Wistaston Ram

Sorry to say that Rooney is injured.

Well, I'll spill.
I already knew the man I called Dad wasn't my biological so knew I wouldn't have any DNA from that side. However my mother refused to open up about the biological father. Anyway, last Thursday, along with being the day after I got back from Crete, the day of my Gran's first birthday since she died in June, and the day HRH Elizabeth passed away.... I found out I have 4 sisters and 2 brothers I never knew about. More trauma was discovering that one of those sisters died a few years ago and I was actually surprised how much that hurt. I have been speaking to my two younger sisters and one younger brother over the last few days. My biological father is alive and well, although I haven't yet been able to bring myself to speak with him yet. It's a bit too heavy right now.

Only Roberts came out with any sort of credit. The rest were pretty awful in varying degrees. No need to panic just yet but the signs are not encouraging. Just like to see a goal away, forgotten what it feels like.

Only Roberts came out with any sort of credit. The rest were pretty awful in varying degrees. No need to panic just yet but the signs are not encouraging. Just like to see a goal away, forgotten what it feels like.

Only Roberts came out with any sort of credit. The rest were pretty awful in varying degrees. No need to panic just yet but the signs are not encouraging. Just like to see a goal away, forgotten what it feels like.

Only Roberts came out with any sort of credit. The rest were pretty awful in varying degrees. No need to panic just yet but the signs are not encouraging. Just like to see a goal away, forgotten what it feels like.

Following our first title in 1971-72, this season marks the 50th anniversary of Derby’s European Cup debut & the start of 4 very eventful European campaigns up to the end of 1976. Like the 1971-72 season scrapbook last season, I’ll be looking to mark each game 50 years on with match reports, TV footage (if available) & as much info and memorabilia as I can glean. Of course, nothing will beat having been at the games themselves so recollections & memories are most welcome.
To set the scene, Derby’s qualification for the European (Champions) Cup was at a time when only the league winners (and the European Cup holders) qualified for the tournament. At that stage, only one English club had even reached the final, let alone won it – that being Manchester Utd in 1968 under Sir Matt Busby. Therefore Derby were bidding to become only the second English club to be crowned Champions of Europe – no small challenge considering our European debut had been delayed following disqualification from the 1970-71 Fairs Cup for ‘financial irregularities’.
50 years ago today then, we began our 1972-73 European Cup campaign against the Yugoslav champions FK Zeljeznicar at the Baseball Ground. Zeljeznicar were based in Sarajevo in what we now know as Bosnia & like Derby they had also won their maiden title the season before, beating the challenge of illustrious names such as Red Star Belgrade, Dynamo Zagreb, Partizan Belgrade & Hadjuk Split.
Here are the beaming first XI of Zeljeznicar with their suitably austere Communist-era title trophy;

 
Onto the game - despite the pretty physical opponent, Derby were able to secure a 2-0 advantage going into the second leg in Yugoslavia - goals coming from Roy McFarland & Archie Gemmill either side of half time. Match report below;

 

 
John O’Hare closely marked by two Zeljeznicar defenders during the match;

 
Programme from the match to mark the occasion;

 
Full round up of results elsewhere in Round 1 – second legs due to be played two weeks later on 27th September;

What kind of drinks are you after? 
 
the ground is in a pretty rough place of the city but not too far from Lincoln high street. 
 
I live at the top of the city and will be in a real ale pub near the castle called the strugglers.
a bit closer there’s the cardinals hat that’s pretty good. 
 
unless you want a rough time stay clear of the anchor which is one of the closest pubs to the ground, it’s where the Lincoln ‘hooligans go’ the ritz wearherspoons isn’t advised either. ?

Very disappointing, but understandable. I have just cancelled my train, so  a tenner down the drain. Feel sorry for those that will lose more with overnight accommodation. Hopefully I will be able to make the re-arranged date, but will probably have to drive now.

Couldn't let this day pass without reminding us...it all began today...134 years ago.
On this day 134 years ago, Derby County travelled to Pikes Lane, Bolton. They travelled by train. They were 15 minutes late and so kick-off was delayed. The delay unsettled the team because they fell 0-3 behind quickly but rallied after the break to win 6-3. Derby's goals came from George Bakewell (2), Lewis Cooper (2) and 'Lol' Plackett (2). Derby had poached all of those players from local rivals.     
Ten of the twelve teams took part in the first ever round of Championship fixtures on Saturday, 8 September 1888 and although no league table was published in any of the newspapers of the time West Bromwich Albion would have been the very first table toppers. By modern-day calculations, Derby County would have been the first ever table toppers because of their superior goal difference which was +3 after the first game. Albion won 2–0 at Stoke in front of 4,500 spectators and would have headed Preston North End, Derby County and Everton by virtue of an infinite goal average as they kept a clean sheet. Goal Average was the number of goals scored divided by the number of goals conceded. Goal Average was used to separate teams who were tied on points at that time. Preston defeated Burnley 5–2, Derby were 6–3 winners at Bolton and Everton secured the points in a 2–1 victory over Accrington. Aston Villa defender Gershom Cox was thought to have earned the distinction of scoring the first ever league goal with an unfortunate own goal in a 1–1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fred Dewhurst opening the scoring minutes later at Preston with the first intentional goal. However the post-match reports of relative kick-off times show most games were delayed allowing for crowds to assemble. A goal by England and Bolton winger Kenny Davenport 2 minutes into the match against Derby County was scored comfortably before any other and is now regarded as the first ever football league goal. 
To put it all in context, as the Derby Team would have been arriving back at Derby station later that evening, the London newspapers would have also been arriving by train in Derby and would have been detailing how earlier that morning the body of Annie Chapman was discovered in Whitechapel, London. She was the 2nd victim of Jack the Ripper. 
The picture below shows Pikes Lane Bolton and then the shirt Derby County wore that day, thanks to @loweman2for re-producing such a brilliant and quality item. 
I will raise a glass tonight in celebration.  
 

From a purely selfish point of view, I hope this game gets postponed as it is the only home game I cannot make this season due to other commitments.

From a purely selfish point of view, I hope this game gets postponed as it is the only home game I cannot make this season due to other commitments.

I agree, I like 'We are Derby' especially when it is done live (v Oxford), builds up the atmosphere  far more than the same old pre match music - surely time for a revamp, perhaps a bit more of the classical stuff we now seem to run out to.

I agree, I like 'We are Derby' especially when it is done live (v Oxford), builds up the atmosphere  far more than the same old pre match music - surely time for a revamp, perhaps a bit more of the classical stuff we now seem to run out to.

I really like We Are Derby - it serves as a reminder of our proud history and place in Derby's wider history. 
It's the sort of thing I would see as a positive reflection of the club as an away fan. Or a new fan, or an occasional attendee.
It's a shame if familiarity is watering down that message for us regulars.
It gave me goosebumps originally, now I recite bits of it. 
At the very least, it's a welcome break from the 'music'!
 

I suggest e-mailing the club and ask to be put on the waiting list for returns. I did this for Fleetwood and had a ticket the next day.

Just got mine for Morecambe, about 50 standing tickets left

He might have more hair than his cousin, but it probably wouldn't suit him

He might have more hair than his cousin, but it probably wouldn't suit him

He might have more hair than his cousin, but it probably wouldn't suit him

He might have more hair than his cousin, but it probably wouldn't suit him

Great to see the book in the club shop at last, bought a copy before the game yesterday and am now nearly half way through it. A lot of interesting stories from a great time in our recent history.

Think I am enjoying it as much as the last time we were at this level, but I'm sure there will be some grim moments ahead. Such is the life of a Derby fan. So far It has been entertaining at home and a little frustrating away. 

Think I am enjoying it as much as the last time we were at this level, but I'm sure there will be some grim moments ahead. Such is the life of a Derby fan. So far It has been entertaining at home and a little frustrating away. 

I’m not sure it was our player that got booked. He just waved a yellow card in the air.