Mon 02 Feb - Posted in Breaking News
Time to read: 2mins
Derby County are thrilled to announce an exclusive 1995/96 30th Anniversary Celebration event, taking place in the Baseball Lounge when the Rams take on Oxford United on Saturday 18th April (3pm kick-off).
The event will celebrate 30 years since our successful 1995/96 season, where the Rams returned to the Premier League under Jim Smith. Members from the promotion-winning side, alongside Jim's family, will share their stories from the campaign, accompanied by a three-course meal and exclusive lounge seating for the Sky Bet Championship fixture.
The Rams secured promotion back to the Premier League on 28th April 1996, thanks to a win against promotion rivals Crystal Palace at the Baseball Ground. A quick goal from Dean Sturridge in the opening minutes was cancelled out as Palace equalised, so it was captain Robin van der Laan’s second-half header which secured the three points for the Rams - crucially ensuring a four-point gap between the sides which could not be caught with only one game left to play in the campaign.
Promotion to the Premier League was the perfect way to mark the start of Jim Smith’s career at Derby County, a feat he also achieved at Oxford United, our opponents on the day of this celebration. The occasion will also give fans chance to remember the legendary manager, who sadly passed away in 2019.
Confirmed guests joining us as part of the celebration thus far include Darryl Powell, Marco Gabbiadini and Matt Carbon*, alongside then assistant coach Steve McClaren, and the family of the late Jim Smith.
Powell, who joined the Rams in 1995/96 and went on to make 196 appearances in black and white, and admitted his excitement for the anniversary celebrations.
He said: "We are hoping to see some old and new faces on 18th April as we look back at that incredible season and it's place in Derby County's history books."
Tickets to this special celebration are on sale now, priced at £125pp (ex. VAT) including three-course meal, players meet and greet and pre-match Q&A, and exclusive match seating directly outside the Baseball Lounge. The lounge itself will be open from 12pm, ahead of the 3pm kick-off. Click here to book or email [email protected].
*participating players subject to change.
