Andy Reading (Bishops Stortford)
I was born in Derby in 1970 and went to my first game in 1972.
My Dad was a season ticket holder and I just think that he couldn't wait any longer to take his first son to a football game. Thanks Dad
Obviously, I can't remember too much about the games we went to but I do know my hero at the time was Archie Gemmill.
We went to the BBG for years, always parked in Royce's car park in Elton Road ,always crossed the road at the same spot on the way and always bought our programme from the same seller.
We were season ticket holders for many a year but when all the violence started getting too regular an occurrence we didn't renew and only saw a handful of games a season.
I used to love Peter Shilton when I was a kid and I still remind my Dad that I told him way back , in about 1980 that one day 'Shilts' would play for the Rams, at the time Dad scoffed but years later my prediction came true.
I bought a season ticket after watching us get promotion back to the 2nd Division after beating Rotherham, then hardly missed a home or away game for years .These are my most memorable days as a Rams fan.
I remained a season ticket holder until 1993 when I left Derby for the first time in my life (except for holidays!). I only see about 4 or 5 games a season now, but i'm still as passionate as ever I was ,if not more so, what with all these southern shandy drinkin' cockneys I work with.
Sniff.........
c2001 Andy Reading