1968–69 Derby County F.C. season

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 == Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality. === Transfers === ==== Winter ==== == 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 ==