Derby County: Artist paints mural in one day

The mural was organised by a Derby County supporter group

An artist who painted a Derby County mural ahead of the team's win that secured promotion to the Championship said he created the tribute in one day.

Darrell Wynne, known as Soap, painted the mural, which features the club's record goalscorer Steve Bloomer, in an underpass beneath Pride Parkway on Friday.

Derby County beat Carlisle United 2-0 on Saturday, sparking joyous scenes.

Mr Wynne, who supports Derby, called his creation "a great achievement".

The spray paint artist told BBC Radio Derby the paint arrived the Thursday before the game and he arrived at the underpass at 07:00 BST on Friday.

He said: "I looked at the wall and thought 'oh my God I can't believe I have taken this on the day before the game'.

"I put my head into gear and started at about 08:00. I went to 21:00 and got there first thing on [Saturday] morning to finish it off.

"I didn't really stop for food or nothing. It was just solid work all the way through.

"I basically did the whole piece in one day."

Derby County will play in the Championship next season

Mr Wynne said supporter group Popside Fanatics had secured permission from the council and organised the design.

"My commitment was just the paint side of it," he said.

Paddy Breslin, from Popside Fanatics, said: "He worked tirelessly. He is such an impressive talent - it was a pleasure to watch."

He said the mural was designed by a Derby County fan from Bulgaria.

"Coming back from the game, what was lovely was walking through the tunnel watching everyone turn, stop and look at the mural and take it in," he said.

"I think it really elicits a sense of pride. It really reminds you what a massively important and prestigious institution Derby County football club is. The mural does a really good job of illustrating that.

"I can't think of a more celebrated pre-war footballer than Steve Bloomer. I think it is a good place to start - at the beginning - in trying to celebrate our history across the city."

He said the group was considering further murals on the same underpass in the future.