This Was ‘22 Too…
I had to talk Michaela into allowing this brief post to make the blog, as it’s not about travel, but you see something very significant happened during 2022. My beloved football club did not after all disappear, surviving only by the skin of its teeth. We were saved, and there is a twist in the tale.
To those who do not have a sports club close to their heart, this may not seem hugely significant, but to a lifelong fan of a hometown English football (soccer) club, it’s massive. Born and bred in Derby, a season ticket holder for many, many years, I only relatively recently reduced the number of matches attended, and for over 40 years I spent most Saturdays following my beloved Derby County all over the country. I even saw us crowned champions of England twice (in 1972 and 1975, if you’re interested).
I am still avid and fanatical. Last summer the club had been brought to its knees by a profligate and misguided owner, had fallen badly out of favour with the football authorities, and really was on the edge of being unable to start the season, which would have triggered expulsion and inevitably extinction. Such a thing was an unthinkable and horrifying thought for all Rams fans like me.
Then, on 1st July, our knight in shining armour, one David Clowes, stepped in and saved the desperate club from collapse, an angst-ridden nine months after entering administration. The nightmare was over and we had survived. We have inevitably fallen a long way down football’s pecking order now – but we’re alive, and one day we’ll be back. Thanks to David Clowes.
And that twist in the tale? Mr Clowes is, like me, from a long established Derby family which, like mine, has been in Derby for many generations.
My grandma’s maiden name was Clowes. There has to be a strong chance…..
15 Comments
Born To Travel
Hi Phil
Was very interested to read your post. Pleased your club has survived.
Since the early 60s I have followed Melbourne Football Club here in the Australian Football League. I have now been a member for 43 consecutive years. Back in 1996 we nearly merged with another club but fortunately didn’t. From 1964 we didn’t win the league but in 2021, after 57 years, we won the premiership title. My sons and Karen, my wife, and I were so excited. Our loyalty had finally paid off. Sadly due to COVID restrictions we couldn’t go to the Grand Final game, which was held in Perth. So I commend you for your loyalty to your team and wish them success in your lifetime. It’s so hard to be the best team isn’t it.
Cheers, Mark
Phil & Michaela
Love it! Thanks, Mark – seeing my team become champions of England TWICE as a teenager cemented my love affair for ever! So pleased for you after that long wait…I always feel a strong affinity with loyal football fans anywhere in the world. Guess I’m gonna have one eye on Melbourne FC results from here on in!
Amanda
Saturdays at the football is a big tradition for many. Not mine, but I used to watch it. The football clubs and followers represent a strong community bonded in the rollercoaster of sporting success or failure. I am glad that someone was able to keep your club going and the foolish owner has gone. How funny that you might be related?
N Laughton
Once a ram always a ram and proud to be one
Phil & Michaela
Absolutely!
Monkey's Tale
I think you can use that story to get into the dressing room or something! Maggie
Phil & Michaela
Ha, maybe. I really would like to find out….maybe I’ll have to do some digging
Annie Berger
Happy that you were able to persuade Michaela to include a non-travel post in the blog as it rounds out your lives and personalities to people who only ‘know’ you from the blog! In this era, at least here in the States, of out-of-state gazillionaires buying up sports franchises, it was refreshing to read a local man bought up and rescued your Derby Rams.
Toonsarah
You know how closely I can identify with your anxiety of the future of the club and joy at its survival! I hope you’ll be able to follow them to increasing success so that one day I’ll be celebrating a Newcastle win over Derby in the Premier League 😆
grandmisadventures
Yay, I’m so glad that your team continues! That pride and loyalty run deep with favorite teams. 🙂
leightontravels
Hooray indeed! I hate to see any club go out of business (hm, maybe not Chelsea). Especially a ‘proper’ club like Derby with such a history and (for the most part) decent fans. Hope you get to catch a game or two in between adventures this year.
Phil & Michaela
Well I caught a couple of matches before we came out here – Wycombe at home and MK Dons away, so 2 out of 2 – but definitely intending to catch a few more while we’re back in England. Am seriously intrigued as to whether the new owner is a distant relative though!
wetanddustyroads
I giggled (quietly) … it’s just a true football supporter who still supports his team after they were last crowned champions in 1972/5 😉. But I see light…and hope for huge improvements in the coming years!
Phil & Michaela
The two things in life which you can’t change are your birth sign and your football team!
wetanddustyroads
It’s true … we have a rugby team that has been struggling for years now after their initial cup wins in the 80’s. But things seem to be turning around for the Stormers (finally), so we totally understand your enthusiasm towards your football team!