The 1968–69 Derby County F.C. season was 69th season in the Football League and their 11th season in the Second Division. The team finished in 1st spot to clinch promotion to the First Division after being relegated 16 years ago.
Season summary In his third season as chairman, Sam Longson and his second season manager Brian Clough clinched the influential signing of midfielder Dave Mackay from Tottenham Hotspur, Clough installed the leader as a defensive sweeper alongside the emerging talent of Roy McFarland at centre half. Full backs were a tough tackling duo of Ron Webster and teenager John Robson. Also from Hartlepools United arrived young midfielder John McGovern being influential alongside Welshman Alan Durban after replacing Jim Walker. Meanwhile, assistant and former goalkeeper Peter Taylor recommended the transfer in of Les Green to replace veteran former England keeper Reg Matthew’s. After showing interest previously Clough signed Sheffield United midfielder Willie Carlin for a fee of £63,000. Carlin galvanised the midfield and was crucial in the promotion run.
The squad won the Second Division by 7 points showing defensive strength to back up goals from a very talented forward line of Kevin Hector, John O’Hare and Alan Hinton. getting back to the First Division after being relegated in 1953. Meanwhile, in Football League Cup the team advanced to the quarterfinals only to lose in Replay against Swindon Town. In FA Cup The Rams were eliminated by Burnley in the third round.
Scottish captain Dave Mackay was named Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year, the only Derby County player to earn the honour.
Squad
Transfers In Pos. Name from Type MF Dave Mackay Tottenham Hotspur £5,000 MF Willie Carlin Sheffield United £63,000 MF John McGovern Hartlepools United £7,500 GK Les Green Rochdale A.F.C. DF Mick Jones Out Pos. Name To Type GK Reg Matthews Rugby Town DF Mick Hopkinson Mansfield Town MF Gordon Hughes Lincoln City DF Bobby Saxton Burton Albion F.C. MF Phil Waller Plymouth Argyle FW Barry Butlin Notts County loan
Winter In Pos. Name from Type FW Frank Wignall Wolverhampton Wanderers Out Pos. Name To Type FW Richie Barker Notts County
Competitions Second Division
League table
Results by round
Matches source: https://www.11v11.com/teams/derby-county/tab/matches/season/1969/
Football League Cup
FA Cup
Statistics
Players statistics Substitute appearances indicated in brackets
References