Chester40

Don’t think there’s a chance bird will start. But if we’re 2-0 up at 80 mins maybe he’ll have a brief swan song. Will add a tinge of sadness to an otherwise uplifting afternoon 

Surely it is fair to expect that professionals who are paid eye-watering salaries will produce skills which are easy on the eye having had nothing to do but practice all week?
You wouldn’t sit at the Crucible for a fortnight watching two players smash the ball as hard as they could until one emerged victorious.
I pay for a level of skill. These has been provided infrequently. I applaud effort of course but I could see that on the local rec.
Pragmatism will work to get us out of the league but in higher leagues we will need to be able to play a better standard of football and that will require vastly different players.
 I look forward to seeing how Warne can manage that. As a Derby fan, I obviously hope he will succeed.

Two of David Clowes’ aims when he took over the Club were to bring integrity and also establish ourselves in the Championship within 5 years. We didn’t get promotion last year, much to many fans angst. On reflection, it was probably a good job we didn’t. We would still have been working to a strict business plan which would have tied our hands in the transfer market to some degree and made the season very difficult.
We have recruited quite a few players this year who will be able to play in the Championship next year. Some recruits haven’t been quite so successful. We will have a reasonable pot for transfers this year we have been told. Probably, Wildsmith, Nyambe, Cashin,Nelson,Elder,Ward,Wilson,Mendis-Laing,Blackett-Taylor,Sibley,Forsyth,Rooney should be ok in the Championship - I personally have more concerns about Smith, Collins, Barkhaizen, Thompson, Fornah, Gayle, Washington, Vickers.  We will lose Bird and Adams (for now?)
I think, with some shrewd business, we should be able to put together a competitive squad.
in terms of integrity, I think our progression has been amazing. There has been hardly any, if at all, negative news regarding our club in the media. The Management team all absolutely appear to be working together to a common goal. We have recruited (not to everyone’s like) good people, who want to play for the shirt, not just here for the money, as in the past. The Academy has made good progress in its rebuild and the are a few players who look to have good futures, hopefully as Derby players.
At our best and most confident, we do play some exciting football, score goals and don’t concede many. Yes, we would like to see more of the exciting times but our main aim has been to get out of this difficult league this year. Too often in the past we have had a soft underbelly and have struggled against strong, aggressive teams. We currently have a side, which mainly, doesn’t buckle against this type of side.
So I am happy with the progress of Derby County this last two years and look forward to what will happen next. David Clowes is a quietly shrewd business man and I think Paul Warne is an intelligent manager, who is a lot shrewder and football wise than many give him credit for. Not only this but he is a fantastic man-manager and team spirit builder.
Can’t wait to see what happens next.
 

The goals against column is unbelievable. 
Most new managers concentrate on getting the defence right first and he's definitely done that. An upgrade on Bradley, Niambe fit and we look decent.
Add more bite in midfield (Adams-esque), more youth/pace on the wings, a creative number 10 and a front line striker ....
Not gonna be cheap.

As National Front rallies go, there are some piss-poor salute efforts going on there.

Yes we do

Assuming the club have sent a luxury hamper to Simmo's house, just to remind him how much we appreciated him when he played here of course.

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
 

Parading a promotion trophy sounds like the basis for a lot of p*ss-taking...

Really enjoyed Fallout in the end. Great visually for me.
Love the 50s vibe, mixed in with different eras of technology (is it almost 'steampunk'?).
Has an awful lot of ways it could go. Jumps back and forth ...in time,  over/under ground,  different storylines. Just has that opportunity to really follow different threads.
One of my favourites of the year definitely and I know very little of the game except what the kids have said before.

Definitely better than Kin for me. 
Found Kin slightly monotous...(especially the lead woman's voice!). Seemed more and more unrealistic as it went on but with no humour or distraction. 
Love/Hate has more varied characters and feels like it has different tones and the vibe moves around more.

I don't get it. Even when I was younger I didnt ..eg at the Southampton semi. 
What's the point,  you can't see anything and all the players scatter. Just stay near your seats or congregate near the front of the stand and clap the players and staff ie those who have done it. Getting on the pitch seems a weird desire.
Just head into town and civilly get p*ssed with your mates. Seems a bit entitled... 'why can't I run on the pitch and sorta intimidate the opposition'. Generally starts off fairly good natured but has a good chance of going south in some way.
Mainly though, the players can't celebrate properly together or with their families etc because fans want to swamp the pitch.  Do it after the celebratory lap and the players have gone if it matters that much to you.

To be fair Harkes was stealing a living and the Bald Eagle agreed 😅

Just had this vision, @DarkFruitsRam7 walking around with his arm round his mate belting out this classic, I don't know how I feel about it yet. 
 

I don't know anything about this, and refuse to comment further without my solicitor present.
 

Adams, Niambe, Nelson, Ward, Wilson, CBT, NML, Fornah .. he definitely favours an 'athletic' footballer. 
Generally strong, or at least tenacious....with pace preferably, especially up front.
What I struggle with is why he persisted so much with Hourihane? It was clearly where we struggled (in the middle) and yet he kept picking someone in that crucial role who doesn't really seem to be his kind of player.
Cashin and Nelson have got a bit of everything,  surely the best defensive partnership in the league.
Collins has been an absolute warrior this season... just think we need an upgrade there most urgently. 

I like him as a person.
He's good at this level, if pretty pragmatic and favouring percentage football.
He deserves a chance to have a crack at it next season.
IF we struggle and with the opposition much better if we see many repeats of our worst football from this season, then I expect him to be under pressure and I understand why.

I like him as a person.
He's good at this level, if pretty pragmatic and favouring percentage football.
He deserves a chance to have a crack at it next season.
IF we struggle and with the opposition much better if we see many repeats of our worst football from this season, then I expect him to be under pressure and I understand why.

The one time in the game that NML didn’t want the ball to feet and we scored…. Almost like he should be running in behind more often.
Players wanting the ball to feet now instead of running in behind is an epidemic that modern football coaching has created.

I cut my fair-trade, ethically sourced coke up exclusively with organically produced plant based protein powders.
 
It costs a little more, and you can only buy it from farmers market's, but my WokeCoke (pat pending), is as kind to the environment as it is your nostrils. 

They don't have to make a big show of it, just, embrace the love of Paul Warne in their hearts and use that love to cleanse their soul and turn to the future, made anew in image of the bobble hat.
Once they have accepted the light of the Warne, they will no longer be vulnurable to the siren calls of the anti-warne ghouls.
"I shall not read Milleniumrams posts, milleniumrams posts are the mind killer, i will let them pass through me, and the Paul Warne shall remain."

Is there a Warne-confessional thread where the more vitriolic anti-Warne posters can bare their souls, recant their heretic views and thereby claim absolution and become a true believer with immunity from any 'I told you so' comments? 
Then we can all walk hand-in-hand into a better world, where grounds are like small cities, where the players have names you have heard of and it doesn't feel like a really weird coincidence if you happen to know someone who supports the opposition?

Is there a Warne-confessional thread where the more vitriolic anti-Warne posters can bare their souls, recant their heretic views and thereby claim absolution and become a true believer with immunity from any 'I told you so' comments? 
Then we can all walk hand-in-hand into a better world, where grounds are like small cities, where the players have names you have heard of and it doesn't feel like a really weird coincidence if you happen to know someone who supports the opposition?

Last 10 games it's W7 D2 L1 (one draw and the one defeat causing fan meltdowns of course) scored 16, conceded 4. Incredible consistency at the crunch time of the season.

Is there a Warne-confessional thread where the more vitriolic anti-Warne posters can bare their souls, recant their heretic views and thereby claim absolution and become a true believer with immunity from any 'I told you so' comments? 
Then we can all walk hand-in-hand into a better world, where grounds are like small cities, where the players have names you have heard of and it doesn't feel like a really weird coincidence if you happen to know someone who supports the opposition?