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Ladies and gentlemen, it's been an honour. In indignation we have discovered our virtue and Derby County Football Club Ltd (in administration) will, if still in existence, play out next season in EFL League 1. I shall be at Pride Park on Saturday, I shall order a beer, and I shall toast to @havanatopia in memoriam. He started this illustrious discussion in the hope of a just relegation last season. Bureaucracy and fate have conspired to delay it, but the punishment has been served. I hope he is basking in a heavenly warmth today. To all who have educated, entertained and informed this thread throughout this season. I thank you and salute you.

He was influential in our promotion season, arguably our best player in that side. He's never set the championship alight that's for sure, but to call him one of the most overrated is a bit ridiculous and disrespectful.

On a snowy Sunday back in November they easily beat us 2-0, our performance that day was woeful. Highlights: https://media.afrozaar.com/video/1/buildEnvelope/Y2lkPTE5MSZ2aWRlb1VybD1odHRwczovL2JyaXN0b2wtY2RuLmJhb2JhYnN1aXRlLmNvbS9wdWJsaWMvYnMvYmNmYy9tZWRpYS92aWRlby8yMDIxLzExLzI5LzE3ODEwNS8wL3NoZWZmaWVsZHVuaXRlZDItYnJpc3RvbGNpdHktaGlnaGxpZ2h0cy5tcDQmc3RhbmRBbG9uZT10cnVl Ahead of that game kicking off we had the same points (23) as them. Fast forward to today they are on 65 points 17 more than us. On Friday while we were picking up three points against Stoke they lost at home to Reading. The appointment of Paul Heckingbottom, who took over from Jokanovic in November, has certainly resulted in the Blades rediscovering their mojo. His first game in charge was against us. When he was appointed he said: ‘My approach will be the same as last time. I always want to see hard work. I want to see people taking responsibility and being judged on that, making people accountable for their work, their effort and their standards, but I want to see smiles on faces again, everyone across the club.’ He has certainly turned things around! https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/59405002 A recent media article explained that Hecky wants to ensure United enjoy every advantage possible between now and the end of the campaign. That has prompted him to focus on the minutiae of their tactical strategy, with particular emphasis being placed upon free-kicks, corners and throw-ins - at both ends of the pitch. https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/sheffield-united-new-area-of-focus-as-blades-attempt-to-win-promotion-3651011 Our overall record against them isn’t good, they have won 31 and lost 16 there have been 11 draws. Last six meetings: 08.12.2017 – Sheffield United 1-2 Bristol City (Championship) 06.05.2018 – Bristol City 2-3 Sheffield United (Championship) 15.09.2018 – Bristol City 1-0 Sheffield United (Championship) 30.03.2019 – Sheffield United 2-3 Bristol City (Championship) 10.02.2021 – Sheffield United 1-0 Bristol City (FA Cup Round 5) 28.11.2021 – Sheffield United 2-0 Bristol City (Championship) As of last Monday approximately 1,400 tickets had been sold to traveling fans. Their recent form has been variable it includes a draw against Bournemouth, a 1-0 defeat at Stoke, a 4-1 win against Boro and a 4-1 defeat at Coventry. On Good Friday it finished 1-2 against Reading, with United equalizing in the 90th minute and Reading bagging the winner in the 92nd minute! The last six games have seen both us and them win two, draw two and lose two. As unlikely as it seems we could just record our first back to back win of the season today. They have a lot of injuries. They welcomed back Chris Basham to the substitute’s bench for the defeat on Friday and maybe will include him again for todays fixture. However, the Blades are without defenders; Charlie Goode (knee), Jayden Bogle (knee), Jack O’Connell (knee) and forwards Billy Sharp (groin), Rhian Brewster (hamstring) and former Cherries striker David McGoldrick (thigh). John Fleck is a doubt having missed the Reading game due to a groin problem. We will be without Williams, as NP has made clear he won’t play two games in quick succession, so guessing HNM will start, Tanner and King may be in the squad and I would not be surprised to see Wells start, perhaps replacing Martin. Programme: https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/conway-to-do-it-more-in-your-free-robins-matchday-programme/ Today's referee is Keith Stroud he’s taken charge of 23 Championship games this season and issued 102 yellows and 3 reds. History Sheffield United FC was formed at No 10 Norfolk Row in what now is the City Centre on March 22nd 1889. The name ‘United’ was taken from the ‘Sheffield United Cricket Club’ and they claim to be the oldest ‘United’ playing football at professional level in the game. Within a decade of its birth, Sheffield United had won the League Championship (1897/98), won the forerunner of the Charity Shield, then known as the ‘Sheriff’s Shield’ and the FA Cup in 1899 – an incredible number of major honours in a short space of time. United’s early playing colours were white shirts along with blue shorts and socks. A thin red stripe appeared in 1892 and the more common ‘candy stripes’ for which they are famous were adopted in 1894. Black shorts were introduced in 1910 along with red and occasionally black socks. In 1904 the club became the only one to this day in the top flight of the English game to field a starting 11 of full England international players. United would also go on to win the FA Cup on a further three occasions, playing in six finals. The Blades have also finished runners-up in the top flight on two other occasions and remain one of only a handful of clubs who have won every title in the League structure, culminating with lifting the League One trophy under Chris Wilder in 2017. The nickname of The Blades is gleaned from the famous and bespoken cutlery and knife industry that Sheffield is famed for which thrived in the very shadow of their home ground, Bramall Lane. They were founding members of both League Division Two (in 1892) and the Premier League (in 1992). After a period struggling in the lower leagues, the Blades recently enjoyed their most prosperous period for a very long time. It culminated with proud Sheffield United fan Chris Wilder leading his boyhood club back to the Premier League in April 2019, https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48026965 Blades banter The Greasy Chip Butty Song is their chant which is sung to the tune of "Annie's Song", it glorifies life in Sheffield, in chief the eponymous chip butty but also nightlife, beer and tobacco products. Along the lines of: You fill up my senses Like a gallon of Magnet Like a packet of Woodbines Like a good pinch of snuff Like a night out in Sheffield Like a greasy chip butty Like Sheffield United Come fill me again They almost signed the one and only Diego Maradona back in the 1970’s. They were close to agreeing a deal for the then 17-year-old Maradona, but the board failed to stump up the necessary fee for the maverick Argentinian.Instead of signing one of the players who would go on to become one of the greatest the world has ever seen, the Blades instead opted for Alex Sabella, who was top class in bits, but he wasn't quite Maradona! Sheffield United scored the first ever Premier League goal. Brian Deane scored it when he headed home against Manchester United at Bramall Lane on 15th August 1992. Deane would go onto convert a penalty in the same game, giving the Blades a famous 2-1 win over Alex Ferguson and his team. Bramall Lane played host to the first ever game under floodlights way back in 1878, which is before Sheffield United were even formed! The game was played between two teams selected from the Sheffield area. Another stadium one, but Bramall Lane is currently the oldest football ground in the world still to be hosting professional football matches. Bramall Lane was opened in 1855, a whole 39 years before the Blades were even formed. The ground was initially used to host cricket, before it was adapted later in the century to become the home of Sheffield United upon their formation in 1889. It has hosted both international football and cricket matches, making it one of only two grounds in England to have hosted such events. Players that have played for us and them include Martyn Woolford (2011–2013 played 55 games for us with four goals, 2015–2016 Sheffield United where he played 28 games with one goal) and Luke Freeman who was with us 2014-2017 scoring 10 times in 105 appearances. Freeman signed for Sheffield United for a club-record fee in July 2019. Let’s just hope that todays 530pm kick off results in a decent City performance and a home win, forgotten what it’s like to win consecutive games, oh it’s on Sky Sports COYR!

I thought Chris Martin had a very good game. Underappreciated by a lot of fans and I'm glad his contact has been extended.

My first visit to Bramall Lane in 1958 resulted in the following. Sitting in the cafe in John Street right outside the stadium and drinking tea with United players. Free Complimentary ticket from Alan Hodgkinson, the current England Goalkeeper. A 4-0 defeat. Bottle of beer on train home from Bert Tindill and in the same carriage as the City squad.

Same here. Really enjoyed it. Even in the first half, there was a lot to like in our defending. We looked great on the break and should have scored more.

I'm not renewing after 25 years of having a season ticket. Nothing to do with the shite football of the last few seasons though. Hit with redundancy last year, and have decided to sell up and start a new chapter in life with the other half in the New Forest. Bit gutted to be honest, but will make it for a few select games I expect.

Been announced his baby son has passed away , awfully sad news: Cristiano Ronaldo and his partner have announced that their baby son has died. Writing on Instagram, they said they are "devastated" and called it the "greatest pain that any parents can feel".

Must be just me then but I thoroughly enjoyed the game. Thought our commitment was spot on. Imo one of our best performance s of the season. A well deserved point against quality opposition.

Astounding today, superb in defence and attack. With 5 minutes to go he created a chance by pressing halfway in the opposition half. He was my man of the match.

Ah..that was the lesser spotted Ian Gay/Bristol Boy/Man who’s frustrated football didn’t recognise his obvious talents What his opinion is worth you could write on the back of a postage stamp.

Genuinely excellent second half performance. Really enjoyed it. Oh Andy! ???

To complete the circle as far as we can Derby have been relegated as a result of the actions of Morris and Pearce, no one else is responsible. The future of the club is still in serious doubt. I hope they survive, but not sure what this season and starting next season with no squad and minus 15 points will do to Rooney and the remaining squad if tehy do. Finally a big thank you to @havanatopia.

Sky are crying over Derby going down, pathetic. They cheated and they can sod off down to league 1.

Had to chuckle at half time, some of the usual negative posters were slaughtering him and the other two Centre backs. Imo the back three has looked better without Kalas the last few weeks

I`m not. After nearly fifty years I`ve finally had enough of 10 hour days to watch ninety minutes of football and not getting home till 1am for night matches. Add in the hassle of parking, cost of petrol and everything else it`s finally beaten me. I`ll never stop loving City, I`ve got too much invested down the years, but I just can`t be doing with the faff of the `match day experience` any more. I`ll probably get a VPN sorted out and watch via Robins TV so the club will at least get some cash out of me though.

Fair result. Much better 2nd half.

So just to emphasise the love in. Half an hour of how Sheff U are missing players, no strikers , blah, blah blah. Seconds to kick off and the Com says, worth mentioning Bristol City are in a similar position with injuries, anyway on with the game. Shit , biased shit.

Scott is a great example. Clearly not a thug but the kid has an edge about him that says “I’m better than these senior pro’s alongside me” which is why, notwithstanding a dip in form that he recognises himself, the kid is going places. Benarous has it too.

Not long ago, Pearson used an interesting word when talking about the Academy and specifically defenders. He said, whilst the Academy was producing some good players, he'd like to see a few "thugs" coming through. Thugs! Now I'm pretty sure he didn't mean that literally but rather as an indication of the sort of mentality, personality, character he'd like to see in the team, particularly our defenders. Moore is the polar opposite of that. I've always said, he's the sort of nice, polite lad you hope your daughter brings home. He's son-in-law material. That's not what Pearson's looking for mentality wise - even before you consider a player's technical ability, what have they got between their ears? This may also be why Cundy is getting a chance to prove his worth - Pearson likes his character, so he's giving the lad a chance to play some games and prove his worth.

I simply cannot see HMRC compromising their position one jot.

He's so shit, he may accidentally give us a penalty

Unlike some signings at the time (eg Engvall) I think I “got”, and indeed we all “got” Moore. England age group international, room to improve, decent attitude. Ultimately he’s not kicked on for whatever reason so it’s time to let go, but I’d take the gamble again

My MOTM Too. Bodes well for next season. I turned on the radio just as he (Ian) had his called “politely ended” by the BBCRB guy. Carthorses? Klose is a ageing thoroughbred. Atkinson has a strange running gait, but Rennie confirmed he’s one of the quickest at the club. Cundy did pretty well again tonight. The two up top for Sheffield were bloody sharp first half, little one-two’s, dummies and spins, etc. I thought the three coped incredibly well.

I was listening to Radio Bristol. There was caller implying we had three cart horses as center backs. Luckily we actually have a senior pro with bags of experience and some class plus two guys, one of whom didn’t get his first game until six weeks ago or so, who have come through non league to play their first season at this level and are starting to look decent together. Its tiring being a City fan and tiresome listening and reading some of our supporters. We played very decently on the counter attack and whethered a lot of pressure from a promotion chasing team in the first, the center backs and the two schoolboys out wide did very well all game! Atkinson can go a long way as you imply!!!

Agree thought RA good, RC not bad but a bit dodgy, TK great, clearing up a lot of problems, including, which think is a sign of his quality, when they hadn’t yet come to fruition. Really like Benarous, much more awareness than pretty much everyone other than the veteran… Scott. Think Andi should be issued with a klaxon and a luminous balaclava that he can use when he makes runs, so that his teammates know where he is.

If only Pearson had taken off Martin, we'd have won that........

Excellent from Massengo, once again proving his mind isn’t elsewhere

Not renewing. Heart just not in it after 60 plus years. Perhaps I may regret it. Will always follow City but just a chore going to the Gate, parking,etc then watching overpaid players under perform and constant garbage from the mouths of owners who are so transparent when things not going so well.

Can people not see that we are being dominated in the middle, if we try and play through midfield they'll pinch it constantly. Their three forwards are all midfielders, they are all going to drop in and try link up, the only way we are going to create chances is sit in deep and play the long ball and see if we can pick up pieces. No wonder we can't play out, it would be absolutely stupid to do so. If we tried to play through Massengo and James we'd be losing the ball closer to our goal time and time again. Yeah it is not pretty right now but we haven't got the players to knock the ball about, especially against a team with an identity like Sheff Utd who dominate the ball and overload out wide. Lucky they haven't got Sharp today and Bentley hasn't been punished for a few moments of madness. Game still there to be won if we stay switched on at the back. COYR.

I don’t think we’re necessarily bad… I just think Sheff United look a good outfit.

Saw this on FB from Mitch Osmond, RIP fellow-Red. Hi everyone. Todays game at the gate on the 53rd minute there will be a minutes applause for my mum, a lifelong city fan that passed a few weeks ago. If everyone could join me and my family in the minutes applause it would be much appreciated. Thank you in advance. CTID?

Good that a certain Mr Sharp's groin is still a trouble for him... For once he won't notch against us!!

I haven't renewed yet, but despite everything that has happened and is still happening......It is the quality time I spend with my boy so will probably renew soon!!! He too is now starting to realise the pain we all suffer ?

Ah Luke Freeman, one of the most overrated footballers I have ever known. Where is he not playing now? Pretty sure that lad has never regularly played for anyone above bottom half Championship

The Crown Jewels argument always gets me. MA and LJ were allowed to reinvest the money, they were just rubbish at it. Good recruitment allows you to sell your best players, but barring a couple (Webster & Brownhill), Ashton & Johnson were complete dross.

So this would be the very same person who has been suggesting that we give Cundy a run of games until the end of the season? Who did he think we’d partner him with? Virgil Van Dijk? What a complete tosser he is.

It was a good game just as the one at Stoke was. City never looked like losing either game. Seems as if Nige is getting his methods thru at long last. This season is almost over and I’m really looking forward to the next campaign.

Well played City I may be in a minority but I rated our defence today

I feel it is more awareness than selfishness. I don't think our players ignore Weimann so much as not think to check what the options are.

Atkinson our MOTM by a distance for me, looks back to his best

Are you joking, he’s the only one who looks like he can make something happen

Really? I’m sure he never thought of that…

One poster defended LJ on the basis that our saleable assets right now were acquired by him. Fantastic, ignore the losses, the likes of Engvall, Hegeler, Djuric, Diedhou (fantastic bloke but look at it objectively and a terrible signing overall). Posters still swear blind that we are lucky to have the bloke that mismanaged all this, allowed it to happen and not only that but defended it.

Absolutely spot on. Scatter gun. Anybody looking to defend the transfer policy of LJ and the slippery one, really hasn’t got a leg to stand on. 60 odd signings, 2 success, maybe half a dozen to ten who did ok and we managed to recoup a decent fee. But on the whole pretty poor. The foreign experiment with Hegeler, Duric etc was bad enough, but the losses racked up (£5m Fammy leaving for nowt) are pretty unforgivable. The worst thing is, the bloke(s) who allowed it to happen have done it before, and are still here.

Yep, I’ve renewed mine and the kids’ season tickets. The last couple of seasons have been tough and I’m worried about what’s in store for us next season, but the kids (growing up fast, both are teenagers now, and have been watching City since they were about 4) have been more committed to going to games than ever, so I’m making the most of going to AG with them before they want to go with their friends/find other things to do.

Standard has dipped, so Stroud doesn’t seem that bad anymore. Gavin Ward is the one I shudder at when we get him .

Said it time and time before, he was playing his best football a few years ago and then was suddenly dropped and loaned to Blackpool. Doesn’t seem to have recovered since and hard to see here he goes from here.

Surely you know the dates of your children’s birthdays ?.

"Loans from England not up to it"?? that's coming from a club that would probably struggle in the English third division ?