SinceIWasntSoYoung

You’re going to be gutted this morning, and rightly so.
But it ain’t all bad.
When we dropped out of the old 2nd division into the 3rd in 1984 things were in many ways, worse.
We didn’t (quite) have the financial issues, but we had a horrible team and the entire season was utterly depressing and devoid of hope in a way this season hasn’t been.
My personal highlight of an utterly depressing season was meeting Dave Watson in a Little Chef on the A1 after we spanked Cambridge away 3-0 in the FA Cup. That was pretty much it for ducks sake.
AND we had not just relegation, but the ignominy of losing to Plymouth in the FA Cup quarter-final to contend with after we had dragged them back to the BBG.
We all thought that we’d bounce right back when we did get relegated and the arrival of Arthur Cox just emboldened that belief.
An opening day away loss to Bournemouth, when Bournemouth then were more like the equivalent of Exeter now, didn’t dissuade us.
Of course, we didn’t bounce back and ended up outside the top 6.
But we had some BRILLIANT away days that season, Hull, Lincoln, and the last game of the season at Newport spring to mind.
It was a whole lot more fun than the previous season because we were, for the most part, competing and you could see what Arthur was trying to do.
There’s something fun about going to smaller clubs and taking the place over. Those of you who travel to away games know that the camaraderie is special.
In fact, the adversity that we have faced this season has developed that camaraderie, only it’s done it at home.
I work online and use social media a lot and the admiration for Derby’s support, especially those of you who travel away is a delight to read. I’ve even read genuine Forest and Leeds fans say they’re impressed.
And what’s not to be impressed about?
Forget the trolls who are loving this, the REAL football supporters appreciate and understand what Rooney has dragged the club through and the guy is universally respected, exponentially more so than when he was merely an excellent player.
He’s now an excellent ex-player and an excellent human being. Time will tell if he can become an excellent manager, but the signs are promising.
The second year under Arthur we did come up and that season was even better for road trips..
I’ve seen Derby beat Benfica, Real Madrid, every top English club multiple times and Forest many times. But if I were to list the best 5 games I’ve ever attended, Derby at home to Rotherham in the old 3rd Division on a Friday night would be up there.
That game with that penalty that took us back up to what would now be the Championship was a raucous, intense and then delirious atmosphere ending in an effing celebration comparable with any I have witnessed - although to be fair, my memory is a tad blurry because we did hit the pub hard.
I doubt there was a Liverpool fan that got anything like the joy from beating Man City in the cup semi or will get more if they win the thing, than we Derby fans got from squeaking past Rotherham that night.
The fact is, winning is just fun, no matter what division you are in. And beating adversity is fun too. So much more satisfying and enjoyable than just delivering on what’s expected.
Somebody posted that they hope we're not that team that thinks they will bounce back up.
I don't really care if fans think that. It's totally irrelevant.
What is relevant is what WR thinks and what he allows his staff and players to think.
And I have no doubt whatsoever that he'll not allow that entitled type of mindset to creep in.
The good news is we have renewed hope for a stable club, a very promising manager in place, an Academy that is flourishing even if it is being pillaged and some wins to look forward to.
We are where we are, so we may as well embrace it and have fun. And you will have some fun, I promise.

2-1 Swansea

I think we will get quite close to this number. This season’s efforts has consolidated the fan base and I’d challenge anyone to the reason why they wouldn’t want to be a part of the support required to get Derby County back where it belongs.???

I think we will get quite close to this number. This season’s efforts has consolidated the fan base and I’d challenge anyone to the reason why they wouldn’t want to be a part of the support required to get Derby County back where it belongs.???

Bit young for our defence isnt it? ?

Whatever happens in the coming days and weeks let’s make sure as a fanbase we maintain our dignity. Along with both the playing and non-playing staff the unity in face of adversity has been the standout example to those bickering their way through this administration circus.???

Whatever happens in the coming days and weeks let’s make sure as a fanbase we maintain our dignity. Along with both the playing and non-playing staff the unity in face of adversity has been the standout example to those bickering their way through this administration circus.???

Whatever happens in the coming days and weeks let’s make sure as a fanbase we maintain our dignity. Along with both the playing and non-playing staff the unity in face of adversity has been the standout example to those bickering their way through this administration circus.???

Whatever happens in the coming days and weeks let’s make sure as a fanbase we maintain our dignity. Along with both the playing and non-playing staff the unity in face of adversity has been the standout example to those bickering their way through this administration circus.???

Whatever happens in the coming days and weeks let’s make sure as a fanbase we maintain our dignity. Along with both the playing and non-playing staff the unity in face of adversity has been the standout example to those bickering their way through this administration circus.???

Whatever happens in the coming days and weeks let’s make sure as a fanbase we maintain our dignity. Along with both the playing and non-playing staff the unity in face of adversity has been the standout example to those bickering their way through this administration circus.???

Whatever happens in the coming days and weeks let’s make sure as a fanbase we maintain our dignity. Along with both the playing and non-playing staff the unity in face of adversity has been the standout example to those bickering their way through this administration circus.???

Whatever happens in the coming days and weeks let’s make sure as a fanbase we maintain our dignity. Along with both the playing and non-playing staff the unity in face of adversity has been the standout example to those bickering their way through this administration circus.???

Whatever happens in the coming days and weeks let’s make sure as a fanbase we maintain our dignity. Along with both the playing and non-playing staff the unity in face of adversity has been the standout example to those bickering their way through this administration circus.???

Whatever happens in the coming days and weeks let’s make sure as a fanbase we maintain our dignity. Along with both the playing and non-playing staff the unity in face of adversity has been the standout example to those bickering their way through this administration circus.???

Whatever happens in the coming days and weeks let’s make sure as a fanbase we maintain our dignity. Along with both the playing and non-playing staff the unity in face of adversity has been the standout example to those bickering their way through this administration circus.???

Whatever happens in the coming days and weeks let’s make sure as a fanbase we maintain our dignity. Along with both the playing and non-playing staff the unity in face of adversity has been the standout example to those bickering their way through this administration circus.???

Whatever happens in the coming days and weeks let’s make sure as a fanbase we maintain our dignity. Along with both the playing and non-playing staff the unity in face of adversity has been the standout example to those bickering their way through this administration circus.???

Derby County ties
Derby County ties
We're all having a party
We're all having a party 
We're all having a party 
Derby County ties
 

You're my sweetest honey.  My one true love.
My brightest star, from high above.
But despite all that, I have to tell,
I'd much rather duck the EFL.
 
To you my dear, I pledge to thee
My heart, my love, from bended knee.
But I'm rather busy.  I've plenty on.
As I try to claw back the twenty one.
 
It's been a battle, but we remain as one.
Regrets behind us, now all gone.
Hearts once broken, but now on the mend,
And just like Derby, we'll fight to the end. 
 
 
 

Can he get us a discount?

The source of the electrical fault has been confirmed to be the result of excessive hair static following pube heads overreaction to Mel’s letter.

???

???

So we’re agreed…the EFL can stick their half-arsed mediation offer up their jacksie and we’ll see the Bamfords in court!??