Legends

Derby County fans have seen their fair share of legendary players over the course of the club’s history. From those that broke records, to the stars that lifted trophies in their time with the East Midlands outfit, many have seen it all.

Steve Bloomer

Steve Bloomer is one of Derby‘s first-ever legends, having cemented himself as an all-time great in his years with the Rams. From the late 19th century and into the 20th, Bloomer was a notorious goal scorer and currently holds the club record.

The forward would later go on to manage Derby twice in his coaching career, with his legendary status signified by a bust at Pride Park and the song “Steve Bloomer’s Watching” playing before every home match.

Dave Mackay

Joining from Tottenham in 1968, Dave Mackay was a pivotal player in helping the Rams return to the top flight of English football. Manager Brian Clough often used him as a sweeper in the backline, which took the team back to the big time.

The Scotland international left the year before the Rams won the Division One title. But he did return as a manager to repeat that feat in the 1974/75 season, cementing himself in legend.

Archie Gemmill

Archie Gemmill is another Derby legend who featured during the Brian Clough years that managed to win titles. The midfielder was an integral part of the side that won the First Division, eventually going on to captain the Rams.

Gemmill would play elsewhere, but finished his playing career back at Derby and is often cited as scoring Scotland’s best-ever goal against the Netherlands in the 1978 World Cup.

Jack Stamps

Jack Stamps had a profound impact on Derby County in his time as a player, where he played an integral role in their FA Cup triumph in 1946. The striker scored twice in the final against Charlton at Wembley, winning the competition for the Rams.

The impact of Stamps has since led to the club’s annual Player of the Season award being named after him.

Roy McFarland

Perhaps one of the most important signings of the Brian Clough era was that of defender Roy McFarland. Joining from Tranmere Rovers, the centre-back was a key part of the team that returned to the First Division before winning it twice within a few years.

McFarland would go on to captain the Rams during his time at the club, before a spell as caretaker manager and then two years as the full-time manager.

Kevin Hector

Kevin Hector currently holds the Derby record for the most league appearances at 486, having played a key role after joining from Bradford Park Avenue in 1966. The striker scored some important goals on the way to the Rams lifting the First Division title twice in three years.

Bobby Davison

Helping guide Derby to two promotions in the 1980s, striker Bobby Davison was a key part of the side restoring some glory. The forward scored 91 goals in two stints with the Rams, where he earned himself a place in the club’s history.

Craig Bryson

Few players in the modern era of Derby County have managed to break out from cult hero into club legend, but Craig Bryson may well have done that. Joining in 2011 under Nigel Clough, the initial signing may have been overlooked by some.

However, Bryson quickly became a key player with his energy in midfield, especially as the Rams started to compete for promotion from the Championship. While he wouldn’t earn that with Derby, he cemented history with a hat-trick against rivals Nottingham Forest, becoming only the second player to do so behind Steve Bloomer.