'Look at us now' - why Derby should revel in revival

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A lot has changed in four years.

On 18 April, 2022, Loftus Road, heartbreak. The Rams fell to a 1-0 defeat away at Queens Park Rangers, and were officially relegated to the third tier of English football for the first time in 36 years.

21 points deducted, ownership troubles, the brink of extinction. Some of the darkest days in the history of Derby County Football Club.

I remember being in the away end at Loftus Road that afternoon, and witnessing this quite extraordinary scene where fans weren't angry, or frustrated, or even disappointed at full-time, in fact the emotions were quite the opposite.

Looking around there was just an overriding sense of pride.

Applause, chants, a couple of tears shed, and this incredible feeling that yes, Derby were down, but they certainly would be back.

Now, we find ourselves not only back in The Championship, but just four points off the play-off places with two games left to play.

Granted, after defeat away at Norwich City on Tuesday, a top six finish is now out of Derby's hands and looking unlikely.

However, I think it's important to highlight how far this team has come over the last four years, and in particular, over the last 12 months.

The calibre of players we've managed to bring in, Carlton Morris, Rhian Brewster, Ben Brereton Diaz, and Sammie Szmodics to name a few. Imagine telling someone in that away end in 2022 that we would have those kinds of names representing us just four years later.

Gone are the days of unnecessary overspending and risk taking to fast track our way to the big time.

Now we have stability and steady progress, with this clear long term vision and plan. The model of buying high ceiling players at a low price, and developing them to sell them on for big profits is taking shape.

The likes of Jacob Widell Zetterström and Patrick Agyemang already fit that, and no doubt there will be more new faces that align with those plans to come over the summer.

From a threadbare squad fighting to stay in the league which had little quality, lacked in depth, and didn't fit John Eustace's style. To an identity, a resolute and well organised approach, with leaders in all positions across the pitch, and a mentality that is centred around working hard, suffering, and believing in ambitious goals.

There was always an expectation that this Derby side would make a vast improvement this season, particularly with John Eustace being able to go through his first two transfer windows with the club. However, I think falling just short of the play-offs would still exceed the expectations that many had at the beginning of the campaign. Mine included.

Four years ago, resigned to League One football, at one of our lowest points in history, unsure of when brighter days would return. Now, back to competing at the top end of the Championship once more, with the aim to go a step further again next season.

Whatever the result on Saturday, just remember that same away end in 2022, remember how far away stability felt, and how the idea of promotion to the Premier League felt like a total fantasy that would take lightyears to even get close to achieving.

Look at us now.

A remarkable turnaround for a special football club, and it feels as though the best is still yet to come.

You can often catch Amelia Warren as a guest on BBC Radio Derby.