Sea of furious Derby protesters march as football club on brink of ruin - staggering video

Ahead of the sell-out Championship clash with Birmingham City at 1.30pm, Derby County FC supporters gathered in the Market Place near the Assembly Rooms at 11.30am and began their march to the club's Pride Park. Rams fans are hoping to raise more awareness of the club's plight. An estimated 750 to 1,000 of them are expected.

As crowds march toward Cockpit Island and over the bridge over the train station and then towards the ground, officers have closed roads, with Derbyshire Police saying: "The march by Derby County FC fans has begun in Derby city centre.

"There is a rolling road block in place and we are being supported in policing the march by colleagues, from South Yorkshire mounted police amongst others."

Before the one-and-a-half-mile march, organised by Rams fan Ryan Beniston, Derby County hero Marco Gabbiadini, who joined the club from Crystal Palace for £1 million in January 1992 and was named Derby's Player of the Year at the end of his first full season, sent a message of support.

He tweeted: "Thinking of all my Derby County friends walking to show solidarity and displeasure in the current situation.

"You were just incredible fans to represent and I'm desperate for the club's plight to improve and match the fans, manager and players will and determination!"

The 54-year-old spent almost four full years in the East Midlands, making more than 200 appearances.

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