Introducing Wolves Blog

Lee: Thomas, thanks for joining us here at The Edit. Let’s start by getting an introduction to you and Wolves Blog. 

Thomas: I’ve been a Wolves supporter for about 30 years and a season ticket holder for most of that time. I started Wolves Blog in 2008 as I’m a keen writer and nobody else seemed to be covering the club with a fan-made editorial product. Fast forward to 2024 and the blog is still going strong. 

For anyone that hasn’t come across Wolves Blog, it’s simply a fan’s perspective on the events unfolding at the club. Over the years we have attracted a community of supporters who all join in via the comment section to offer a diverse range of views and opinions. It ultimately gives fans a platform to come together and share their voice. 

Lee: So for someone who hasn’t perhaps read your content, what should they expect? 

Thomas: Frank, and probably somewhat biased opinions on anything and everything concerning Wolverhampton Wanderers. We tend to focus a lot of the content, as you would expect, on pre-match previews and then post-match analysis. 

Lee: And where can we find your blog?

Thomas: By visiting wolvesblog.com or Googling ‘Wolves Blog’.

Footballing Favourites

Lee: My favourite part of our fan interview series is to get to know more about the team you support and your favourite player. We know you’re a Wolves fan, but who is your favourite player? 

Thomas: I would probably say Ruben Neves because in those early years at the club he made it feel like anything was possible. We climbed into the Premier League and even made it into a European quarter final – something I didn’t think I’d experience in my lifetime.

The combination of world class goals, sublime passing and his obvious desire to do his very best for Wolves every time he stepped onto the pitch. A class act.

And then that goal against Derby. We knew we were promoted when that volley dropped out of the sky. 

We knew we were promoted when that volley dropped out of the sky. 

Lee: And what about within the current squad? 

Thomas: I’ll go with Pedro Neto. At his best I struggle to think of a more electrifying winger. We’ll do well to hold onto him.

Footballing Memories

Lee: Let’s go on a journey back through all those years of supporting Wolves. What would be your favourite memory? 

Thomas: Probably promotion to the Premier League in 2003 via the play-off final at the Millenium Stadium. I didn’t think we’d ever make it after so many near misses. It was a perfect day. You don’t often win a final 3-0.

Lee: What is your earliest footballing memory?

Thomas: I think the first game my dad ever took me to was just before Molineux was redeveloped and we took a crate in with us to stand on so I could see over the adults!

The 2024/45 Season

Lee: At the time of writing, the new season is fast approaching. What are your expectations for Wolves this season? 

Thomas: It’s always so tough to predict the Premier League, but I would hope we could finish mid-table and maybe progress well in one of the cups. Sadly, staying up will always be the first priority.

Lee: Which Wolves player do you think we should keep our eye on? 

Thomas: Matheus Cunha. He was sensational at times last season and with some more reinforcements around him this season I think he could do something special.

He was sensational at times last season and with some more reinforcements around him this season I think he could do something special.

Lee: How would you rate Wolves’ transfer activity so far this summer?

Thomas: Impressive. They’ve got the centre forward they desperately needed in Jørgen Strand Larsen and two highly rated young wide players in Pedro Lima and Rodrigo Gomes. We’ve balanced the books by selling skipper Max Kilman to West Ham, but hopefully he can be replaced and we can retain all of our other key players.

Lee: And lastly, which non-Wolves player do you see being the surprise package this season? 

Thomas: I’m looking forward to seeing what Archie Gray can do for Tottenham. He could develop into the exact type of player England need in their midfield. And I think Spurs could surprise people again if they get the recruitment right to support Ange. 

The Terrace Apparel

Lee: Before we let you go, I’d love to get your feedback on the products on offer at The Terrace Apparel. 

Thomas: I like the idea – premium quality and subtle designs. Right up my street. Ruben Neves is my obvious favourite design, but some of the wrestling designs are catching my eye too. I was a big Hitman fan growing up. 

You can read Thomas’ review of the Ruben Neves design here.

The post Fan Interview: with Thomas Baugh, co-founder and editor of Wolves Blog appeared first on The Terrace Apparel.

In this latest edition of The Edit, we’ll embark on a journey through time, exploring and counting down the 10 oldest football stadiums in the UK, each with its own unique story to tell.

A journey through time

1. Anfield, Liverpool (1884)

First on our list is Anfield, one of the most iconic venues in English football. Unknown to some is that it used to be the home of Everton between 1884 and 1891 before they later moved to Goodison Park. Since then it has been the home of Liverpool after their formation in 1982. Anfield has seen some of the greatest players to ever play the game, with the Spion Kop arguably serving up one of the best atmospheres in the football league. What a great place to start on our journey through time! 

2. Turf Moor, Burnley (1883)

Next on our list is Turf Moor, which has been the home to Burnley Football Club since 1883. Sport has been played at the Turf Moor site since 1843, when Burnley Cricket Club made the area their home. In 1883, they invited Burnley FC to use a pitch adjacent to the cricket field, and in 1985 the first grandstand was built. In 1986, Turf Moor became the first football ground to be visited by a member of the Royal Family, when Prince Albert Victor attended a friendly against Bolton Wanderers. 

3. Ewood Park, Blackburn (1882)

Football has been played on the site of Ewood Park since at least 1881. Blackburn Rovers, founding members of the Football League, played four games there, including a friendly against Sheffield Wednesday. In 1882, Ewood Park was opened and staged football, athletics, and greyhound racing before Rovers moved back in 1890. Blackburn have played their home games there ever since, including the 1994/95 season when they won the Premier League. 

4. Deepdale, Preston (1878)

Some claim that Deepdale is the oldest active stadium in the Football League. It has been home to Preston North End, another of the founding members of the Football League, since 1878. Some of our other stadiums to come weren’t home to their current team until after this date. In the inaugural season of the Football league, Preston won both the league title and the FA Cup. They were the first team to achieve the domestic double in English football and are remembered as the original ‘Invincibles’ after going the entire campaign unbeaten. 

5. Rodney Parade, Newport (1877)

Rodney Parade features on our list despite being a rugby stadium for much of its lifetime. Built in 1877, Newport RFC played their first game there just a few years later. It wasn’t until 2012 that Newport County moved from Newport Stadium to play its home fixtures at Rodney Parade. With Newport County in residence, Rodney Parade is one of the oldest sports venues in the English Football League. With so much history, it’s good to see there is still life in the ground yet! 

6. Stamford Bridge, Chelsea (1877)

Opened in 1877, the stadium was originally used by the London Athletic Club. In 1905 Chelsea Football Club were formed and moved in to occupy the ground. They have played their home games at The Bridge ever since. The ground has undergone major changes over the years, most recently in the 1990s when it was renovated into a modern, all-seater stadium. With further plans to expand the stadium, Stamford Bridge looks set to retain its rich history for a long time to come. 

7. Tannadice Park, Dundee (1870)

Scotland makes its mark on our list with Tannadice Park. Originally known as Clepington Park, the ground was first used for football in the 1870s. In 1909 a new club, Dundee Hibernian, was formed. Rather than building a new ground, the club controversially approached the landlord of Clepington Park to secure the ready-made venue. Located just 180 meters from Dens Park, home of city rivals Dundee, the two grounds are the closest football stadiums in the UK. 

8. Field Mill, Mansfield (1861)

Mansfield Town’s Field Mill is the oldest professional ground in the Football League. It has been used as a football ground since 1861, making it the longest serving football ground in our list. The first grandstand was built in 1922 along the west side of the ground, with the other three sides all completed by 1926. In 1929, using money from their cup run of the previous year, a covered stand was built on the Bishop Street side of the ground.  

9. Bramall Lane, Sheffield (1855)

Sheffield lays claim to another historical gem. The ground has played host to some of football’s most significant matches, including the final of the world’s first tournament, the Youdan Cup, in 1867. Despite being used by The Wednesday F.C, later renamed Sheffield Wednesday, it is now the home of Sheffield United. The Blades have played their home games at Bramall Lane since the club’s establishment in 1889. 

10. The Racecourse Ground, Wrexham (1801)

Our journey concludes in Wrexham, North Wales, with The Raceground Ground. Built in 1801, The Racecourse Ground holds the distinction of being the oldest football stadium that still hosts international football matches. Originally built for horse racing and cricket, it wasn’t until 1864 that the stadium was used to host football matches. With Wrexham making a climb back up the Football League, it might be a good time to go and watch a game in the UKs oldest football stadium. 

More than just football. 

Our exploration of the UKs 10 oldest football stadiums has been a journey through time. These grounds are more than just a place to watch football. They are cultural landmarks and the stages upon which generations of footballing stories have been told. Our hallowed grounds have witnessed the evolution of the English game, from its humble beginnings to the global phenomena that it is today. 

As more clubs move to modern, purpose-built, stadiums, it’s important that we cherish our few remaining historic venues. There really isn’t anything better than watching football in a ground steeped in footballing history.

Shop our football collection

All our products are made from high-quality materials that are both comfortable and long-lasting. Our embroidered designs are carefully crafted using the latest techniques and highest quality materials to ensure that they remain durable and eye-catching, even after multiple washes.

Celebrate your own football superstar with our collection of t-shirts. Match winning moments, iconic celebrations, cult heroes. With The Terrace Apparel you can wear the moment.

This post was a guest post by Clifton Clothing, suppliers of custom apparel and promotions.

The post Terrace History: The 10 oldest football stadiums in the UK.  appeared first on The Terrace Apparel.

Zeke’s Shirt Collection

Lee: Firstly, thanks for joining us on The Edit, Zeke. Let’s start by hearing a bit more about your interest in football shirts. How did that all start?

Zeke: I’ve always been a collector of football shirts, but it wasn’t until Covid hit that I started my collection properly. Finding out about the community of football shirt collectors on Twitter started to influence my own collection. It made me realise how easily accessible different football shirts were and that is what excited me the most.

I now have 160 shirts in my collection, 82 of which are various Norwich City shirts. The rest vary from teams all around the world, but I have quite a few Borussia Monchengladbach and Barcelona shirts within my collection.  

My favourite is a match worn shirt from Max Aarons. I actually got it in a shirt swap with Max himself after finding one of his previous match worn shirts that he’d given to his grandad. For whatever reason it ended up getting lost so I Tweeted him to ask if he wanted it back. He was over the moon that it had been located, and that I had contacted him, so he got my tickets for two upcoming games and entry into the players’ lounge to meet the squad. It’s probably the shirt with the most meaning in my collection and isn’t one that I could ever replace.

My favourite is a match worn shirt from Max Aarons. I actually got it in a shirt swap with Max himself

Finding Zeke on Twitter

Lee: So where can people find your Twitter account?

Zeke: I’m @knockemdownes on Twitter. I tweet about all things football related and football shirts. I’m also into photography so you’ll see a bit of that on my account as well. I love creating content to try and engage followers and get people talking.

Lee: And you also do a bit of punditry as well don’t you. Can you tell us about that?

Zeke: Yeah, so I provide some punditry for @FootballLeagueW. They sent out a tweet asking for a Norwich fan to provide some punditry and insight. I messaged them and they thought I’d be a good fit. I talk about any recent Norwich news, transfers and results. The Twitter account and website give fans an in-depth analysis of the Football League. I think it’s really refreshing to get insight from the lower leagues and not always hear about the Premier League.

Zeke’s Footballing Favourites

Lee: One of the things that we like to do here at The Edit is get to know more about the team you support and your favourite player. We’ve heard you’re a Norwich City fan, so what are you expectations for this season?

Zeke: At the beginning of the season I would have said top 6 needed to be a realistic achievement. It’s been quite an up and down season, but under David Wagner we look a much better side and the top 6 is definitely possible. Gabriel Sara is looking like a really good player and there is definitely more to come from him in the run-in.

Lee: Which one player would you like to see Norwich sign?

Zeke: Oliver Skipp. It’s totally unrealistic given he now features in the Tottenham squad, but we had him on loan a few seasons back and we never really managed to replace the quality that he gave our midfield.

Lee: Who would be your favourite non-Norwich player?

Zeke: Messi. I’ve always loved Messi. He epitomises everything that is great about football, and he just brings so much joy to people all around the world when he plays. For me, he’s the best there has ever been and probably the best there ever will be. His playing style is an art. My two favourite Norwich players are Wes Hoolahan and Emi Buendia and they both have similar traits to the way that they play the game.

Lionel Messi T-Shirt

£24.99

Shop now

Zeke’s Footballing Memories

Lee: What would be your earliest footballing memory?

Zeke: Unfortunately, being relegated to League One in the 2008/09 season. I’ve had a season ticket at Carrow Road for 17 years, so I did actually see games in the Championship the season before we got relegated, but that relegation itself is the first real memory I have. Incidentally, I think that relegated kick-started our rise and stopped the rot we were in. We got promoted straight back to the Championship and then finished runners-up in the next season to get promoted to the Premier League.

Lee: You’ve seen some good times at Norwich in the last few years, but what would you say is your one favourite footballing memory?

Zeke: It’s hard to pick just one! The first would be the Championship Play-Off Final in 2014/15 which we won 2-0 against Middlesbrough. We scored two early goals through Cameron Jerome and Nathan Redmond, and you just felt like the game was won even that early into the game. Middlesbrough looked lost after that. It was an unbelievable experience and one I’ll always remember.

The second memory would be our 3-2 win against Manchester City in 2019/20 season. We went into it newly promoted, with loads of injuries, playing against the Champions and arguably the best team in the league and world at the time. I still don’t know how we pulled it off, but it’s a day I’ll cherish forever.

We went into it newly promoted, with loads of injuries, playing against the Champions and arguably the best team in the league.

The sheer elation and shock of those two games just can’t be beaten.

The Terrace Apparel

Lee: Before we let you go, I’d love to get your feedback on the products on offer at The Terrace Apparel.

Zeke: I absolutely love them. Football is all about iconic moments and memories, so to have products with these moments embroidered is fantastic. I love that you have hundreds of designs available. Fans all over the world can enjoy the products that you produce. My favourite is a toss up between Messi and Teemu Pukki!

The post Fan Interview: with football shirt collector and Norwich City fan, Zeke Downes appeared first on The Terrace Apparel.

Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

The Argyle Life Podcast

Lee: Thanks for joining us on The Edit, Aaron. It’s a big week for Argyle with the Papa John’s Trophy final coming up at Wembley. Before we get into that, let’s start by hearing about the Argyle Life podcast.

Aaron: The podcast started years ago with the original line up of Nick, Finn, Sam and co. We’re currently enjoying a bit of a resurgence after a season-or-two off. The podcast is aimed at Plymouth Argyle fans, however, we’ve attracted fans of plenty other clubs over the years, including Bury, Sunderland, Stevenage, Bolton and even Wellington Phoenix. We always say that the more collaborative, the better. We’re planning some big preview podcasts for pre-season, which is quite dependent on which division Argyle find themselves in next season.

Lee: So what should fans expect from the pod?

Aaron: Nothing! Expect nothing and you’re never disappointed. I jest. We’re slowly growing week-on-week and looking to expand our output properly next season. For now, it’s a weekly podcast on all things Argyle. It’s still raw, but I don’t think we’ll ever be too flashy. Sometimes the best opinions are the raw, down to earth, brutal ones!

You can listen to the podcast, or follow Argyle Life on social media, here: linktr.ee/argylelife

Supporting Plymouth Argyle

Lee: Let’s get to know a little bit more about you. You’re clearly an Argyle fan, but what made you make that choice?

Aaron: Who else was it ever going to be!? Growing up in the South-West you’re hardly spoilt for choice. I got my first Argyle ticket as a freebie in the local paper and have been hooked ever since. I attended whenever I could as a youngster and had a season ticket the season after.

Lee: It’s been a remarkable season for The Green Army. What are your realistic expectations for the remainder of the season?

Aaron: From here on in it must be promotion! We’ve got an EFL Trophy Final to look forward but the real prize is a return to the Championship. I’d take a battering in the Papa Johns Final if it meant we could go up. Although I’m well aware that’s not how football works.

Argyle’s One To Watch

Lee: Who is the one player to watch for the end of season run-in?

Aaron: Other clubs will be watching Michael Cooper, for sure. Since his injury though it’s been a toss-up as to who will claim the Player of the Season award. We’ve got endless players all over performing at the moment. On his day though, Finn Azaz possesses real quality in the final third and I can see him in the Championship next season even if we’re not. An Ireland call-up surely beckons too, if he can get his recent dip in form back on track. Him, Danny Mayor, Niall Ennis, Macauley Gillesphey, Bali Mumba, Callum Wright, Dan Scarr – the list is truly endless.

On his day though Finn Azaz possesses real quality in the final third and I can see him in the Championship next season even if we’re not.

Lee: So what one player would you like to see Argyle sign in the summer to bolster the current squad?

Aaron: Ahead of the EFL Trophy Final we spoke to Trotter Chatter, a Bolton Wanderers fan podcast, and I think I let it slip there. I’d love to see us poach Ricardo Santos from them. I’m not sure how realistic his signature would be, but he’s a huge presence at the back, defensively solid, good on the ball, already plays in a back 3 and would complement our current crop perfectly. I think he’d be ready for the step up too.  
 
Argyle’s recruitment in recent seasons has been really positive, some of the names we’ve plucked from nowhere has been great to see. Our scouts in the A-League are working overtime to convince Macauley Gillesphey and Ben Waine to join Argyle are two great examples.  

Favourite Players

Lee: The current Argyle squad has some fantastic players, and some undoubted fan favourites, but who is your favourite player of all time?

Aaron: We’ve had some incredibly good attacking talents over the years, but I can’t help but love good solid defenders; Curtis Nelson, Dan Scarr, Sonny Bradley, Peter Hartley, that man Gillesphey (again!). But for me, I think it would have to be Krisztian Timar.  

Timar was part of the ‘Hungarian Trio’ brought to Plymouth by Paul Sturrock. Peter Halmosi and Akos Buszacky would be greater known by the football community, I’m sure. But Timar, nicknamed ‘The Beast’, was incredibly no-nonsense and didn’t mess about. It didn’t take him long to warm to all at Home Park, picking up Player of the Season in his first full season. If I remember rightly that was pretty much the last we’d see of him though; he picked up a head injury and never managed to re-find his form in an Argyle shirt. I believe he’s now managing in the Hungarian International set up. 

Earliest Footballing Memories

Lee: Let’s dig into the memories you have of football when growing up. What is your earliest footballing memory?

Aaron: My earliest memory of a game in its entirety was the Miracle of Istanbul; the 2005 Champions League Final. I remember Crespo, Kaka, Pirlo, Maldini all being at the top of their game. Gerrard’s header at 3-1 and the way he rallied the troops. The way Baros swerves out of the way of Smicer’s thunderbolt. And of course, Dudek’s dancing. I spent hours in the garden trying to recreate some of Stevie G’s strikes. Smashed a couple of windows in the process! 

I spent hours in the garden trying to recreate some of Stevie G’s strikes. Smashed a couple of windows in the process!

Lee: What was the first game that you attended?

Aaron: It was a trip to Plainmoor to see Torquay play Yeovil in the FA Cup. It was a 4-1 win for the Gulls. My Dad isn’t an ardent football fan so thought that would be a quieter affair as my first foray into football. He once persuaded by my uncle that Argyle wasn’t as violent as he’d read in the papers back in the 80s. After that he’d then spend his Saturday’s dropping me off at Home Park. I could have ended up a Glover!

That first time in a football ground is always special. There’s a reason why grounds are often synonymous with cathedrals. The first time at Home Park was incredible. 

Favourite Footballing Memories

Lee: So how have the early years of watching Torquay initially, and then Argyle, shaped your footballing experience today?

Aaron: Now I find myself living away from the West Country all games feel more important. Argyle is that bond back to home. I miss Devon and Cornwall, but I get to have a taste of that in some random northern pub now among friends, with less of the travel time!  
 
It’s a real privilege to take my nephews along to games of any standard. We’ve done non-league, EFL, Internationals at Wembley, Argyle Women’s games. It’s great. But, there are two real memories that stand out. I don’t think I’ll ever forget their faces after walking up the steps at Wembley, and the other is our trip to Home Park. Magical. 

Lee: And finally, what is your favourite footballing memory?

Aaron: There’s not been a huge abundance of highlights watching Argyle trudge through administration! But the trip to Anfield, where we drew 0-0 with Liverpool was special. So was visiting Wembley in the play-offs final (result aside), and last season itself was incredible until the unfortunate ending.

There are two stand out memories above them all though. Macauley Gillesphey (yes, him again!) putting us 1-0 up against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. We rocked the foundations of Tommy Tuchel’s Club World Cup Champions to the core. That, coupled with the passion of the 6,000+ in the away end. All in unified voice, I was proud to be a Janner that day. My other half was in the home end, she’s a Chelsea fan for her sins. I remember thinking if we win this, I’d be single!

We rocked the foundations of Tommy Tuchel’s Club World Cup Champions to the core.

AND Peter Hartley’s header at the back post in the dying minutes against Portsmouth in the play-off semi-final to hand us the win and send us to Wembley. I think my heart stopped. Incredible scenes. Limbs – as they would say.

The Terrace Apparel

Lee: Finally Aaron, what do you think of the products on offer at The Terrace Apparel?

Aaron: Really impressed actually. The detail on the stitching is brilliant. I’ve got a nice collection of Argyle based art prints, and my Peter Hartley t-shirt is up their with my favourites. Capturing that iconic back-stick header, sending Enda Stephens flying in the process. It’s a beauty!

Peter Hartley T-Shirt

£24.99

Shop now

The post Fan Interview: with Plymouth Argyle fan and host of the Argyle Life podcast, Aaron Hocking appeared first on The Terrace Apparel.

Lee: Firstly, thanks to both of you for joining on The Edit. Tell us about your podcast, The Rams Review, and what people can expect if they tune in.

Jason: It all started back in the Summer of 2019. I was listening to podcasts and found a couple about Derby County that I enjoyed. I was working from home after a battle with mental illness and raising my 18-month-old son, and wanted to find something to help keep me positive and keep my mind focused; not just that, but something that I could be passionate about as well. I’d always loved talking! And I have a real affection for The Rams, so I thought, why not put the two together? After a bit of research, I took my iPhone, a doggy headset, and The Raws Review podcast was born.

Since then it has continue to grow. I now have a couple of co-hosts, including Cory, and regular guests who join in with the chat. I’ve also been lucky enough to speak with some true heroes and legends of the game.

Cory: I joined Jason in the Autumn of 2019, and since lockdown we’ve been doing regular podcasts on all the news a Derby County. While the podcast is about Derby first and foremost, we have had guests from opposing teams as well as various ex-players, referees and journalists who have been involved with the game and have a connection to Derby. The podcast tends to cover match previews and reviews as well as any general chat about the club and what might be a hot topic at the time.

Jason: We aim to release a new episode each week, sometimes two. Being a Derby fan is never boring, so there is always something we can have a good chat about! You can find us on all main podcast platforms or follow us on Twitter @ramsreview1, Facebook @ramsreviewpod, and Instagram @ramsreviewpod.

Cory: We’ve had such an incredible journey with the podcast over the past few years. We’ve been fortunate enough to meet some amazing people and have made a lot of great friends and connections along the way. I’m based in America, in Washington DC, but I’ve always had a lifelong passion for football and for The Rams. Through this podcast I’ve been able to develop a close relationship with Jason, a fellow Derby fan, who lives on the other side of the world!

Favourite Players

Lee: Who is your favourite Derby player, and why?

Jason: My current favourite has to be Curtis Davies. He is club captain and has been at the club for about 6 or 7 years now. He wears his heart on his sleeve with every performance and has been a consistent member of the squad for so long now. Not only is he a model professional on the pitch, but he also does a lot with the community in and around Derby as well.

My favourite of all time would probably have to be Craig Bryson. He was a key part of the team in the last decade and was really successful for Derby. Bryson also loved a goal, and even netted a hat-trick against Nottingham Forest, which automatically writes him into Derby County folk law! He was a mainstay during a very enjoyable time to be watching The Rams.

Bryson also loved a goal, and even netted a hat-trick against Nottingham Forest, which automatically writes him into Derby County folk law!

Cory: I have two, and the first would Henrik Larsson, a non-Derby player. When I was growing up in America, football wasn’t on the television that often. However, I did manage to get Scottish football on some obscure channel. I remember watching Henrik Larson score goals for fun at Celtic in their period of dominance in the late 90’s and early 00’s.

Then for Derby, I’ve been lucky to grow up with stories of the great Derby County teams of the past. Legends like Alan Hinton stuck out to me. He also forged a long career here in the US, both as a player and as a manager. He was a two footed winger with an eye for goal and very few defenders in the world would have been able to stop him! Through the podcast I’ve had the privilege of interviewing him. He was such a gentleman and incredibly humble about his footballing career.

Lee: And what about outside of Derby County. Who is your favourite player that plays for another club?

Cory: I love watching Trent Alexander-Arnold. His passing range is incredible, and I do firmly believe that he is the best full back in world football. Realistically though, Jerry Yates and Kenny Dougall, both at Blackpool, are very solid Championship players. I’d love to see both playing for Derby. They both have the goals and guile that could really help this side.

Jason: That is a tough one. I think I would probably say Cristiano Ronaldo. He’s a super athlete who has achieved greatness at multiple clubs across Europe and on the international stage with Portugal. He will go down as one of the greats in my lifetime, and he’s such a fantastic player to watch. I wouldn’t have minded somebody like that at Derby to watch week after week!

Football Memories

Lee: What is your earliest footballing memory?

Jason: Euro 96′ is my first real memory of football. I was 8 at the time, but remember watching Gazza score that incredible goal against Scotland. I had always enjoyed football as a kid, but that really sticks in my mind.

Paul Gascoigne T-Shirt

£24.99

Shop now

My uncle took me to watch Chesterfield a couple of times, but I followed in my dad’s footsteps and became a Derby fan. I used to get a kit for every birthday as far back as I can remember. Then my first game was 13th September 1997, it was a home game against Everton and my first at Pride Park. We won 3-1 and I was hooked instantly. I don’t remember too much about the actual game, but from then on I gave my life to this team. Throughout my teens I used to go home and away every week with the lads from school, and I’m still a season ticket holder now.

Football for me is a way of life. It’s moulded me over the years and is the highlight of the week (usually). My mood can be changed from one kick of the ball, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Cory: Mine would be a Carlisle United vs. Barnet in the early 90’s. I was in the directors box at Brunton Park. I remember walking out onto the pitch, it freezing, but you could really feel the excitement from the crowd.

Lee: What is your favourite footballing memory, and why?

Jason: As a Derby fan, it has to be the 2007 play-off final win. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get a ticket for the game, but I watched on the TV. I’d been to most games that season and it was one of my favourites following The Rams.

Derby weren’t favourites to win the game, despite how they’d performed throughout the season, but the team just had a way of grinding out results. The memory of Stephen Pearson bursting into the box to score, and the celebrations at the time, and after, will live with me forever.

The memory of Stephen Pearson bursting into the box to score, and the celebrations at the time, and after, will live with me forever.

Derby being back in the big time for the first time in 6 years was a great feeling. Unfortunately, that season is the Premier League is one that most Derby fans want to forget forever.

Cory: The first game I attended at Pride Park was special. It was a pre-season friendly against Stoke City and Derby equalised with an overhead kick in the last minute. Although no points were on offer that day, it was really special to be there, to see the stadium, and to see The Rams play live for the first time.

Season Expectations

Lee: So, what are your expectations for Derby this season?

Jason: After all the turmoil off the pitch, Derby find themselves in the third tier of English football for the first time since the mid 80’s. We’ve completely rebuilt the team in the summer, but have managed to bring in some surprising quality. Most Derby fans will be expecting for us to push for promotion this season.

Our recruitment in the summer was exciting, and probably unexpected for a club in our position. We brought in some real experience that wouldn’t look out of place in a Championship team. Players that stand out include Conor Hourihane, who brings vast experience to the middle of the park. Nathaniel Mendez-Laing brings real quality on the wing. David McGoldrick is a real experienced player and James Collins in a proven goal scorer at this level.

Cory: I’d love to get into the play-offs. League One is tough and we are undertaking a massive rebuild project. The playoffs would be a great platform to build from. I agree with Jason on the recruitment front. I like the look of Tom Barkhuizen. He signing went under the radar a little bit, but I’ve always liked him. I remember him at Blackpool, and I think he’s a real quality player. He’s versatile as well, but gives us an extra attacking option that we’ve desperately needed for a couple of years now.

Lee: And who do you think will win the League One title?

Jason: I think Ipswich. They brought in a lot of quality last season, but it just didn’t seem to gel. I expect them to click this season and really push on.

Cory: I’m backing Sheffield Wednesday.

The Terrace Apparel

Jason: At The Rams Review we love the products on offer at The Terrace Apparel. Your products are a must have for any sports fan, and the range of designs reach out to almost every area of sport. The products are really well made, plus they’re stylish and comfortable. The request a design feature is one of my favourite concepts. You can literally capture any sporting moment and embroider it onto a shirt.

Cory: I think your iconic sporting moments are a great touch for sport fans. We were delighted to collaborate with you to create the Jim Smith & Igor Stimac design. I have one myself and I love it. It’s soft, comfortable, and looks very classy when I’m out and about. The small front motif makes it the perfect t-shirt for a wide range of events!

I have one myself and I love it. It’s soft, comfortable, and looks very classy when I’m out and about.

Jim Smith & Igor Stimac T-Shirt

£24.99

Shop now

The post Fan Interview: with Derby County fans, and Podcast hosts, Jason Straw and Cory Hancock. appeared first on The Terrace Apparel.