My half a century of highs and lows following the Rams

DEVOUT DERBY SUPPORTER LOOKS BACK AT FIVE DECADES CHEERING ON THE CLUB

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LONG-SERVING Derby County fan has written a book capturing the highs and lows of supporting the club for the past 50 years.

John Taylor, 61, has published 50 Years Not Out, charting his memories of watching the Rams from the early 1970s to the present day.

Originally from Mickelover, having retired from Rolls-Royce in June 2020 after almost 40 years of service, he began work on the book during lockdown.

"I did it season by season," says John. "It was looking back, making notes on that particular season and then writing it up in long. It was quite challenging."

The process took him seven months, writing for roughly six hours a day.

The reminiscent book aims to share memories - drawing on football programmes, tickets and conversations with lifelong friends.

"I've collected programmes from every ground I've been to," says John. "If I ever had a sort of query about anything, I'd say to my friends, 'did you go to Brighton that night?' or 'did you go to Walsall that night?'

"People have got memories as well, so it all came together really well."

The book opens with his first Derby game in March 1971.