Eranio makes the All-time Top XI
Former rams midfielder, Stefano Eranio, has been voted into the rams all time top XI as voted for by fans as part of the 125th Year celebrations at the club.
Stefano joined the rams from AC Milan in 1997 and spent four years with the club playing under Jim Smith. During that time Eranio firmly established himself as a fans favourite, demonstrating silky skills and a touch of quality that earned him 20 caps for Italy. His link up play with Francesco Baiano at times seemed telepathic and when he played alongside Asanovic, Stimac, Baiano, Kinkladze and Wanchope we had a team that was capable of mixing it with the big guns.
I’m glad that he got the nod from the fans as he has always had a good relationship with rams faithful. For as long as I have a pulse I will remember the send off that he received in what was supposed to be his final game for the rams at the end of the 2000/2001 season at home to Ipswich. He received a deafening farewell when he was substituted late in the game; banners were out, everyone was standing and the name of Stefanio Eranio was echoing around Pride Park.
Stefano Eranio: Fans favourite
He returned the following season in a short stint which ended when Jim Smith left the club.
Stefano is remembered fondly by all Derby County fans and, unlike other “legends” on the modern era, he did nothing to suggest he had anything other than a genuine love for the club, saying once “”I have played at some of the world’s biggest clubs but I never felt more at home than with Derby. I love the fans and I can’t think of anything better than returning to finish my career here.”
Eranio now coaches the youth team at AC Milan and was last seen pulling on a Derby shirt during the Ted McMinn testimonial.
