The last side to finish sixth and go up to the Premier League via the treacherous play-offs was Blackpool in 2010. History tells us that statistically the team to finish third are the most likely to progress.

This does not bode too well for Derby County who took a huge step in clinching sixth place after their timely victory over Bristol City. With goal difference and a game in hand both in their favour, it would seem that Derby only need one win from their remaining two games.

It won’t be easy for the renowned ‘bottlers’ of the Championship table, though. Cast your mind back to the final day of the 2014-15 season in which Derby needed but a point to secure play-offs in a home match against strugglers Reading and instead lost 3-0.

It would be extremely naive to talk about Derby as though they are already there. They still have to travel to Wales to face a tough Swansea City side and host West Bromwich Albion who have already guaranteed a play-off spot themselves.

It wouldn’t surprise if Derby took the momentum from Ashton Gate and used it to take six points from their last two games and go into the play-offs full of some new found form and confidence.

Equally, it wouldn’t surprise if Derby took the same momentum from Ashton Gate and crushed it into tiny worthless pieces and went on to lose each of their last two games and finish 8^th.

Any time Derby are given a golden ticket, they throw the winning ticket away with the wrapper only to munch on the chocolate of Championship football once more.

Frank Lampard’s team have been playing the style of football supporters enjoyed under the first reign of Steve McClaren that almost earned them automatic promotion to the Premier League.

Whilst it didn’t work then and may still not work now, some would much prefer Derby keep their exciting brand of football and not get promoted than change and do.