Who Stole The Soul?

It’s been a while since I posted on Ramspace. Our horror show season isn’t the reason, as dark days generally equal great content and, let’s be honest, we’ve had bad seasons before.

I can’t say I’ve fell out of love with the club as I am pretty sure I have watched every single game home and away on TV. But something has felt different about Derby County this season and I am sure I am not the only one who has felt it.  

This is Voetbal, Young Man

Saturdays draw at Bournemouth was, on paper, a cracking result for Derby. Indeed coming out of this last weeks games against Forest Cardiff and Bournemouth unbeaten deserves immense credit to the players and coaching staff.

Only bagging 3 points from these games when we really should have had 9, maybe not so much.

99 Problems but Keogh ain’t one

With all the drama of last season over, our EFL case won and Derby having a reasonably positive transfer window to date, hopes were high amongst Rams fans for Philip Cocu to really push forward with the next phase of his DCFC project in season 2020/21. I think it’s fair to say that our worst start to a season for 28 years wasn’t exactly in the brochure.

Derby County Barometer – New Season 20/21

As incredible as it may seem, we are now well into pre-season after only 3 weeks or so since the last season finished. The lads are back in, friendlies have started and, I kid you not, we have actually signed someone in the shape of Scotland’s number 1, David Marshall.

Whilst our EFL charge verdict remains outstanding, the whole outlook for the imminent season 20/21 could change immediately at any time. However right here, right now, here’s our traditional new season barometer.

Truth is Stranger Than Fiction – End of Season 19/20

Friends it’s been a while. I hope you and yours are safe and doing well in these strange times.

With the natural break in proceedings during lockdown and the associated, unnatural, disengagement with The Rams during that period, I’ve not had the urge to write for a while. However with Derby’s season now officially done, I thought it was time to get my finger round the keyboard again!

Derby County Barometer – February 2020

As the Rams enter a new decade, the ever present drama off the pitch shows no signs of subsiding anytime soon. Thankfully, matters on the pitch have taken a definite turn for the better with Rams currently in fine fettle and scoring goals all over the place.

Check out whats hot and whats not at the Derby County fun factory with our first Barometer of 2020.

Tainted Love

In a season where even the biggest wrist slasher would have been struggling to think of any new ways for Derby County to out Derby County themselves, this last week really will take some beating.

It started with Krystian Bielek suffering a season ending ACL injury in a low key U23 run out, went up a notch mid week with the Rams being charged by the EFL for, allegedly, inflating the value of our stadium and players, then finished with our potential new owner Henry Gabay admitting he will now have to re-evaluate his investment. Good Times!

Bitter Weak Symphony – Wigan Away

Yesterday I was part of a large Derby support which made its way to bottom of the table Wigan for the traditional Boxing Day football fix.

As you will know, a solid display by Ben Hamer and a last gasp goal from Waggy saved Derby from yet more away day misery, but here’s my thoughts on the game and some of the bigger issues currently facing the Rams.

Chasing The Tail Of A Dream

Friends, it’s been a while.

When you choose to write a blog about something you care about, its generally because that thing regularly causes very strong positive or negative emotions, which inspire you to share your thoughts with fellow  enthusiasts of your chosen topic.

In a season where Derby County have, unbelievably, been finding even more new ways to be Derby County off the pitch, matters on the pitch have, frankly, been a bit dull. But after Saturdays cracking win over PNE, are we now seeing that there may actually be some substance to the constant ‘jam tomorrow’ rhetoric?

Into the Valley (of Death) – Charlton Away

As I was getting ready to leave for London yesterday morning,  I sent a generic positive pre match “come on you Rams” tweet, looking forward to the day. Ominously, I ended it with ‘I hope it goes better than last time’.

Unfortunately, the game panned out exactly as it did last time as the Rams were again stuffed 3-0, but in many ways this was whole lot more worrying.