BucksRam

You're not alone.  It's consumed so many hours of my life I ought to give myself a slap. As much as I love this club I know there are many on here for whom this club IS their life.  It's not mine, I'll be honest here; I have a bloody lovely wife and kids but it's still draining me as I pray we come out the other end of this.  I posted the other day that I recently forced myself to take a screen break from everything as it was getting to me.  It helped.  Get out, go for a walk, and leave your phone behind!   

I think you’ve echoed what a lot of us are thinking and how we are feeling. 
 
Football and specifically Derby County is a form of escapism for many of us and should be a source of enjoyment and happiness. Attending a match, the buzz of arriving at the ground, the click of the turnstiles, heading up into the stand and seeing the first glimpse of the pitch, then sitting down and watching our beloved club, win lose or draw. 
 
Of late that escapism has recently become second to the very realisation that it could all be taken away from us. 
 
I find myself constantly checking my phone. Checking this thread 3/4 times a minute. Scrolling through to see if there are any updates, thanks @RoyMac5amongst others for keeping on top of twitter etc.
The good thing is that we are all in this together, our partners or nearest and dearest might not fully understand what impact this is having on us but this forum does.
 
Keep sharing and keep posting. This platform will offer all the support that is needed, that is one certainty I am sure of.
 
COYR 

You're not alone.  It's consumed so many hours of my life I ought to give myself a slap. As much as I love this club I know there are many on here for whom this club IS their life.  It's not mine, I'll be honest here; I have a bloody lovely wife and kids but it's still draining me as I pray we come out the other end of this.  I posted the other day that I recently forced myself to take a screen break from everything as it was getting to me.  It helped.  Get out, go for a walk, and leave your phone behind!   

Lots of us aren’t from Derby.

Before we start sucking a "twelve incher" everyone needs a pat on the back, From those that have emailed their MPs, To those that have shown support on here, TV, Radio, Social Media, Organised petitions, Marches, Councilors, Fans who have supported DCFC through this shower show, The 30k ish who'll be there Sunday, Those who through circumstances couldn't make games but fought valiantly.
The Ordinary fan hasn't the platform that some have...So i'll say it
WELL DONE TO EVERYONE
 

I can’t believe it, really.
The team up against it all, the chaps that are fighting to keep a smile on the faces of everyone in and around the club, are the ones who I have felt closest to as a fan.
That might not make sense, but the lads that go out there and give it their best for 90 minutes in the first team, the 23’s, 18’s, to me, are the most likeable that we’ve had in a long long time.
Saw that post about Festy Ebosele earlier, dare I say it it made me feel rather emotional.
We have a bunch of players who are the most ambitious, determined, down to earth players that we’ve ever had at this club, and it kind of makes me sad that the season I have felt this way has ultimately been this season. I wish and I hope that we don’t lose any more of these fantastic chaps that we have at this football club.
I thank Rooney, Rosenior, Walker and co, for keeping fighting, for staying grounded, determined, and battling against the odds but honestly, this set of lads that we go out in our numbers and support, are the most genuine, honest and most likeable we’ve had at Derby County football club in such a long time.
I really really hope we can retain the vast majority of these past this season.
I think regardless of circumstance come May, come Cardiff @ home, we can look back and see that every single individual at this club, the players, the staff, the fans, have all shown us who they are deep down, and have shown commitment, ambition, determination. The three most important characteristics.
Be proud of yourselves, and keep fighting against all odds.
 

I broke whilst waiting for a brew. Kept it simple for him. 

Absolutely brilliant piece on BBC Breakfast. Well done John Maguire and everyone who took part in it.

Kinda lost the will to live really.  Check in daily waiting to see a big neon sign flashing "Preferred Bidder Announced" or similar......crawl away frustrated again. But like waiting to hit that perfect shot in golf or trying to catch that double figure carp you just know is lurking there, I come back for more.  I will hit that shot and catch that carp if not today, then tomorrow...... 
Sorry, I sound like Cantona now.  

Kinda lost the will to live really.  Check in daily waiting to see a big neon sign flashing "Preferred Bidder Announced" or similar......crawl away frustrated again. But like waiting to hit that perfect shot in golf or trying to catch that double figure carp you just know is lurking there, I come back for more.  I will hit that shot and catch that carp if not today, then tomorrow...... 
Sorry, I sound like Cantona now.  

Kinda lost the will to live really.  Check in daily waiting to see a big neon sign flashing "Preferred Bidder Announced" or similar......crawl away frustrated again. But like waiting to hit that perfect shot in golf or trying to catch that double figure carp you just know is lurking there, I come back for more.  I will hit that shot and catch that carp if not today, then tomorrow...... 
Sorry, I sound like Cantona now.  

Personally I don't think fans should be focusing on what is and isn't a football creditor.  Few of us have the legal expertise to make solid arguments about this or the finer points of insolvency law.  Besides it is moving the focus away from where it should be.
This whole mess started because the EFL gave the green light for Middlesbrough to sue Derby.  When they did this they lost control of the league.  The pragmatic solution is for the EFL to regain control.
Presumably Middlesbrough presented evidence to the EFL about our "cheating".  If the EFL didn't act on that then I have no problem with Middlesbrough threatening to sue the EFL.  But what should never have taken place, was for the EFL to say you can sue Derby on the back of our investigation.  That was effectively saying the punishment - and crucially the recompense - would not be appropriate.  
Middlesbrough are suing Derby because they don't think they've been compensated.  However, that isn't true and we need to be making this point a lot louder.  Firstly, Derby have been hit by transfer embargos for 3 seasons (or more?) now.  That has severely weakened us and consequently helped every other club (including Middlesbrough) in the league over those seasons.  The original transfer embargo was for the stadium sale which we were ultimately cleared of, so we have been wrongly punished too. 
The Tevez saga has been quoted a few times in reports and there are similarities to our case, but there are significant differences.  West Ham knowingly broke and hid their illegal registration of Tevez.  They were fined for this during the season, but continued to play Tevez.  Sheffield Utd had a collapse of form and were relegated on goal difference.  Sheffield Utd were able to demonstrate that the fine was not appropriate (it should have been a points deduction) and by continuing to play Tevez West Ham earned a minimum of three points.  It was settled out of court because the West Ham owners were desperate to sell the club (the owners had financial issues).
Unlike West Ham we have received a points deduction and therefore the appropriate punishment.  Like the transfer embargos it has weakened us and helped all other clubs, giving them a 9 point head start on us.  If this was a normal season it would have ended our playoff hopes.  Surely removing a promotion rival is compensation?
A points deduction is the most appropriate punishment for FFP/P&S breaches as far as I can see.  Fining clubs would only mean they'll breach P&S again in subsequent seasons.  The Middlesbrough and Wycombe claims if paid in instalments would screw us for years and we'll be hit with P&S breach after breach with of course other clubs potentially suing us on the back of those breaches should we interfere with their promotion/relegation.  What a mess!
Middlesbrough's action is implying that they were uniquely wronged by us in the Lampard season, but of course that isn't true if the basis of their claim is that our squad was stronger than it should have been.  Bristol City for example would have an equal grievance.  This is why the EFL should never have agreed to Middlesbrough suing.  If they win their claim they have a competitive advantage over Bristol City unless they sue us too.
If Middlesbrough's claim is that we should have received a points deduction in the Lampard season for previous season's breaches, then their claim is on similar grounds to Wycombe's, but the two clubs are asking for points deductions to be applied differently.  Middlesbrough are asking for points deductions on a season following a breach.  Wycombe are asking for a points deduction to be applied on the same season as a breach.  They cannot both be right.  There is no guarantee in the rules on when a points deduction would be applied, and if a proper investigation and appeals process are to happen then it would be impossible to do so.  If these are the basis of the claims it should be the EFL who is being sued if anyone.
What happens if Middlesbrough reach the playoff final and loose controversially, for example a deliberate (unpunished) handball scoring or stopping a goal? Are they then going to sue the opposition or the EFL for the rules not being properly applied and the other club cheating?  Where does this litigation end?
When a manager or player questions (particularly using threatening language) how rules are being applied by referees they are fined.  Presumably on the grounds of bringing the game into disrepute.
Middlesbrough and Wycombe through their legal cases are bringing the game into disrepute.  Their claims are clearly vexatious.  The EFL need to call this out and it is staggering after Tuesdays grilling in the House of Commons that they don't do this!  There is nothing controversial in saying we stand by our own disciplinary procedures. It is what people would expect them to say.  This should be the pragmatic solution.
Yet their latest statement still rules this out.  So on that basis the idea of getting Tracey Crouch or somebody else in as an independent opinion (not necessarily arbitration) seems the next best option. 

Dio - Hammersmith Odeon 1986 Sacred Heart Tour.  Brilliant show. 

I've backed off looking at Twitter this week mainly because of the sheer vitriol being posted by predominantly Notts Forest fans. And more than a handful of 'Boro fans too.  Interestingly, and to their credit I've not seen much from Leeds fans personally.  Like you say, I get the hatred but the unquenching desire to see us liquidated has amazed me. Low life doesn't even begin to describe these people.  I'm a great believer in karma and fate.  I very much hope they get theirs.  Not their club - I wouldn't want any club to fold, regardless of who they are, but anyone who rubs their hands in glee at seeing people's lives destroyed, oh yeah, bring on fate and karma by the bucket load.     

Thanks @Rammie16.  Life is stressful as it is - over the past 2 years we've all had COVID twice (quite badly), my wife's had cancer (now clear although awaiting result of her annual check), my Mum's having chemo for cervical cancer, one of my kids has got anxiety, work is manic and stressful - but that's not unique to me - many people, including many of those on this forum have their own crap to deal with. Add Derby to this and for many it probably feels like the final straw, not least the complete unjustness of it. 
So it's great you offer your and other's services.  It's a reminder to all not to suffer in silence.  It's so important people talk and don't bottle things up....and take time out where possible to breathe. 

Thanks @Rammie16.  Life is stressful as it is - over the past 2 years we've all had COVID twice (quite badly), my wife's had cancer (now clear although awaiting result of her annual check), my Mum's having chemo for cervical cancer, one of my kids has got anxiety, work is manic and stressful - but that's not unique to me - many people, including many of those on this forum have their own crap to deal with. Add Derby to this and for many it probably feels like the final straw, not least the complete unjustness of it. 
So it's great you offer your and other's services.  It's a reminder to all not to suffer in silence.  It's so important people talk and don't bottle things up....and take time out where possible to breathe. 

I’ve blocked loads of Leeds fans on Twitter this week. 

I've backed off looking at Twitter this week mainly because of the sheer vitriol being posted by predominantly Notts Forest fans. And more than a handful of 'Boro fans too.  Interestingly, and to their credit I've not seen much from Leeds fans personally.  Like you say, I get the hatred but the unquenching desire to see us liquidated has amazed me. Low life doesn't even begin to describe these people.  I'm a great believer in karma and fate.  I very much hope they get theirs.  Not their club - I wouldn't want any club to fold, regardless of who they are, but anyone who rubs their hands in glee at seeing people's lives destroyed, oh yeah, bring on fate and karma by the bucket load.     

I've backed off looking at Twitter this week mainly because of the sheer vitriol being posted by predominantly Notts Forest fans. And more than a handful of 'Boro fans too.  Interestingly, and to their credit I've not seen much from Leeds fans personally.  Like you say, I get the hatred but the unquenching desire to see us liquidated has amazed me. Low life doesn't even begin to describe these people.  I'm a great believer in karma and fate.  I very much hope they get theirs.  Not their club - I wouldn't want any club to fold, regardless of who they are, but anyone who rubs their hands in glee at seeing people's lives destroyed, oh yeah, bring on fate and karma by the bucket load.     

I've backed off looking at Twitter this week mainly because of the sheer vitriol being posted by predominantly Notts Forest fans. And more than a handful of 'Boro fans too.  Interestingly, and to their credit I've not seen much from Leeds fans personally.  Like you say, I get the hatred but the unquenching desire to see us liquidated has amazed me. Low life doesn't even begin to describe these people.  I'm a great believer in karma and fate.  I very much hope they get theirs.  Not their club - I wouldn't want any club to fold, regardless of who they are, but anyone who rubs their hands in glee at seeing people's lives destroyed, oh yeah, bring on fate and karma by the bucket load.     

I've backed off looking at Twitter this week mainly because of the sheer vitriol being posted by predominantly Notts Forest fans. And more than a handful of 'Boro fans too.  Interestingly, and to their credit I've not seen much from Leeds fans personally.  Like you say, I get the hatred but the unquenching desire to see us liquidated has amazed me. Low life doesn't even begin to describe these people.  I'm a great believer in karma and fate.  I very much hope they get theirs.  Not their club - I wouldn't want any club to fold, regardless of who they are, but anyone who rubs their hands in glee at seeing people's lives destroyed, oh yeah, bring on fate and karma by the bucket load.     

I've backed off looking at Twitter this week mainly because of the sheer vitriol being posted by predominantly Notts Forest fans. And more than a handful of 'Boro fans too.  Interestingly, and to their credit I've not seen much from Leeds fans personally.  Like you say, I get the hatred but the unquenching desire to see us liquidated has amazed me. Low life doesn't even begin to describe these people.  I'm a great believer in karma and fate.  I very much hope they get theirs.  Not their club - I wouldn't want any club to fold, regardless of who they are, but anyone who rubs their hands in glee at seeing people's lives destroyed, oh yeah, bring on fate and karma by the bucket load.     

Am I the only one discouraged by the Kevin bacon not actually being the Kevin bacon who starred in the action film "Tremors"?