nogbad van 50

Looks a bit of a unit!
 
 

Looks a bit of a unit!
 
 

Looks a bit of a unit!
 
 

Take a bow paul warne record points shove it up the ass of the doubters

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
 

Another tactical masterclass from warne today with the prefect set up to tear orient a new one.
You don't get manager of the month twice in a season without having some knowhow.
Nice one gaffer.
.

You want him to write every other team's pre-match teamtalk?

You see we are all different, if he was coming out saying that I would just think he was a bit of a twxt and so would most people with any connection to football🤷🏻‍♂️

Thing is you wouldn't know this from inside the stadium. We are getting exceptionally good crowds week in week out and the atmosphere is good for the most part. There is no animosity towards the manager at the games, you only hear it on here when we drop points.

I was there on that wonderful night and broke my glasses celebrating.It must be an omen that I bumped into him a couple of weeks ago when we were both dog walking.Lovely bloke and we both agreed it was never a penalty but who cares!!

Yes, I was there too... as I recall a Phil Gee screamer followed by a Rotherham equaliser followed by Trevor Christie as cool as custard.  I was in the C Stand. I remember the guy in front of me turning round just before Trevor scored and saying he couldn't bear to look.... an incredible night....I also remember I'd watch the game whilst listening to Graham Richards commentary on my little radio... the guy was just a terrific commentator...

I was there on that wonderful night and broke my glasses celebrating.It must be an omen that I bumped into him a couple of weeks ago when we were both dog walking.Lovely bloke and we both agreed it was never a penalty but who cares!!

I was there on that wonderful night and broke my glasses celebrating.It must be an omen that I bumped into him a couple of weeks ago when we were both dog walking.Lovely bloke and we both agreed it was never a penalty but who cares!!

8 days rest now 👍

PG Wodehouse from the Directors box.
 
Ah, what a jolly spectacle unfolded at Fratton Park this evening! One simply cannot help but marvel at the peculiar charm of this island oasis amidst the tumultuous seas of English football. As the rain hammered down upon the pitch, making it a more suitable surface for Torvill and Dean, it seemed as if the very essence of sporting drama had been distilled into this quaint corner of Portsea Island. Picture, if you will, the gallant clash between two titans of the game, Derby and their valiant hosts, engaged in a battle of wits and skill upon the hallowed turf.
Twice did Derby gallantly surge ahead, their spirits buoyed by the promise of victory, only to be thwarted by the indomitable Moxon, whose strike left Collins and Thompson resembling naught but ethereal phantoms vanishing with the dawn. Oh, how the Rams’ keeper, Wildsmith, must have felt as though he were soaring through the skies like the legendary Superman, yet clutching in his grasp a shard of Kryptonite, his nerves as shaken as a dry Martini in the hands of a trembling barman.
Ward, with his brace of goals, appeared poised to secure the coveted three points for his side, yet in the grand scheme of things, it was Derby’s prowess without possession that truly shone. Admirable in their defensive fortitude, they emerged from the fray with a well-earned point, a veritable jewel in their crown that may yet prove pivotal in the grand reckoning of the season.
And let us not forget the luminous Adams, whose brilliance on the field knows no bounds. One can only imagine the splendour of his performance when fully nourished, like a fine vintage reaching its peak. And what of CBT, growing sharper with each passing game, his assist a thing of beauty akin to a sly fox evading the hounds, waved on by the benevolent hand of Sonny Bradley.
In the end, it is Warne, contented with his hard-earned point, who leads his bobble-hatted charges forth into the final four games with spirits soaring as high as the lofty spires of Fratton Park. Oh, what joyous tales these grounds do tell, where the drama of the beautiful game unfolds with all the wit and whimsy of a tale spun by the master raconteur himself.

8 days rest now 👍

You need to understand that Bris in his long and active career in the upper echelons of journalism and football (including a minor ( declared to the EFL) shareholding in Melchester Rovers when they were in the Champions league) qualifies him to run a football club with his unique insight in to tactics, management, finance, transfers and business management. Follow his lead and suggestions and we’ll be in Europe within 4 years. He doesn’t have opinions like the rest of us. He is a sage, a font of all wisdom, Fergy, Wenger Jose, hung on every word 

Why high press??
Just because Man City and Liverpool do it, does it mean everyone does? Our shape and discipline were outstanding. We were comfortable. They created nothing. There was no space, everything was in front. Just because they had 70 odd percent possession means nothing. We were not holding on. We were sitting deep, but they were getting frustrated. A wonder strike was the difference. A high press is what they would want, opening gaps to exploit. 

VAR would have ruled out both of their goals. But they should have had a penalty late on.
Good, battling performance. CBT looking better with every game. Ebou is wonderful and Sibley gaining in competence. 
Can't fault an away point at the league leaders.

So the manager has a stinker because the opposition didn’t look like doing anything? I wonder if that might be anything to do with how he set the team up. Just because you don’t understand it doesn’t mean it isn’t a good setup. 

Wildsmith looked nervy all game, Blackett-Taylor looks like he's gonna be a fun signing once he's fully integrated into the team, Cashin magnificent at the back (again), great to have Collins back in the starting line up. Would have taken a point before the game, so certainly won't complain. 

James Collins love the guy! He gives his all. So proud of the team tonight!

Now that we are promoted, I hope Clowes is searching for our next manager this summer to give us a chance of progression in the Championship.
I’d be looking at Mowbray’s situation once he recovers.

Yeah absolute stinker 2-2 at the leaders sort it out Warne