A new Derby County mural looks set to be created on a city bridge which thousands of fans walk through on matchdays. Fan group Popside Fanatics want to create stunning visual displays for Rams fans to see on their way to Pride Park Stadium to help enhance the Derby County matchday experience and atmosphere.
One idea, in advanced stages, is a plan for a Steve Bloomer mural on the Pride Parkway bridge next to the Siddals Road underpass which connects the city centre with Pride Park. Many fans use this walking route to get to and from the match.
The plans come at a very exciting time with the club close to securing promotion to the Championship. Paul Warne’s team will be promoted to the second tier of English football if they can get at least four points from their remaining two league games against Cambridge United and Carlisle United respectively.
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An artist's impression of the mural has been published on social media. It will show the Rams slogan “We are Derby” with club legend and all-time leading goalscorer Steve Bloomer wearing one of Derby County’s oldest kits. It will also show an image of the club’s original home The County Ground, before the club moved to the Baseball Ground, and the words “A Founder Member of The Football League”.
The group have had formal and positive talks with Derby City Council bosses about getting permission to carry out the works over recent days. Chaddesden East councillor Jerry Pearce has been involved with setting up discussions and has said the council have given the idea the thumbs up with just a few finalising details still to sort.
It is hoped work on the mural could start and be complete in June. The group have an artist ready to carry out the works.
Rams fan Paddy Breslin, from Popside Fanatics, said: “The group is a mixture of Rams fans groups all coming together as one. The goal is to create visual displays for Rams fans around Pride Park with hopefully a dedicated spot near the stadium, all being well.
“There’s a feeling the walking routes to Pride Park have nothing there to celebrate Derby County until you see the stadium, and then the club’s history and what it means to people kicks in. It’s not like the walk to the Baseball Ground.
“To get something on that underpass will be brilliant. Hopefully it will be the first of many murals to come.”
Councillor Pearce added: “I think it is great idea – it is going to look brilliant. I hope to see more at other locations. I’ve been happy to get involved – it’s been all about getting permission.
"There can usually be red tape with things like this but the discussions have been positive and I'm told the council is up for doing something. I can’t wait to see it.”
