Derby were the loveable buffoons of the Premier League season
6:32am Thursday 15th May 2008
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THE 2007/08 Premier League season will be remembered for many things. Manchester United's last-day title win, Mourinho's exit, the arrival of Fernando Torres, the return of Kevin Keegan. And not least, but definitely last, Derby County.
Amid the Grand Slam Sundays and the cut-throat competition between the oligarchs and the billionaires, Derby have given us all some light relief. A throwback to when football was fun.
Derby's plight was forgotten about when it became clear they were certain to be relegated, some time in August.
But marvel at these statistics. Played 38. Won 1. Drawn 8. Lost 29. That's 29 - a figure so ludicrously high it would be spelt out in capital letters as 29 (TWENTY NINE) on the Grandstand videprinter so you could be sure it wasn't a misprint.
There's more. Goals for 20. Goals against 89. Points 11.
By the end of September, seven teams already had enough points to finish above Derby if they lost every game for the rest of the season.
Luckily for Manchester City - the side who started like Linford Christie but finished like Mark Lewis-Francis with two dodgy hamstrings - they were one of those seven.
Derby were the loveable buffoons of the Premier League season, spreading joy where there was misery and tension.
If your side was doing badly, one look at the table cheered you up.
Everything's all right, we're still 23 points above Derby.
Had a bad day? Lost a game you should have won?
Worry not. Put the radio on. Derby have lost 6-0 at home to Aston Villa.
If your team was struggling for form, all you needed was a home match against Derby to sweep away all your troubles.
Then there were the interviews.
After Derby's board wisely decided that they could not possibly get any worse if they disposed of Billy Davies - the man who so miraculously got them promoted in the first place - Paul Jewell arrived to inform us that the Rams were in fact doing much, much worse.
Every week, Jewell would tell us in as many words, Look, I admit it, we're rubbish and we know we are. I'd get rid of all of the players if I could but the tea lady says she doesn't fancy marking Didier Drogba. Why won't you all just let me suffer in peace?' There was a day not so long ago when Jewell was regarded as one of the best managers in the country. A man who quit Wigan when he did not have to leave.
Now he is manager of Derby. A man who has delivered five points in 24 matches. Reputation ruined.
And a side that can lose 4-0 at home to Reading on the last day of the season is a side to be admired.
They did not want to go out with a whimper, they wanted everyone to remember just how bad they were.
The Premier League will miss Derby. Some might suggest they should be granted an indefinite stay in the top flight. Don't worry lads, you're exempt from relegation.
But somehow I suspect that's the last thing Derby want right now.
* There has rarely been a more inappropriate renaming of a ground than St Helens' decision to refer to their Knowsley Road home as the GPW Recruitment Stadium.
The GPW Recruitment bit is fine - I'm long past tutting when a sponsor takes over the name of a ground. It's the idea of labelling ramshackle Knowsley Road as a stadium' that I object to.
Your Say Your Guardian
Bagford, Derby says...
4:16pm Thu 15 May 08
Bagford, Derby says...
4:16pm Thu 15 May 08
Bagford, Derby says...
4:16pm Thu 15 May 08
Mike Low, Bristol says...
4:13pm Thu 15 May 08
The newspaper will now think they're plugged into the internet and can save their jobs!
Oh woe is me.
Mike Low, Bristol says...
4:13pm Thu 15 May 08
The newspaper will now think they're plugged into the internet and can save their jobs!
Oh woe is me.
Mike Low, Bristol says...
4:13pm Thu 15 May 08
The newspaper will now think they're plugged into the internet and can save their jobs!
Oh woe is me.
Mike Low, Bristol says...
4:13pm Thu 15 May 08
The newspaper will now think they're plugged into the internet and can save their jobs!
Oh woe is me.
bant, Derby says...
4:10pm Thu 15 May 08
bant, Derby says...
4:10pm Thu 15 May 08
bant, Derby says...
4:10pm Thu 15 May 08
bant, Derby says...
4:10pm Thu 15 May 08
John Chiedozie, Derby says...
4:05pm Thu 15 May 08
You made my fellow Rams fans feel as welcome as a ginger haired step son.Oh...........han
g on a minute.........
John Chiedozie, Derby says...
4:05pm Thu 15 May 08
You made my fellow Rams fans feel as welcome as a ginger haired step son.Oh...........han
g on a minute.........
John Chiedozie, Derby says...
4:05pm Thu 15 May 08
You made my fellow Rams fans feel as welcome as a ginger haired step son.Oh...........han
g on a minute.........
John Chiedozie, Derby says...
4:05pm Thu 15 May 08
You made my fellow Rams fans feel as welcome as a ginger haired step son.Oh...........han
g on a minute.........
red_ram, Derby says...
3:51pm Thu 15 May 08
red_ram, Derby says...
3:51pm Thu 15 May 08
red_ram, Derby says...
3:51pm Thu 15 May 08
red_ram, Derby says...
3:51pm Thu 15 May 08
Wilko, Derby says...
3:49pm Thu 15 May 08
Chris Flanagan wrote:Hang on.
Guys, this was clearly a light-hearted article aimed at a Warrington audience rather than a Derby one. I'm fully aware of the reasons behind your struggle and I make the point at the end that I understand it cannot have been enjoyable for the club itself. But you must appreciate that to the rest of the country recent results have appeared remarkable. I'm sure things will be better next season.
Where in this article do you make the point that "you understand it cannot have been enjoyable". All I see is a smug, sarcastic remark where you say "Don't worry lads, you're exempt from relegation".
Wilko, Derby says...
3:49pm Thu 15 May 08
Chris Flanagan wrote:Hang on.
Guys, this was clearly a light-hearted article aimed at a Warrington audience rather than a Derby one. I'm fully aware of the reasons behind your struggle and I make the point at the end that I understand it cannot have been enjoyable for the club itself. But you must appreciate that to the rest of the country recent results have appeared remarkable. I'm sure things will be better next season.
Where in this article do you make the point that "you understand it cannot have been enjoyable". All I see is a smug, sarcastic remark where you say "Don't worry lads, you're exempt from relegation".
Wilko, Derby says...
3:49pm Thu 15 May 08
Chris Flanagan wrote:Hang on.
Guys, this was clearly a light-hearted article aimed at a Warrington audience rather than a Derby one. I'm fully aware of the reasons behind your struggle and I make the point at the end that I understand it cannot have been enjoyable for the club itself. But you must appreciate that to the rest of the country recent results have appeared remarkable. I'm sure things will be better next season.
Where in this article do you make the point that "you understand it cannot have been enjoyable". All I see is a smug, sarcastic remark where you say "Don't worry lads, you're exempt from relegation".
Wilko, Derby says...
3:49pm Thu 15 May 08
Chris Flanagan wrote:Hang on.
Guys, this was clearly a light-hearted article aimed at a Warrington audience rather than a Derby one. I'm fully aware of the reasons behind your struggle and I make the point at the end that I understand it cannot have been enjoyable for the club itself. But you must appreciate that to the rest of the country recent results have appeared remarkable. I'm sure things will be better next season.
Where in this article do you make the point that "you understand it cannot have been enjoyable". All I see is a smug, sarcastic remark where you say "Don't worry lads, you're exempt from relegation".
Andy, Manchester says...
3:29pm Thu 15 May 08
1, Another sport feature? "Chelsea or Man United will be European Champions."
2, Maybe some hard hitting journalism? "The government takes money off us by making us pay something called 'tax'."
3, A local interest story? "Cheshire is a dull and souless place to live".
Andy, Manchester says...
3:29pm Thu 15 May 08
1, Another sport feature? "Chelsea or Man United will be European Champions."
2, Maybe some hard hitting journalism? "The government takes money off us by making us pay something called 'tax'."
3, A local interest story? "Cheshire is a dull and souless place to live".
Andy, Manchester says...
3:29pm Thu 15 May 08
1, Another sport feature? "Chelsea or Man United will be European Champions."
2, Maybe some hard hitting journalism? "The government takes money off us by making us pay something called 'tax'."
3, A local interest story? "Cheshire is a dull and souless place to live".
Andy, Manchester says...
3:29pm Thu 15 May 08
1, Another sport feature? "Chelsea or Man United will be European Champions."
2, Maybe some hard hitting journalism? "The government takes money off us by making us pay something called 'tax'."
3, A local interest story? "Cheshire is a dull and souless place to live".
James, Congleton says...
3:25pm Thu 15 May 08
James, Congleton says...
3:25pm Thu 15 May 08
James, Congleton says...
3:25pm Thu 15 May 08
James, Congleton says...
3:25pm Thu 15 May 08
Bob, says...
3:09pm Thu 15 May 08
If you want to do an inciteful and news worthy piece, why don't you put you mind to the reasons clubs like ours are climbing into the Premier league and then failing so miserably, instead of scratching the surface and having a cheap shot at clubs like ours.
You may then find a wider audience than Warrington, showing approval.
Bob, says...
3:09pm Thu 15 May 08
If you want to do an inciteful and news worthy piece, why don't you put you mind to the reasons clubs like ours are climbing into the Premier league and then failing so miserably, instead of scratching the surface and having a cheap shot at clubs like ours.
You may then find a wider audience than Warrington, showing approval.
Bob, says...
3:09pm Thu 15 May 08
If you want to do an inciteful and news worthy piece, why don't you put you mind to the reasons clubs like ours are climbing into the Premier league and then failing so miserably, instead of scratching the surface and having a cheap shot at clubs like ours.
You may then find a wider audience than Warrington, showing approval.
Bob, says...
3:09pm Thu 15 May 08
If you want to do an inciteful and news worthy piece, why don't you put you mind to the reasons clubs like ours are climbing into the Premier league and then failing so miserably, instead of scratching the surface and having a cheap shot at clubs like ours.
You may then find a wider audience than Warrington, showing approval.
glasgowram, says...
3:06pm Thu 15 May 08
glasgowram, says...
3:06pm Thu 15 May 08
glasgowram, says...
3:06pm Thu 15 May 08
glasgowram, says...
3:06pm Thu 15 May 08
Todd, Derby says...
3:06pm Thu 15 May 08
glasgowram wrote:I must admit... This piece of writing is better that yours Mr Sherminator. Genius.
Chris Flanagan wrote: Guys, this was clearly a light-hearted article aimed at a Warrington audience rather than a Derby one. I\'m fully aware of the reasons behind your struggle and I make the point at the end that I understand it cannot have been enjoyable for the club itself. But you must appreciate that to the rest of the country recent results have appeared remarkable. I\'m sure things will be better next season.In attempting to excuse your poor journalism, you manage to imply that it\'s OK your writing is so poor - it\'s just for those chumps in Warrington. Doesn\'t matter that it\'s badly written and immature - they don\'t know any better. From bad to worse, eh, Mr Flanagan?
Todd, Derby says...
3:06pm Thu 15 May 08
glasgowram wrote:I must admit... This piece of writing is better that yours Mr Sherminator. Genius.
Chris Flanagan wrote: Guys, this was clearly a light-hearted article aimed at a Warrington audience rather than a Derby one. I\'m fully aware of the reasons behind your struggle and I make the point at the end that I understand it cannot have been enjoyable for the club itself. But you must appreciate that to the rest of the country recent results have appeared remarkable. I\'m sure things will be better next season.In attempting to excuse your poor journalism, you manage to imply that it\'s OK your writing is so poor - it\'s just for those chumps in Warrington. Doesn\'t matter that it\'s badly written and immature - they don\'t know any better. From bad to worse, eh, Mr Flanagan?
Todd, Derby says...
3:06pm Thu 15 May 08
glasgowram wrote:I must admit... This piece of writing is better that yours Mr Sherminator. Genius.
Chris Flanagan wrote: Guys, this was clearly a light-hearted article aimed at a Warrington audience rather than a Derby one. I\'m fully aware of the reasons behind your struggle and I make the point at the end that I understand it cannot have been enjoyable for the club itself. But you must appreciate that to the rest of the country recent results have appeared remarkable. I\'m sure things will be better next season.In attempting to excuse your poor journalism, you manage to imply that it\'s OK your writing is so poor - it\'s just for those chumps in Warrington. Doesn\'t matter that it\'s badly written and immature - they don\'t know any better. From bad to worse, eh, Mr Flanagan?
Todd, Derby says...
3:06pm Thu 15 May 08
glasgowram wrote:I must admit... This piece of writing is better that yours Mr Sherminator. Genius.
Chris Flanagan wrote: Guys, this was clearly a light-hearted article aimed at a Warrington audience rather than a Derby one. I\'m fully aware of the reasons behind your struggle and I make the point at the end that I understand it cannot have been enjoyable for the club itself. But you must appreciate that to the rest of the country recent results have appeared remarkable. I\'m sure things will be better next season.In attempting to excuse your poor journalism, you manage to imply that it\'s OK your writing is so poor - it\'s just for those chumps in Warrington. Doesn\'t matter that it\'s badly written and immature - they don\'t know any better. From bad to worse, eh, Mr Flanagan?
Todd, Derby says...
3:06pm Thu 15 May 08
glasgowram wrote:I must admit... This piece of writing is better that yours Mr Sherminator. Genius.
Chris Flanagan wrote: Guys, this was clearly a light-hearted article aimed at a Warrington audience rather than a Derby one. I\'m fully aware of the reasons behind your struggle and I make the point at the end that I understand it cannot have been enjoyable for the club itself. But you must appreciate that to the rest of the country recent results have appeared remarkable. I\'m sure things will be better next season.In attempting to excuse your poor journalism, you manage to imply that it\'s OK your writing is so poor - it\'s just for those chumps in Warrington. Doesn\'t matter that it\'s badly written and immature - they don\'t know any better. From bad to worse, eh, Mr Flanagan?
Todd, Derby says...
3:06pm Thu 15 May 08
glasgowram wrote:I must admit... This piece of writing is better that yours Mr Sherminator. Genius.
Chris Flanagan wrote: Guys, this was clearly a light-hearted article aimed at a Warrington audience rather than a Derby one. I\'m fully aware of the reasons behind your struggle and I make the point at the end that I understand it cannot have been enjoyable for the club itself. But you must appreciate that to the rest of the country recent results have appeared remarkable. I\'m sure things will be better next season.In attempting to excuse your poor journalism, you manage to imply that it\'s OK your writing is so poor - it\'s just for those chumps in Warrington. Doesn\'t matter that it\'s badly written and immature - they don\'t know any better. From bad to worse, eh, Mr Flanagan?
Todd, Derby says...
3:06pm Thu 15 May 08
glasgowram wrote:I must admit... This piece of writing is better that yours Mr Sherminator. Genius.
Chris Flanagan wrote: Guys, this was clearly a light-hearted article aimed at a Warrington audience rather than a Derby one. I\'m fully aware of the reasons behind your struggle and I make the point at the end that I understand it cannot have been enjoyable for the club itself. But you must appreciate that to the rest of the country recent results have appeared remarkable. I\'m sure things will be better next season.In attempting to excuse your poor journalism, you manage to imply that it\'s OK your writing is so poor - it\'s just for those chumps in Warrington. Doesn\'t matter that it\'s badly written and immature - they don\'t know any better. From bad to worse, eh, Mr Flanagan?
Todd, Derby says...
3:06pm Thu 15 May 08
glasgowram wrote:I must admit... This piece of writing is better that yours Mr Sherminator. Genius.
Chris Flanagan wrote: Guys, this was clearly a light-hearted article aimed at a Warrington audience rather than a Derby one. I\'m fully aware of the reasons behind your struggle and I make the point at the end that I understand it cannot have been enjoyable for the club itself. But you must appreciate that to the rest of the country recent results have appeared remarkable. I\'m sure things will be better next season.In attempting to excuse your poor journalism, you manage to imply that it\'s OK your writing is so poor - it\'s just for those chumps in Warrington. Doesn\'t matter that it\'s badly written and immature - they don\'t know any better. From bad to worse, eh, Mr Flanagan?
Todd, Derby says...
3:03pm Thu 15 May 08
I suggest you enter Sherminator phase 1: GIVE UP JOURNALISM.
Then finally enter phase 2: SORT OUT THE BARNET.
And i must agree with Mad Amster... Could do better.
Todd, Derby says...
3:03pm Thu 15 May 08
I suggest you enter Sherminator phase 1: GIVE UP JOURNALISM.
Then finally enter phase 2: SORT OUT THE BARNET.
And i must agree with Mad Amster... Could do better.
Todd, Derby says...
3:03pm Thu 15 May 08
I suggest you enter Sherminator phase 1: GIVE UP JOURNALISM.
Then finally enter phase 2: SORT OUT THE BARNET.
And i must agree with Mad Amster... Could do better.
Todd, Derby says...
3:03pm Thu 15 May 08
I suggest you enter Sherminator phase 1: GIVE UP JOURNALISM.
Then finally enter phase 2: SORT OUT THE BARNET.
And i must agree with Mad Amster... Could do better.
glasgowram, says...
3:01pm Thu 15 May 08
Chris Flanagan wrote:In attempting to excuse your poor journalism, you manage to imply that it's OK your writing is so poor - it's just for those chumps in Warrington. Doesn't matter that it's badly written and immature - they don't know any better. From bad to worse, eh, Mr Flanagan?
Guys, this was clearly a light-hearted article aimed at a Warrington audience rather than a Derby one. I'm fully aware of the reasons behind your struggle and I make the point at the end that I understand it cannot have been enjoyable for the club itself. But you must appreciate that to the rest of the country recent results have appeared remarkable. I'm sure things will be better next season.
glasgowram, says...
3:01pm Thu 15 May 08
Chris Flanagan wrote:In attempting to excuse your poor journalism, you manage to imply that it's OK your writing is so poor - it's just for those chumps in Warrington. Doesn't matter that it's badly written and immature - they don't know any better. From bad to worse, eh, Mr Flanagan?
Guys, this was clearly a light-hearted article aimed at a Warrington audience rather than a Derby one. I'm fully aware of the reasons behind your struggle and I make the point at the end that I understand it cannot have been enjoyable for the club itself. But you must appreciate that to the rest of the country recent results have appeared remarkable. I'm sure things will be better next season.
glasgowram, says...
3:01pm Thu 15 May 08
Chris Flanagan wrote:In attempting to excuse your poor journalism, you manage to imply that it's OK your writing is so poor - it's just for those chumps in Warrington. Doesn't matter that it's badly written and immature - they don't know any better. From bad to worse, eh, Mr Flanagan?
Guys, this was clearly a light-hearted article aimed at a Warrington audience rather than a Derby one. I'm fully aware of the reasons behind your struggle and I make the point at the end that I understand it cannot have been enjoyable for the club itself. But you must appreciate that to the rest of the country recent results have appeared remarkable. I'm sure things will be better next season.
glasgowram, says...
3:01pm Thu 15 May 08
Chris Flanagan wrote:In attempting to excuse your poor journalism, you manage to imply that it's OK your writing is so poor - it's just for those chumps in Warrington. Doesn't matter that it's badly written and immature - they don't know any better. From bad to worse, eh, Mr Flanagan?
Guys, this was clearly a light-hearted article aimed at a Warrington audience rather than a Derby one. I'm fully aware of the reasons behind your struggle and I make the point at the end that I understand it cannot have been enjoyable for the club itself. But you must appreciate that to the rest of the country recent results have appeared remarkable. I'm sure things will be better next season.
Wilko, Derby says...
3:01pm Thu 15 May 08
How was it "clearly" designed for a Warrington audience?
Do people in Warrington not understand basic football point systems? Or do they not appreciate blatant facts?
Don't insult our (and the people of Warrington's) intelligence by claiming "it wasn't designed for us".
Normally "light-hearted" also references humour, which was lacking.
Wilko, Derby says...
3:01pm Thu 15 May 08
How was it "clearly" designed for a Warrington audience?
Do people in Warrington not understand basic football point systems? Or do they not appreciate blatant facts?
Don't insult our (and the people of Warrington's) intelligence by claiming "it wasn't designed for us".
Normally "light-hearted" also references humour, which was lacking.
Wilko, Derby says...
3:01pm Thu 15 May 08
How was it "clearly" designed for a Warrington audience?
Do people in Warrington not understand basic football point systems? Or do they not appreciate blatant facts?
Don't insult our (and the people of Warrington's) intelligence by claiming "it wasn't designed for us".
Normally "light-hearted" also references humour, which was lacking.
Wilko, Derby says...
3:01pm Thu 15 May 08
How was it "clearly" designed for a Warrington audience?
Do people in Warrington not understand basic football point systems? Or do they not appreciate blatant facts?
Don't insult our (and the people of Warrington's) intelligence by claiming "it wasn't designed for us".
Normally "light-hearted" also references humour, which was lacking.
Chris Flanagan, Warrington says...
2:54pm Thu 15 May 08
Chris Flanagan, Warrington says...
2:54pm Thu 15 May 08
Chris Flanagan, Warrington says...
2:54pm Thu 15 May 08
Bagford, Derby says...
4:16pm Thu 15 May 08