Derby County sealed a triumphant return to the Championship with a resounding victory against Carlisle United on the final day of the season, igniting jubilant celebrations at Pride Park.
In a poised and polished performance, Derby needed only a draw against already-relegated Carlisle to secure promotion, but they left no room for doubt with a commanding display. Max Bird set the tone early on with a fierce swerving shot from outside the box, sending Rams fans into raptures and paving the way for a memorable afternoon.
James Collins, with a composed close-range finish on the hour mark, sealed the victory and propelled Derby back to the Championship after a two-year absence. For manager Paul Warne, this marks his fourth promotion from League One, adding another chapter to his successful managerial career.
The promotion holds particular significance for Derby, marking only their second ascent in 26 years and symbolizing a remarkable resurgence from the financial turmoil that saw them tumble into League One in 2022.
The emotional pitch invasion at full-time reflected the club’s journey from the brink of oblivion to redemption, as fans rejoiced in their team’s return to the Championship fold.
Derby’s revival under Warne has been a testament to resilience and determination, overcoming early-season struggles to secure automatic promotion ahead of fierce competitors. Despite facing adversity and skepticism along the way, the Rams’ unwavering belief and unity propelled them to success, culminating in a triumphant return to the Championship stage.