With only hours till the referee signals the start of one of the biggest matches in DCFC history, wherever Rams fans are preparing for the clash, we are all wishing, hoping and praying, that come 5pm, Derby are promoted.

Some will say be positive, some will say not to get carried away; some will wear their lucky shirt, underpants or scarf. Whatever you do to try and get some type of assistance from the universe with the result, fact is only the players, coaches and the support of a vocal crowd providing extra lift, can decide this one.

But just in case slip on those Rammie jocks!

Last time The Rams were promoted I purchased the commemorative t-shirt that celebrated the achievement, emblazoned with the slogan; “Derby & Promoted”.

Despite not being the catchiest of slogans, it was simple and to the point. No one could miss the fact you were a Derby fan and yes, your club had been promoted.

Job done marketing department!

Today I slip on that t-shirt and hope that somehow it will prove a lucky talisman and remind the Universe that The Rams deserve to be promoted.

On the flip side - a team that has the likes of Joey Barton running around for them, only deserve to be promoted as a home for unwanted miscreants.

So frankly Universe — the decision is simple!

Whatever happens today - on behalf of RamZone, and I am sure all Rams fans, I want to thank the players who have been enormous this season in getting the club this far, and most importantly, the genius of McClaren, Simpson and Steele who have galvanised the unit into possible promotion contenders.

I also want to spare a thought for Nigel Clough, whatever your thoughts on our previous manager, it is hard to deny he played a massive part in shaping this squad (Bryson, Martin, Hughes, Hendrick, Buxton, Russell etc etc) and laying the foundations for what has unfolded since the 0-1 defeat at Forest. Thanks Nigel - a lot of this is down to you!

And finally fellow Rams fans, enjoy the day; soak up the emotions and atmosphere whether you are at Wembley, or like me, sitting in your lounge room on the other side of the world.

This is why we love football, why we cheer, why we cry and bleed for our team… these are the days we live for!

I would finish by saying ‘make us proud boys’... but they already have.

Anything else will be more than we could ever have hoped for in 2013/14 - so just do your best and leave nothing in your locker.

Now we can do no more than sit back, wait and hope that tomorrow’s headlines will proclaim that once again we are “Derby & Promoted”!!

COYR!!

Photo: Action Images

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