SUNDERLAND legend Marco Gabbiadini was on hand to pour free pints to travelling Derby fans who made the journey to the Stadium of Light, as part of a Sky Bet ‘Away Days’ initiative.

The EFL title sponsor got the new season off to a solid start for the Derby faithful by rewarding their commitment with a free pint or soft drink at the Stadium of Light.

The Rams played out a 1-1 draw with Sunderland in the opening game of the 2017/18 EFL season, live on Sky Sports and nearly 2000 made the 300-mile round trip.

The Away Days campaign aims to improve the match-day experience for thousands of travelling fans in the EFL this season. 

Sky Bet Sponsorship Manager David Tweed said: “We wanted to say a huge ‘cheers’ to the Derby fans who made it up on the opening Friday, to let them know that we appreciate their effort, and acknowledge that fans like them make the EFL what it is – the most exciting and passion-filled league in the world.”

Gabbiadini, who turned out over 150 times for the home side and moved to the Baseball Ground from Crystal Palace in the early 90s, said: “It’s great to get involved in this campaign and to reward the travelling Derby supporters for their commitment.”

Derby manager Gary Rowett earlier said: "This is terrific initiative for our travelling supporters. We have a really loyal fanbase who follow us wherever we go and there will be almost 2,000 Rams at The Stadium of Light for the game.’’