hintonsboots

Can’t you put him in the away end ?

Can’t you put him in the away end ?

Can’t you put him in the away end ?

There won't be any room :)

Saturday 16th March
vs Bolton Wanderers
Pride Park   KO 1500
 
This match as a song by The Smiths: Some Games Are Bigger Than Others
Opponents Bio: I had the honour of starting the match thread for the reverse fixture so may be repeating some of these nuggets of insignificant trivia. So in the hope that the forums' collective memory is worsening here we go again.
Bolton Wanderers are, like ourselves, proud to be one of the twelve original founder members of the Football League. Not only that, the opening round of fixtures back on 8th September 1888 saw the two clubs meet for the first of 136 encounters (129 league, five FA Cup and two League Cup). Furthermore, Bolton winger Kenny Davenport has the distinction of being the first scorer in English Football League history as he netted after just two minutes of the game. The Rams did come back to win an opening day thriller 6-3 at Pikes Lane, Bolton in front of an estimated crowd of 3,000. 
Bolton can proudly boast that they have spent more seasons in the top flight of the English game than they have outside of it and have seen giants of the game like Jimmy Armfield, Nat Lofthouse and Michael Ricketts sport their colours over the years.
Bolton are commonly known as one of three nicknames; The Whites, due to the colour of their home kit, Wanderers, as it's their name, or The Trotters, chosen by their first owner who made his fortune selling laxatives.
They have former Ram Ian Evatt as manager and also had a run of three successive bosses with Derby links between 1992 and 1999 as they were led by Bruce Rioch, Roy McFarland and then Colin Todd. Players who have represented both clubs include Franny Lee, John McGovern, Jeff Chandler and Andy Todd.
Opponents Dangermen: Chief threat is 13-goal Dion Charles although he is doubtful with a knee injury. Victor Adeboyejo has ten goals but is likely out for the season which leaves Bolton with three principal goal threats; Jon Dadi Bodvarsson, ex-Ram Cameron Jerome and Aaron Collins whose five goals and ten assists make him a man to be wary of in our third. Josh Sheehan also poses a threat from midfield.
Opponents Recent Form: Wanderers will rock up at Pride Park in third place, one position and one point behind ourselves and buoyed by an impressive 5-0 demolition of playoff chasing Oxford on Tuesday night. They are, however, winless in their last four away fixtures since winning 2-1 at Cambridge. Defeats at Blackpool (1-4) and Wigan (0-1) followed that victory and their most recent away games have seen them draw 2-2 at both Barnsley and Exeter. Whilst we're looking for positives, they have conceded at least once in their last eight road games. Their overall away record for the season is decent enough with nine wins, five draws and five defeats.
Derby vs Bolton History: Derby have had by some margin the upper hand in the head-to-heads with Wanderers. In 129 meetings our record stands at W64-D23-L42. One statistic stands out in the meetings on our turf though and it is this:
Bolton have never won at Pride Park.
There, I've said it. 
Since we moved to Pride Park, Bolton have visited us ten times in the league and drew on their third, fourth and fifth visits but went back up the M6 with nil points on the other seven occasions. We are P10: W7-D3-L0 with 24 goals scored and just five conceded when the Trotters come to town. They haven't scored more than once in any game at Pride Park and, alongside two victories by a one-goal margin, we have merrily spanked their chubby Lancashire backsides 4-0 twice, 4-1 twice and 3-0 once. Now if that isn't tempting fate I don't know what is.
Expected Rams XI: Possibly same again do we think? Maybe Smith for Hourihane if the latter is still feeling the affects of Yiadom's brutal tackle in midweek.
My Tuppence Worth: I mentioned it elsewhere but we have winnable looking (I know, I know) games against Blackpool, Orient, Carlisle, Northampton, Wycombe and Cambridge to come in the run-in. If we can do the business in those then a couple of draws in the games against Bolton and Portsmouth will be enough for an automatic place. What I'm suggesting is that given the respective fixture lists of ourselves and Bolton, a draw wouldn't be such a bad result on Saturday. If it's a must win game for either side then, in my opinion, it is more so for Wanderers than it is for us.
Other Fixtures of Note: It's a significant round of matches as apart from second versus third in our match, it's fourth against first at London Road.
Peterborough vs Portsmouth
Barnsley vs Cheltenham
 
COYR
 

Hey guys, not a Derby fan, but we recently had Kane Wilson come into the studio to talk about how he deals with the pressures of being a professional footballer. He mentions a few things that the club do to help the players psychologically, and recalls a game this season where he felt the pressure. A really great guy, and wish him all the best for the rest of the season.
If your interested in giving it a listen, the link is below:
 
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/staffordshire-universitys-performing-under-pressure/id1728680321?i=1000649169616

Moor Farm on the 1st of July.

Come back Oldben, all is forgiven. 

PG Wodehouse from the directors box.

Ah, the evening’s contest at Pride Park unfolded with the gusto of a Shakespearean drama, as the gallant Rams, akin to valiant knights of yore, emerged triumphant amidst a pitch reminiscent of a canvas painted by the mischievous spirit of Brian Clough himself, urging the fire brigade to partake in an impromptu aquatic ballet ere the commencement of play. With Gayle’s finishing akin to the deft stroke of a master calligrapher, guided by a slide rule pass from the erudite Ward, who, one might surmise, holds not only the skills of a footballer but also the acumen of a learned mathematician, perhaps even boasting a degree in Trigonometry! And lo, as Hourihane dispatched the penalty with the finesse of an expert gamekeeper, one could envision him in tweed, calmly dealing with a pheasant in the countryside. Yet, amidst the jubilation, a brief moment of consternation ensued as Bradley, towering as a mighty oak, found himself outwitted by the nimble Smith, prompting a fleeting shadow of doubt. However, the benevolent Referee Breakspear, in an act of contrition for his prior transgression against Plymouth, showered cards upon the field like confetti, and in his wisdom, awarded the penalty that secured victory, leaving the vanquished Reading manager Selles resembling a gentleman who, having imbibed deeply from the cup of life, discovered naught but a lifeless beetle at its dregs. Now, the bobble-hatted Warne stands poised to confront what is heralded as the automatic promotion decider come Saturday, urging his valiant troupe to display their mettle and prove their worth upon the grand stage of sport. Truly, a spectacle of both triumph and tribulation, fit for the annals of sporting lore!

PG Wodehouse from the directors box.

Ah, the evening’s contest at Pride Park unfolded with the gusto of a Shakespearean drama, as the gallant Rams, akin to valiant knights of yore, emerged triumphant amidst a pitch reminiscent of a canvas painted by the mischievous spirit of Brian Clough himself, urging the fire brigade to partake in an impromptu aquatic ballet ere the commencement of play. With Gayle’s finishing akin to the deft stroke of a master calligrapher, guided by a slide rule pass from the erudite Ward, who, one might surmise, holds not only the skills of a footballer but also the acumen of a learned mathematician, perhaps even boasting a degree in Trigonometry! And lo, as Hourihane dispatched the penalty with the finesse of an expert gamekeeper, one could envision him in tweed, calmly dealing with a pheasant in the countryside. Yet, amidst the jubilation, a brief moment of consternation ensued as Bradley, towering as a mighty oak, found himself outwitted by the nimble Smith, prompting a fleeting shadow of doubt. However, the benevolent Referee Breakspear, in an act of contrition for his prior transgression against Plymouth, showered cards upon the field like confetti, and in his wisdom, awarded the penalty that secured victory, leaving the vanquished Reading manager Selles resembling a gentleman who, having imbibed deeply from the cup of life, discovered naught but a lifeless beetle at its dregs. Now, the bobble-hatted Warne stands poised to confront what is heralded as the automatic promotion decider come Saturday, urging his valiant troupe to display their mettle and prove their worth upon the grand stage of sport. Truly, a spectacle of both triumph and tribulation, fit for the annals of sporting lore!

PG Wodehouse from the directors box.

Ah, the evening’s contest at Pride Park unfolded with the gusto of a Shakespearean drama, as the gallant Rams, akin to valiant knights of yore, emerged triumphant amidst a pitch reminiscent of a canvas painted by the mischievous spirit of Brian Clough himself, urging the fire brigade to partake in an impromptu aquatic ballet ere the commencement of play. With Gayle’s finishing akin to the deft stroke of a master calligrapher, guided by a slide rule pass from the erudite Ward, who, one might surmise, holds not only the skills of a footballer but also the acumen of a learned mathematician, perhaps even boasting a degree in Trigonometry! And lo, as Hourihane dispatched the penalty with the finesse of an expert gamekeeper, one could envision him in tweed, calmly dealing with a pheasant in the countryside. Yet, amidst the jubilation, a brief moment of consternation ensued as Bradley, towering as a mighty oak, found himself outwitted by the nimble Smith, prompting a fleeting shadow of doubt. However, the benevolent Referee Breakspear, in an act of contrition for his prior transgression against Plymouth, showered cards upon the field like confetti, and in his wisdom, awarded the penalty that secured victory, leaving the vanquished Reading manager Selles resembling a gentleman who, having imbibed deeply from the cup of life, discovered naught but a lifeless beetle at its dregs. Now, the bobble-hatted Warne stands poised to confront what is heralded as the automatic promotion decider come Saturday, urging his valiant troupe to display their mettle and prove their worth upon the grand stage of sport. Truly, a spectacle of both triumph and tribulation, fit for the annals of sporting lore!

PG Wodehouse from the directors box.

Ah, the evening’s contest at Pride Park unfolded with the gusto of a Shakespearean drama, as the gallant Rams, akin to valiant knights of yore, emerged triumphant amidst a pitch reminiscent of a canvas painted by the mischievous spirit of Brian Clough himself, urging the fire brigade to partake in an impromptu aquatic ballet ere the commencement of play. With Gayle’s finishing akin to the deft stroke of a master calligrapher, guided by a slide rule pass from the erudite Ward, who, one might surmise, holds not only the skills of a footballer but also the acumen of a learned mathematician, perhaps even boasting a degree in Trigonometry! And lo, as Hourihane dispatched the penalty with the finesse of an expert gamekeeper, one could envision him in tweed, calmly dealing with a pheasant in the countryside. Yet, amidst the jubilation, a brief moment of consternation ensued as Bradley, towering as a mighty oak, found himself outwitted by the nimble Smith, prompting a fleeting shadow of doubt. However, the benevolent Referee Breakspear, in an act of contrition for his prior transgression against Plymouth, showered cards upon the field like confetti, and in his wisdom, awarded the penalty that secured victory, leaving the vanquished Reading manager Selles resembling a gentleman who, having imbibed deeply from the cup of life, discovered naught but a lifeless beetle at its dregs. Now, the bobble-hatted Warne stands poised to confront what is heralded as the automatic promotion decider come Saturday, urging his valiant troupe to display their mettle and prove their worth upon the grand stage of sport. Truly, a spectacle of both triumph and tribulation, fit for the annals of sporting lore!

PG Wodehouse from the directors box.

Ah, the evening’s contest at Pride Park unfolded with the gusto of a Shakespearean drama, as the gallant Rams, akin to valiant knights of yore, emerged triumphant amidst a pitch reminiscent of a canvas painted by the mischievous spirit of Brian Clough himself, urging the fire brigade to partake in an impromptu aquatic ballet ere the commencement of play. With Gayle’s finishing akin to the deft stroke of a master calligrapher, guided by a slide rule pass from the erudite Ward, who, one might surmise, holds not only the skills of a footballer but also the acumen of a learned mathematician, perhaps even boasting a degree in Trigonometry! And lo, as Hourihane dispatched the penalty with the finesse of an expert gamekeeper, one could envision him in tweed, calmly dealing with a pheasant in the countryside. Yet, amidst the jubilation, a brief moment of consternation ensued as Bradley, towering as a mighty oak, found himself outwitted by the nimble Smith, prompting a fleeting shadow of doubt. However, the benevolent Referee Breakspear, in an act of contrition for his prior transgression against Plymouth, showered cards upon the field like confetti, and in his wisdom, awarded the penalty that secured victory, leaving the vanquished Reading manager Selles resembling a gentleman who, having imbibed deeply from the cup of life, discovered naught but a lifeless beetle at its dregs. Now, the bobble-hatted Warne stands poised to confront what is heralded as the automatic promotion decider come Saturday, urging his valiant troupe to display their mettle and prove their worth upon the grand stage of sport. Truly, a spectacle of both triumph and tribulation, fit for the annals of sporting lore!

I do wonder about some on here. We were miles better than them and I lost count of how many cheaty little fouls they put in tonight that weren't carded. We were also the only side that looked like scoring all night. Does anyone really think they deserved a point tonight? I really don't get the mardiness from some quarters. 

PG Wodehouse from the directors box.

Ah, the evening’s contest at Pride Park unfolded with the gusto of a Shakespearean drama, as the gallant Rams, akin to valiant knights of yore, emerged triumphant amidst a pitch reminiscent of a canvas painted by the mischievous spirit of Brian Clough himself, urging the fire brigade to partake in an impromptu aquatic ballet ere the commencement of play. With Gayle’s finishing akin to the deft stroke of a master calligrapher, guided by a slide rule pass from the erudite Ward, who, one might surmise, holds not only the skills of a footballer but also the acumen of a learned mathematician, perhaps even boasting a degree in Trigonometry! And lo, as Hourihane dispatched the penalty with the finesse of an expert gamekeeper, one could envision him in tweed, calmly dealing with a pheasant in the countryside. Yet, amidst the jubilation, a brief moment of consternation ensued as Bradley, towering as a mighty oak, found himself outwitted by the nimble Smith, prompting a fleeting shadow of doubt. However, the benevolent Referee Breakspear, in an act of contrition for his prior transgression against Plymouth, showered cards upon the field like confetti, and in his wisdom, awarded the penalty that secured victory, leaving the vanquished Reading manager Selles resembling a gentleman who, having imbibed deeply from the cup of life, discovered naught but a lifeless beetle at its dregs. Now, the bobble-hatted Warne stands poised to confront what is heralded as the automatic promotion decider come Saturday, urging his valiant troupe to display their mettle and prove their worth upon the grand stage of sport. Truly, a spectacle of both triumph and tribulation, fit for the annals of sporting lore!

Not sure about PGW, but that has a definite air of Stuart Hall about it…

PG Wodehouse from the directors box.

Ah, the evening’s contest at Pride Park unfolded with the gusto of a Shakespearean drama, as the gallant Rams, akin to valiant knights of yore, emerged triumphant amidst a pitch reminiscent of a canvas painted by the mischievous spirit of Brian Clough himself, urging the fire brigade to partake in an impromptu aquatic ballet ere the commencement of play. With Gayle’s finishing akin to the deft stroke of a master calligrapher, guided by a slide rule pass from the erudite Ward, who, one might surmise, holds not only the skills of a footballer but also the acumen of a learned mathematician, perhaps even boasting a degree in Trigonometry! And lo, as Hourihane dispatched the penalty with the finesse of an expert gamekeeper, one could envision him in tweed, calmly dealing with a pheasant in the countryside. Yet, amidst the jubilation, a brief moment of consternation ensued as Bradley, towering as a mighty oak, found himself outwitted by the nimble Smith, prompting a fleeting shadow of doubt. However, the benevolent Referee Breakspear, in an act of contrition for his prior transgression against Plymouth, showered cards upon the field like confetti, and in his wisdom, awarded the penalty that secured victory, leaving the vanquished Reading manager Selles resembling a gentleman who, having imbibed deeply from the cup of life, discovered naught but a lifeless beetle at its dregs. Now, the bobble-hatted Warne stands poised to confront what is heralded as the automatic promotion decider come Saturday, urging his valiant troupe to display their mettle and prove their worth upon the grand stage of sport. Truly, a spectacle of both triumph and tribulation, fit for the annals of sporting lore!

It's a much better performance than the last time I made the trip to my armchair....

Mad fecker would play on crutches if they'd let him 🤕😂
Jokes aside...

Enjoy the ride. 🖤 🤍 🐏
D.C.F.C. Life, Love & Unity.

I’d like to see an unchanged team. I have a sense they have finally gelled. Why though ?
Is it because we have Gayle’s threat / skill or is it because Adams has given us real bite or because Wardy is showing his pre injury effectiveness along with Sibs growing in to his new role. All good stuff and part of a developing team, so probably all of the above 🤣

Been a slow burner this season but it sounds as though things might be coming together and we are building performances AND results.
Would think momentum is all important now. Only 9 games left so the chance of gassing out the entire squad much reduced.