Day of pride as thousands march in bid to save Rams
THOUSANDS of Derby County fans took to the streets on Sunday to take part in a march to highlight the current plight of the club as it continues to fight for its future.
Many were clad in a kaleidoscope of Derby shirts from the current season as well as past ones.
From youngsters to the elderly, all were dressed in club shirts, scarves and hats – and some even brought their pets along.
Derby County remain in administration, where they have been since September and three parties remain interested in buying the club.
Talks are ongoing between administrators Quantuma and the EFL, who want proof of how the club will be funded for the rest of the season.
On Sunday though, Rams fans from across the city, county and beyond came together to march from the city centre to Pride Park Stadium ahead of the sell-out game with Birmingham City.
The march was estimated to number 9,000.
Organised by Rams fan Ryan Beniston, the fans met in the Market Place near the Assemwho bly Rooms. The Market Place was decorated with huge banners exclaiming “Save Derby”, “Our Club, Our Soul” and from 10am onwards the chanting began.
As the clock on the Guildhall struck 11.30am, the army of fans began to mobilise, bound for Pride Park Stadium. Police warned visitors there would be rolling roadblocks on five roads from half-an-hour before midday.
On the pitch, the Rams players struggled to match the occasion.
They found themselves two down in their Championship clash against Birmingham with time running out and yet they then conjured up a remarkable recovery to draw 2-2 and collect another valuable point in their battle to avoid relegation.
Lyle Taylor and Scott Hogan had given the visitors what looked certain to be a winning lead but Derby had other ideas.
Luke Plange produced an excellent finish to reduce the deficit three minutes from the end of normal time.
Then, in the fifth minute of added time, substitute Krystian Bielik capped his return to first-team action after a year out injured by scoring a spectacular equaliser.
The Poland international’s overhead kick is one manager Wayne Rooney – scorer of a famous overhead kick for Manchester United against Manchester City – would have been proud to score himself.
Derby have moved on to 15 points as they continue their climb after being docked 21 points this season.
They are now seven points from safety in the table and what would be the greatest of football comebacks remains possible.