Jim Fearn

It started in 1969 when Roy McFarland, arguably the greatest defender in the history of Derby County, was crowned the clubs first Player of the Year.Derby Countys supporters voted themselves Player of the Year in 2008, following on from Steve Howard, hero of the fans in 2007 as the Rams marched back into the Premier League. The parallels are intriguing. Back in 69 an outspoken genius of a manager, Brian Clough, dragged Derby County out of the doldrums to win promotion to the top flight of English football for the first time in 16 years. In 2007 another firebrand boss, Billy Davies, achieved a similar miracle with a club that had flirted with relegation the previous season. This book features every single Player of the Year since 1969, giving an insight into the managers and personalities that have made Derby County irresistible through years that have included two Championship wins, famous European adventures… and a few disasters along the way too. From McFarland, OHare, Mackay, Todd and Hector, through Buckley, Gemmill, Davison, Saunders and McMinn, to Gabbiadini, Yates, Poom, Idiakez and Howard…they are all here, the Rams stars voted as the best by fans throughout almost 40 years of football at the Baseball Ground and Pride Park. This is a must-have for any Rams fan!