Mark Rowlands looks at the similarities between Derby and Leeds fans
The attitude of the Derby County fans to the way they have tried to gain Ferrie Bodde from us reminded me of something and I am sure I am not the only one who has thought that.
Let me play the scenario for you and see if it brings a small reminder about something that you may have seen before.
You must have seen it by now. There is no doubt that Derby County fans have turned into this season's version of Leeds United fans. Many with chips on their shoulders that would make Harry Ramsden green with envy and most believing that they should get what they want because they are, errrr, Derby County?
In fact when you look back at it now you could also see it from Leeds fans, they did have a decent tradition albeit historic but Derby aren't really a big club are they? Yeah they had good attendances last season but then so would most clubs in the Premiership but that in itself doesn't give you the right to stamp your feet and demand what you want and then moan when others don't cave into your demands.
It's not too late for Derby fans. Take a look at the mob from Elland Road and see what they were like all last season and probably still like this season. They never learned humility, they never realised that pride always comes before a fall. And when we ended 16 points above them thus rendering their last feeble argument useless they couldn't even surface to admit that they were second best.
It's only pre-season for Derby, they could calm down a little and learn some respect. For what it's worth I think they will get Ferrie Bodde, the saga runs too deep now for us to hold onto him but at the same time they should expect to pay near the club's valuation and no insult us with pathetic offers. If that is your valuation of the player then please shut the door on your way out.
But most of all to their fans, respect the fans of others. Your neighbours in Nottingham did it after their first season in League One and we congratulated them on their promotion as a result. Not us as in Swansea but us as in football fans across the division. We all enjoy watching others success but only when it is deserved by those enjoying it. Sure you guys will probably finish above us next season and yes your fanbase is bigger, your stadium is bigger, your trophy cabinet is bigger, hell your Dad is probably bigger than our Dad as well but for now - we will compete on the same stage next season. And that has been earned by both clubs because of their respective recent history. Which, at this point in time, is the only thing that matters.
Please don't be like Leeds.