season ticket holder who does clap, sing and occasionally give the players my opinion!!

The first time I visited the Baseball Ground was in the 'Boys Corner'/Normanton End for a reserve game, on Saturday, 27th January 1962, with Derby Reserves vs Bolton Wanderers Reserves, which the Rams won 6-0.

It was the day the first team were playing Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup and I can remember shouting to the Derby goalkeeper, Ken Oxford, what was the first team score.

I was 9 years old, along with a friend, also 9, my brother & his friend, both aged 7, we got the bus from Breadsall Estate to Derby, Tenant Street, got a free bag of chips from the 'Savoy' chippie on the Morledge because my mother worked there, walked to the BBG, walked backed to town, and then home for tea.

I'm nearly 71 years of age, and wherever I've lived and worked around the world, and there's been many, I've taken my love of my home town and football club with me, and I can still remember that first visit to the BBG as it was yesterday.

1 hour ago, The Last Post said:

Whitecross Rangers, Caribbean all Stars, Rainbow Athletic, Chellaston RBL and last but not least the dirties.

I began playing Sunday league football in 1968 when I was 16 years old and I can vouch for some of the "tactics" and intimidation which the older players gave us, many of them just out of the pub from their Sunday lunchtime session.

You grew up quick on a football field in those days!!

I started with Osmaston Park Rangers, later renamed Derby Engineers, before switching to playing on a Saturday's with Allestree RBL, Allenton Athletic, Aston on Trent, Roe Farm FC and Borrowash Vics.

There were some very good 'local' semi-pro players in those days and I believe many would have made full-time professional levels if they had been given the opportunity and money to play, because many where in decent jobs and couldn't afford to play full-time.

I always loved playing football and continued to play when I worked overseas in Saudi Arabia, where the 'Saudia' team reached the local expatriate's cup final, as well as playing in Abu Dhabi up to my mid-50's.

My last full 90 minutes game was in a charity match on Pride Park, one day before my 65th birthday, which was a fantastic day, with photographs and a DVD to prove it to my grandson.