Snapshot In Time: Smith And His Staff Celebrate As Derby Secure Top-Flight Status With Famous Win

Whilst circumstances currently mean there’s no live football to enjoy, dcfc.co.uk is delving into the archives to feature a photograph from Derby County’s illustrious history.

Every day for the foreseeable future, we’ll provide you an image for supporters to enjoy and reminisce.

Jim Smith And His Staff Celebrate A Big Win For Derby County At Manchester United

Pictured here is former Derby County boss and the late Jim Smith, alongside his coaching staff, celebrating the crucial 1-0 victory at Manchester United in the Premiership back in May 2001.

Derby had been battling against relegation for most of the campaign and had to wait until mid-November to claim their first league win of the season, which came against fellow strugglers Bradford City at Pride Park Stadium.

They travelled to Old Trafford to take on the already-confirmed league champions with a mammoth task on their hands with just two games left to play.

However, Smith’s side stepped up to the plate to produce an excellent performance and claim a 1-0 victory thanks to a stunning goal from striker Malcolm Christie.

Results elsewhere, alongside that victory against Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, meant the Rams would be playing at the highest level once again in 2001/02.

Smith is pictured embracing his staff, including Steve Round, Eric Steele and the late Gordon Guthrie – as well as goalscorer Christie and attacker Giorgi Kinkladze.

Derby finished the 2000/01 campaign in 17th place in the Premiership, which proved to be Smith’s final full season in charge of the Rams prior to parting company with the club early in the 2001/02 campaign.

Look out for tomorrow’s Snapshot in Time across dcfc.co.uk – and remember you can suggest an image by getting in touch via the club’s social media channels.