Fans saluted as Rams give them hope in displays
THE players’ tunnel at Stoke City’s bet365 Stadium is situated in the corner of the ground next to the section for the away supporters.
As Derby County’s players made their way off the pitch following their 2-1 victory over the Potters the noise from the 2,800 Rams fans was quite something.
The players applauded the fans for their backing throughout the Championship clash, the fans roared their appreciation of the players’ efforts.
For the first time in almost a year Derby had won for a third consecutive match and it is a much-needed lift.
The Rams are fighting to retain their Championship status, they are battling against the odds. It is a mammoth task they face but it would be the greatest of football escapes if they succeed.
A 12-point deduction for going into administration and then a further nine-point penalty for breaches of the League’s Profitability and Sustainability rules left the Rams rock bottom of the Championship and staring relegation to League One in the face.
Such a punishment through no fault of manager Wayne Rooney and the players would have floored most teams but this Derby team is clearly up for the fight.
So, too, are the fans. The combination of the two is uplifting and can prove an irresistible force.
Rooney and the players fully appreciate the support.
“The fans were excellent, as they have been all season,” Rooney said after the Stoke win.
“My oldest lad was in there in the away end, it was his first game in the away end so I’m sure it will be one he’s enjoyed!
“The fans have been excellent and they keep pushing us, and we keep trying to deliver for them.”
A feel-good factor has emerged on the pitch at the end of a turbulent year for the club. Every game feels like a cup final and the players are responding with total commitment.
There is an intriguing mixture of experience and know-how coupled with young legs and enthusiasm.
How good were Curtis Davies, Phil Jagielka and Craig Forsyth at Stoke? How determined and energetic were young midfielders Liam Thompson, Jason Knight and Max Bird?
Tigerish Thompson typifies the spirit running through the squad in the way he closes down, wins tackles and second balls, and then plays.
How cool was Luke Plange in putting Derby ahead? How vital was the contribution of substitutes Ravel Morrison and Colin Kazimrichards in the winning goal five minutes from time?
The timing of Morrison’s pass and the composure shown by Kazim-richards in his finish was a joy to watch but every player in the starting 11 played his part, as did the substitutes, and that will be crucial in the second half of the campaign.
Derby’s squad might not be the strongest when it comes to numbers but it is made of stern stuff.
It is important to add here that the victory over Stoke was not just a case of digging in. Derby were better than Stoke on the night and deserved to win.
Survival remains an outside chance, and to stand any chance of completing the great escape Derby have to back up their home form (five wins, five draws and two defeats) with better results on the road.
This is a start. The next game, away to Reading today (3pm), is also huge.
“We have always had a belief and confidence and we know it is a small chance and we are not getting carried away,” said Rooney.
“We have got a very tough game Monday, an important game for us against Reading.”
Whatever happens in the remainder of the season, whatever the outcome is in May, Rooney and the players have given hope to the fans who have had to suffer the club’s off-the-field plight and deserve some good news.