Tony Bridges- Ipswich
I believe i became a Rams fan at the age of 8 in 1973. People often ask me why and the answer is simple. Despite living in Ipswich (as is till do), the Rams were very successful then, teh same reason why kids support Man U today.
In the days before replica kits, my Mum bought me a long sleeved white shirt and a Rams badge with poppers on the back, then i could take it off if i got too much abuse at school!
Kevin Hector was my hero (His autographed photo with the 1975 Championship Trophy still adorns my living room). I got it for my 11th birthday with a card from the team, i was in heaven.
Another great memory was being woken up by Mum after we'd tonked Finn Harps 12-0 and she asked me to guess the score. With each 5-0? No, 6-0? No , 7-0 No, i got more and more excited and couldn't wait to go to school the next day to brag about the best team in the land.
My favourite memory for me personally though, was being at Rams v Ipswich game in 1976 when we won 6-2 in Franny Lee's last game. I was carried on teh shoulders of some Derby fans as they left the Stadium and I've never looked back!
c2002 Tony Bridges- Ipswich