Snapshot In Time: Inside The Dressing Room As Derby Toast Promotion In 1996

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.

Derby’s Players Celebrate In The Dressing Room As Promotion Is Secured In 1996

Pictured here are Derby County’s Robin van der Laan, Darryl Powell, Dean Sturridge, Paul Trollope and Marco Gabbiadini celebrating promotion to the Premiership back in April 1996 inside the dressing room at the Baseball Ground.

After a slow start to the 1995/96 season, Derby shot up the league after going on a 20-game unbeaten run from 11th November to 5th March.

The Rams’ form saw them go from being mid-table to automatic promotion contenders and they went into the final home game of the season, against Crystal Palace, knowing a victory would seal their return to the top-flight.

And they did what they needed to do as they claimed 2-1 victory in front of their own fans.

Sturridge had given Derby the lead in the opening three minutes of the game as he met a long through ball from Igor Stimac to blast home.

However, that lead didn’t last long as Palace equalised minutes later. The ball was cut back to Kenny Brown to hit and he found the far corner to make it a nervy encounter.

Derby’s quality did finally shine through on a sunny afternoon at the Baseball Ground as skipper van der Laan met Paul Simpson’s corner with his head to score the decisive winning goal on an occasion to remember.

The final whistle sparked wild celebrations and rounded off a memorable first season with the club for manager Jim Smith.

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.