Day Of Destiny - 2nd May 2026

[Andy_Faber]

Here we go again, a last match nailbiter

One prediction from me, and one lesson from history

Prediction: I think we'll win

Lesson: Remember the date, the balmy spring evening of monday 8th May 1972. We were third favourites (as we are now) for the Division 1 championship to Leeds and Liverpool but somehow prevailed (despite not even playing on that evening and despite Leeds allegedly trying to bribe their ref) and became champions of England

Whatever, its been a good and improving season and Clowes, not Clapton, is God

[SithHappens]

Hopefully Southampton win tomorrow. Which will mean Boro have more to play for.

If they do i think Wrexham will lose. And I predict Hull get a draw with Norwich.

We win 3 nil.

[MadAmster]

We ought to beat the Blades. Norwich are capable of doing us a favour unless they're already on the beach. A Soton win against Ipswich, or a draw, would mean Boro can still ht the automatic places and see them more motivated to beat Wrexham.

One scoreline from a few years back still haunts me. Derby 0 Reading 3. So near yet so far.

Simply the fact that we're still in with a shout on the last day is, for me, a win this season and far better than I expected.

If we do make the extra game days, we'll be playing the sides above us and we haven't done well against them this season. It really would be a huge turnaround in fortunes if we not only made the playoffs but also won them. Can it happen, yes it can. Will it, almost guaranteed not.

Que sera, sera.

[Geoff Parkstone]

Perfect, Boro still have hope

[Ramshank72]

Unbelievable season. I'm feeling a draw right now, but I really just want the season done with.

[macstheman]

Agreed RS unbelievable season. A draw probably but either way I don't see us in the play offs but no matter what happens no complaints from me.

[MadAmster]

Que sera,sera amigos mios. Never a dull moment. Offered this scenario back in August, I think we'd all have ripped the arm off whoever made the offer... and/or ordered them a straitjacket.

[SithHappens]

100%. Can't believe we have a half decent chance of making the playoffs with a game to play.

If we don't make them, or if we do and lose, its not a fail in any respect.

Last time it felt like last chance saloon. This time feels like we are on an upwards trajectory whatever happens.

[swaledale]

It is rather a turnaround after the drama of the close escape last season! My pragmatic view is given the injuries, it would be best if we don't make the play offs and Eustace has the time to focus on planning for next season.

However, if we do somehow get in the play offs, then we take the opportunity, I hope we beat the Blades, but if we don't make the play offs, no matter, its been a very good season.

Mind you fans expectattions on Eustace will be high next season!

[Ramshank72]

Mind you fans expectattions on Eustace will be high next season!

Quite rightly so IMO, we're in a great position. My view of the last couple of seasons, is that he's struggled at the start and looked concerningly under par - but then pulled through and the loyalty of allowing him to turn things around has been repaid. I expect a similar slow start next season as he shuffles the squad around - that's when he will be under pressure.

[MadAmster]

15 or more points from the opening 10 games next season and we'll be in with a great chance of promotion. I think we got 11 points from the opening 10 this season.

[SithHappens]

15 or more points from the opening 10 games next season and we'll be in with a great chance of promotion. I think we got 11 points from the opening 10 this season.

Did we get as many as that? We had a poor start and had a spell in the bottom 3?

[swaledale]

Quite rightly so IMO, we're in a great position. My view of the last couple of seasons, is that he's struggled at the start and looked concerningly under par - but then pulled through and the loyalty of allowing him to turn things around has been repaid. I expect a similar slow start next season as he shuffles the squad around - that's when he will be under pressure.

Last season was a struggle full stop, and it wasn't his squad, don't think its fair to judge him on that really, other than he did keep us up.

This season, we had a poor start, but then with new signings injured or recovering from operations and getting them to play as a team is some excuse for that.

Since then he has had to juggle the team almost constantly with injuries a significant impact, I think he has done well to get the team to where it is. Though I do get a crick in the neck from the long ball football, but I guess what work works.

Maybe raised expectations are warranted, I just hope its not too high, the 3 relegated teams with parachute payments tend to have the advanatge (unless your Luton or leicester of course!), other teams with more resources will also be stronger. The charm of the championship is that its hard to predict.

It will be interesting to see how the transfer window goes, though Derby have done well in moving players on as well as moving players in.