Derby County clinched automatic promotion to the Sky Bet Championship after a convincing 2-0 win against Carlisle, two years after their relegation to the third tier. The Rams, needing only a draw at home to League One’s bottom side, got off to a flying start when Max Bird gave them an early lead with a stunning 25-yard effort on his 200th appearance for Derby County. James Collins put the result beyond doubt for Derby with a close-range strike in the second half, contributing to the Rams’ final points tally of 92, a club record.
Max Bird, expressing his joy after the match, stated, “It’s unbelievable. It’s how I dreamt about it and how all the lads dreamt about it. We stood together during low times, and today is probably my best day at the club. I’m a bit lost for words, and it’s a bit cliche, but it’s incredible. The fans have been waiting for this all season. We’ve wanted to do it as a group, we’ve got a really good group – young lads, real experienced pros as well – but it’s been absolutely top, a top season.”
Conor Hourihane echoed Bird’s sentiments, saying, “It’s been tough work, every season is, but credit to the lads. They have been absolutely fantastic. We had a job to do – and I’m not going to lie it was tough during the week – but credit to the lads again. I’m just delighted. It’s really special. It’s amazing.”
Pav Samra, founder of the Punjabi Rams official supporters’ group, celebrated the promotion and the recent success of the club’s women’s team, which won the National League Plate last week. Samra expressed his gratitude to the club’s owner, David Clowes, and the staff and players for saving the club from administration two years ago and leading them back to the Championship. He emphasized the need for stability and the ambition to return to the Premier League in the future.
