YOU CAN DO IT!
FROM BRINK OF OBLIVION TO VERGE OF PROMOTION Two years on from turmoil, Clowes, Warne, players, club staff and supporters deserve fitting ending
TODAY is the day Derby County can reclaim their future as the city holds its breath in anticipation.
In a phoenix from the flames tale for the ages, the Rams have gone from the brink of extinction to a proud football club once again.
Two years ago this week both the club and fans were still coming to terms with relegation from the Championship in what was the darkest chapter in their history.
The Rams were in administration, there was a transfer embargo hanging around their neck and many feared they were hurtling towards extinction.
During that anxiety-inducing season, thousands of supporters marched to Pride Park to express how much the club meant to them, the city and its community.
The Save Derby County campaign was as much about love as it was about raising awareness about the plight of one of the founder members of the Football League.
Today’s pilgrimage to Pride Park could not be greater in contrast, with the club on the brink of glory.
In what is a remarkable tale of rebirth under David Clowes, the reluctant saviour who rescued the Rams from extinction in June 2022, the Championship is calling once again. A point against Carlisle United this afternoon is all that’s required to confirm promotion and rubber-stamp what has been a record-breaking campaign. Not only has this team racked up 13 away wins – the most of any Derby County side in history – but they have already set a club record for points obtained in one season.
It has already been a season to remember in that respect and a talented group of players have shown both spirit and quality over the last nine months. It has all been managed magnificently by the head coach Paul Warne who has shown humility, grace and tremendous leadership alongside the excellent backroom staff of Richie Barker, Matt Hamshaw and Andy Warrington.
All that awaits now is the fitting ending that Clowes, Warne, his players, the club’s staff, and the fans deserve.
And so after thousands of minutes, miles and 45 games in the third tier of English football, it all boils down to this final-day assignment.
Pride Park will be loud and proud as the supporters roar their team this last time to help the class of 2023-24 write themselves into the history books. The scene has been set and Derby are hoping for one hell of a party.
‘I WANT TO REPAY OWNER FOR BACKING’ SEE SPORT