Deadline Day is just a week away. We’re not talking the countdown to the end of the transfer window, though; this is all about Derby’s fight for their existence.
A football club with 138 years of history. A club which has twice been champions of England and lifted the FA Cup in 1946. A club which has been a breeding ground for international players and managers.
A source of happiness, pride and passion for a city. A means of escape that lets fans dare to dream. A routine, a meeting place and a community to forge friendships.
Derby boss Wayne Rooney has worked miracles with the club on the brink of extinction
Derby might still be saved but it has not happened yet. They have the funds to continue operating until a week today. However, a bidder must cough up enough to prove the club can survive the season, then complete a takeover.
And if not, this institution of English football will die. As will fixtures like this one, a rivalry steeped in history with two giants of our game fighting for the Brian Clough Trophy.
The first date to mark in the diary when the fixtures are released, matches which go down in folklore.
In their 100th league meeting, Forest outclassed Derby as Lewis Grabban and Brennan Johnson scored for Steve Cooper’s promotion hopefuls in an ill-tempered game which also saw Ravel Morrison sent off at the end.
Nottingham Forest outclassed Derby in their 100th league meeting on Saturday
So Cloughie’s trophy, dropped by Grabban in front of the partying Trent End, will remain in Nottingham. For now. For ever?
‘I am on top of the world,’ said Cooper, in contrast to Derby’s Wayne Rooney, who said: ‘It’s a terrible position to be in for myself, players, staff and fans.
‘It needs sorting
