Derby County fans didn't do the one thing Nottingham Forest supporters did - the history books back it up | OneFootball

Derby County and Nottingham Forest both share a long-standing rivalry

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Derby County and Nottingham Forest share a bitter, long-standing rivalry.

Just 15 miles separate the two cities, which naturally makes them arch enemies in a footballing context, and they have enjoyed some heated contests over the years.

Famously, Brian Clough managed both teams, leading Derby to the First Division title in 1972 before enjoying further success with Forest, which included clinching two European Cups, the First Division and four League Cups.

Over the course of history, Forest have tended to be the more competitive club, despite Derby having one more top-flight title in their trophy cabinet.

In modern times, this has also proven to be the case, with Forest operating in the Premier League for the past four campaigns.

Their recent stint in the top-flight has been successful to say the least, as Forest fought for a place in the Champions League last term.

Although they eventually had to settle for Europa League football, competing on the continental stage once again is a huge achievement and one that Derby County can’t match at this moment in time.

The Rams currently sit 20th in the Championship after nine games, only two points clear of the relegation zone.

Despite the current disparity between the two clubs, Football League World’s Derby County fan pundit, Shaun, has highlighted one key attribute he believes the Pride Park outfit have over their rivals.

Derby County’s atmosphere claimed to outmatch Nottingham Forest

“I think the one thing we can say that we've got over Forest is our fanbase,” claimed Shaun. “That's always been consistent throughout the years. We rarely drop below 20,000 season ticket holders.

“Even our dark days of dropping into League One, administration, all kinds of turmoil. It's just strengthened the fanbase. Honestly, I would say we're up there with the best supporters in the country for following our club home and away.

“We’ve always got a hardcore 20,000, 25,000 fans following them, and they really are a loyal bunch. Yes, we can be fickle like any fans at times, but you won't find many more loyal fan groups than Derby fans.

“Forest are doing well at the moment. They're riding high, but when they were in their dark days of League One, if you just look at their attendances, they disappeared. The fans disappeared when they needed them most, whereas the Derby fans don't do that.

“Derby fans show up regardless of what league we're in and regardless of how well we're doing. That's the one thing I'd say we have over them.”

Derby County supporters could have an argument about being more committed

Nottingham Forest’s recent spike in success is naturally going to gain them more supporters, as children growing up in the area view the opportunity of watching their local club excel on the highest stage as an extremely attractive prospect.

However, the City Ground outfit didn’t enjoy such committed backing when they were in League One. Throughout the 2007/08 campaign, which ended in promotion, Forest averaged a home attendance of 19,956, which is a significant decrease from the 30,076 they achieved in the Premier League last season.

Derby’s two recent campaigns in League One saw them average 27,259 and 27,278 respectively, which, when compared to the figure of 32,432 they recorded during their 2007/08 Premier League season, isn’t too dissimilar.

Therefore, whilst the level of support is somewhat an immeasurable object, attendance figures do back up Shaun’s claim that Derby fans have a better track record of showing up when times are tough.