3/1 To Win
Derby County celebrated the Golden Rams at a landmark lunch at Pride Park Stadium on Thursday afternoon.
The event brought together almost 200 supporters aged 85 and older to thank them for their long-standing dedication to the club.
It’s the inaugural lunch in what Executive Chairman Mel Morris CBE says will be an annual get-together for the older generation of fans.
As a token of Mr Morris’ appreciation, each guest was treated to lunch in the Pedigree Suite as well as a Derby County blanket and a voucher for a club jacket. Those who have held a season ticket for the last five years were also presented with a free season ticket for the 2018/19 season.
Speaking at the event, he said: “This is about giving back. The people in the room have spent many years supporting the Rams and we thought it would be nice to do something a little bit different.
“The idea came to me when I lost my father last year. One thing which struck me at the time was that a lot of his friends had already died at that age and he had less and less of a community of friends.
“The idea really is to create a community feel around the club and to give you the chance to meet others the same age.”
Also in attendance were three Derby legends who graced the pitch in an era that the guests will fondly remember.
Roger Davies, Roy McFarland and Archie Gemmill reminisced on stage about the ‘good old days’ when they were playing together in the 70s and had the opportunity to chat with the guests.
Roger explained to dcfc.co.uk: “I call them our mature fans, they are a major part of this club. They have been with us forever and I’m sure they have loved every minute of this, it’s great mingling with them.
“As ex-players we still like to reminisce so it’s really nice to be recognised and speak to these fans who came to see us, paid our wages and remained all the way through. They have stuck with us and always been faithful.”
Cyril Ford has been attending matches with his son since the 60s and said he had an enjoyable afternoon.
He said: “Derby County has been a family club for a very long time and that is one of its advantages. I still come with my son and it’s a nice club to belong to.”
The event kicked off with the Golden Rams enjoying a light pre-lunch workout thanks to a taster session of Forever Active, a Derby County Community Trust programme that offers exercise programs to people over 60-years-old.
It is just one of the initiatives offered to the older generation of Rams fans. Starting on Friday 4th May at 10am a coffee morning will be held for the 85+ supporters at the Pride Park Stadium Starbucks and will continue on the first Friday of each month.
Morris is also designating an area of the stadium to the Golden Rams for them to enjoy their season tickets together.
