HorsforthRam

This made me 🤣  Sorry about the swear word 🤐
 

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
 

I'm thinking about contacting them in the summer to see if they want a hand with their content. I think a group like this is massively needed since @TomBustler1884's lot packed it in a few years back.
I just hope they're not self-important barstewards like Black and White Together. Am I right in remembering them making a formal statement calling for Warne to go? The arrogance!

I've no idea, saw the ones waving flags yesterday and didn't recognise any of them. Believe they are all South Standers, though, and hang out in The White Horse with Joey Greener pre-match. 
They are fairly organised, have a website and all. 
I think they're doing a great job so far.
https://www.popsiderams.com/menu/events

I do think that Paul Warne will fall in to the category of you don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone. 
 
Fair enough tactically there’s a question mark and in the transfer market there’s a smaller question mark (Adam’s and Gayle) have bought him back some credit. But his interviews are interesting in my opinion. Much rather listen to Warne waffle than the usual media trained cliches.
Warne has also clearly changed the culture in the club. We were suffering an admin hangover when he came in. Now we’re 1 point from promotion with admin far in the wing mirror. The players seem to love him as well. 
 
Assuming the nightmare scenario doesn’t occur next week I suggest everyone enjoys the promotion, sips or chugs a beverage of their choice and enjoy the summer.

Spot on angie , im getting to that age too ,where if you peg it people say a bit young but no massive surprise, live it and enjoy the good stuff ,,,, 90 mins every week where I feel alive ,excited, euphoric, gutted and happy to be sat next to my lovely wife having a lovely day away from work and stress

And how good did those flags look yesterday with current players and the manager on them? Brilliant from Popside Fanatics.
 

I don't recognise this from where I am in the east stand,warne is barely talked now,the discussions are about the opposition and individual players performances,not the gaffer.

I don't think the fanbase is that divided - at the match there's plenty of pro-warne chants for example. A few posters on here give the impression of a split fanbase, but the reality is different. It's like reading twitter and thinking the world is mental, whereas in reality you've just stumbled across some nutters in the village square.

Well, I'm back after managing to watch the whole game in with the home fans, unlike many who were 'spotted' by the stewards and ejected from the ground. 
I thought that I'd blown it when NML scored, by throwing my arms in the air and very briefly jumping up and down. 
The six of us decided at half time to split up and it was every man for himself. Not much happened in the second half to give us away.
At least we were able to group together after the final whistle and join in the bounce.

the whole defence defended well,but the clearances all went to gold shirts and came straight back into the mixer,no quality at all

I really fail to see why any true Rams fan would go to the game next week knowing the sheer torture of losing and Bolton winning and being present for the bleakest day in our history (apart from all the other bleak days that were bleaker).
Let me carry your burden by taking your ticket off you.
 

For all we were “under the cosh” Cambridge didn’t really have any chances. 
I hate the retreat into defend a lead mode, but we are very good at it. 

We.ve been too cautious, too defensive letting them come on to us. Collins missing in action from the penalty area
 

We need to get Collo back in between the posts his hunger for the ball is attracting him to drift to the wing. 

Just need a 2nd goal straight after half time.
COYR
 

We’re all busy watching Derby away at Cambridge, worry about next season and the summer another day fella, go on, just this once. 

Stop changing your gender and it'll work. 

I enjoy reading @RoyMac5 posts with regards to style of football. To me she/he is obviously a massive Derby fan and will enjoy our promotion as much as anyone else if it should happen. I have no problem with him criticising our style at times and I happen to agree with his opinion a lot of the time. Where we disagree is probably on Warne’s future in the championship (hopefully). I’m not a Warne fan (in terms of football style) but think he deserves a chance with us in the championship and maybe he can too change his style. 
 
Keep posting @RoyMac5👍🏽

Massive chance now of gaining promotion thanks to Shrewsbury last night
A win at Cambridge should about do it but we do need 4 points to be sure
If we do put in another poor away performance and lose we could see all three teams on 86 points come the final weekend,would still fancy our chances given who we play last game but like last nights result football is a funny old game

I enjoy reading @RoyMac5 posts with regards to style of football. To me she/he is obviously a massive Derby fan and will enjoy our promotion as much as anyone else if it should happen. I have no problem with him criticising our style at times and I happen to agree with his opinion a lot of the time. Where we disagree is probably on Warne’s future in the championship (hopefully). I’m not a Warne fan (in terms of football style) but think he deserves a chance with us in the championship and maybe he can too change his style. 
 
Keep posting @RoyMac5👍🏽

I enjoy reading @RoyMac5 posts with regards to style of football. To me she/he is obviously a massive Derby fan and will enjoy our promotion as much as anyone else if it should happen. I have no problem with him criticising our style at times and I happen to agree with his opinion a lot of the time. Where we disagree is probably on Warne’s future in the championship (hopefully). I’m not a Warne fan (in terms of football style) but think he deserves a chance with us in the championship and maybe he can too change his style. 
 
Keep posting @RoyMac5👍🏽

'Luck' is not the number of goals and wins, it's whether the goals and wins were proportionate to what happened. In fact the luckier we got the bigger our gd and number of wins would be.
Fallacy of the single cause - high gd and number of wins means we were good therefore these were only a result of us being good and luck was not involved.

Folks, please. Are we capable of losing at Cambridge? Are Bolton capable of smashing Port Vale 4-0 at home?
We aren't remotely there yet. Keep the champagne in the box, and only put it on ice if we win on Saturday.