by Peter Scherer

One of the stars of the 1986/87 Division Two Championship winning team, Nigel Callaghan had most of his success early in his career.

He was part of Graham Taylor’s successful Watford side, after making his debut as a 17 year old in in 1980. They won promotion to the First Division, he was a regular in the team, playing a starring role with the likes of John Barnes and Luther Blissett.

Runners-up in League Division One was followed by his part in the 1984 FA Cup final, before leaving Vicarage Road after 221 games and 41 goals in 1987, joining Arthur Cox’s promotion push at Derby County for £140,000.

They won the Second Division title and Callaghan’s flair on the right wing gave him a regular place in the Rams Division One team.

He played 76 times and scored 10 goals before moving to Aston Villa in 1989 for £500,000.

After helping Villa avoid relegation, he had three loan spells at Huddersfield and back at both Watford and Derby, before being released in 1992.

Still only 30 years of age Nigel spent some time playing and coaching for Hellenic in South Africa as well as non- league UK football with Stafford Rangers and locally at Borrowash Victoria.

He played nine times for England under 21’s and once for England B, but retired from the game completely in 1992.

Ill-health prompted Nigel’s own benefit match, which brought together teams of ex Derby v ex Watford at Pride Park, after he had worked in Greece as a DJ.

Mickleover Sports Club are happy to announce the re-signing Andrew Wright for the upcoming 2020/21 season.

I am buzzing to have re-signed again for a further year, I knew as soon as we spoke about it, it’s the right thing for me to do! The clubs been great with me since I arrived from the Gaffa, lads and to all the people behind the scenes! Looking forward to getting started as soon as we can.

Andrew Wright

I am absolutely delighted to get Wrighty re-signed again for the upcoming season. He’s a fantastic footballer, an excellent competitor with a winning mentality and an unbelievable character to have at the football club. With a full pre season under his belt I am expecting a massive impact and contribution from him.

John McGrath, First Team Manager

by Peter Scherer

There was no academy or youth team development for Phil Gee, he was working as a painter and decorator and playing part time for Gresley Rovers when his goal scoring talent was spotted and he was recommended to Derby County.

He had scored six goals in his five games at Gresley when he came to the Baseball ground with Arthur Cox in 1985.

His goal scoring record in Derby Reserves Central League team was outstanding, 31 in 28 games. It earned him a first team debut in the team that won promotion from the then third Division.

The following year he became a regular member of the first team and the Second Division title followed.

It was harder to find the scoring touch in the First Division, but he remained a valued member of the squad until 1985, when 124 games and 26 goals later he went to Leicester City as part of the deal bringing Paul Kitson to Derby.

He had four years at Leicester and had the honour of scoring the goal that gave them their first ever Premiership point. 

During his Leicester stay he also had a brief loan spell at Plymouth Argyle, but in 1996 he left after scoring nine goals in his 53 appearances.

Spells at Hednesford Town and Shepshed Dynamo preceded his retirement in 1998. But he still plays for Derby County Masters and will be in action at the Mickleover Sports NHS Allstars Charity Match.

by Peter Scherer

Locally based businesses Owzat Cricket and JKE Security have both pledged their support for Mickleover Sports Charity match for the NHS, by agreeing to be joint sponsors.

Andy Mitchell’s company based at South Normanton are one of the biggest suppliers of cricket equipment, whether it’s the kit to play in or the bats, balls whatever, they can supply from top manufacturers online and normally in their showroom too.

JKE chief Dan Mather can look after all things Security. His Ashbourne Road, Mackworth based company are suppliers of intruder alarms, fire alarms, CCTV and all the ad ons to keep you safe and secure.

They have kindly agreed to be joint sponsors, donating £2000 between them

confirmed Sports Chairman Don Amott.

by Peter Scherer

For Adam Bolder  his will be a chance to re-unite himself with Sports manager John McGrath, his former Burton Albion midfield partner, when he joins the All-star ex Rams cast for the NHS Charity match.

Originally from Hull Bolder started his career with his home team, making his league debut with one appearance in 1999. He only played another 19 matches before Jim Smith picked him up and brought him to Derby.

Initially he was a fringe player and it was a year before he made his Rams debut. But through numerous managerial changes he stayed for seven years playing 166 games and scoring 11 goals, having matured into a dependable and skilful midfielder.

He was still only 26 when he moved to QPR in 2006, joining one of his ex Derby managers John Gregory. He helped them avoid relegation, but had only played 40 games when he was on the move again.

He had loan spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Millwall, making the latter permanent. After one season which included a loan spell at Bradford City, he joined Burton Albion, then in League Two.

Apart from his spell at Derby, Burton was his longest stop. A couple of seasons and 81 games later, he had scored four times before dropping to the Conference North with Harrogate Town.

Two years later it was North Ferriby United for two seasons, followed by Scarborough Athletic, before rejoining North Ferriby again in 20017 where his brother Chris later became manager.

by Peter Scherer

Next in the line-up of ex Rams Stars supporting our NHS Charity match is Tommy Johnson. 

Nottingham born and a product of Notts County’s youth scheme, Johnson made his league debut for the Magpies in 1989.

He played 118 times scoring 47 goals and won promotion via the play-offs to both the second and first divisions, having the pleasure of scoring at Wembley too.

In 1992 though he moved to the Baseball Ground for £1.3 million, where he stayed for three years under Roy McFarland’s management.

He played in the losing play-off team for the Rams in 93-94 and after 98 games and 30 goals, he finally made it to the Premiership with a move to Aston Villa the following year.

A couple of years at Villa Park was followed by a four year stay at Celtic. But injuries and competition restricted him to only 35 games and 18 goals, but brought him winners medals in the Scottish League, Cup and League Cup.

He had a brief loan spell at Everton, but came back to England for a short stop at Sheffield Wednesday. After another short stay at Kilmarnock he joined Gillingham, where he stayed for two seasons, scoring seven more goals from his 49 games.

Sheffield Utd was his briefest stop, when after only one game he moved on to Scunthorpe. Injuries began to play their part and after a loan period at Tamworth, he made his stay permanent. But he was soon on the move again and ended his career at Rocester Town.

He also got international recognition being caped by England at under 21 level, scoring twice in his seven games.

by Peter Scherer

Irish International Rory Delap played for both Derby County and Burton Albion during his 19 year playing career, but it will be interesting to see if he still has his famous long throw to display at the Sports NHS Charity match.

Although born in the Midlands, Delap’s informative football years were spent at Carlisle. He made his league debut for the Cumbrian side in 1994 and went onto make 65 appearances with seven goals, before coming to Derby on trial.

He signed for Jim Smith in 1998 and went on to spend three years with the Rams.

His versatility would see him play mainly in defence or midfield, but even as a striker on occasions too. With his long throws coming into play, he became a key member of the line-up for three years, before moving to Southampton for £4 million, having made 106 appearances and scored 13 goals.

Five years were spent on the south coast playing in the Premiership, finally departing for Sunderland from the Saints in 2006. They went onto to be relegated as did his new club.

The following year after playing for Sunderland in the Championship, he had a loan spell with Stoke City, but broke his leg against Sunderland in only his second match.

The Stoke move became permanent and after winning promotion to the Premiership with the Potters, he spent seven years with them.

178 league games and eight goals later he finally left, after a loan spell at Barnsley there was a brief stop at Burton before retirement saw him return to the Derby Coaching staff. After a spell as Stoke’s caretaker manager, he now coaches there.

He played 11 times for the Republic of Ireland and also played in the 2010/11 FA Cup final for Stoke City.

by Peter Scherer

Record breaking goalkeeper Colin Boulton will be joining the Mickleover Sports NHS Allstars charity event.

Boulton made more appearances during his 13 years at the Baseball than any other goalkeeper in the clubs history.

He was originally spotted by manager Tim Ward playing for the Cheltenham Police and came to Derby as deputy for ex England International Reg Matthews.

Although he made his debut in 1964, his career highlights came some several years later.

Having taken over from Matthews, Boulton had started to establish himself as first choice, only to lose his place to Brian Clough’s new signing Les Green in 1968. 

His loyalty and patience were rewarded when he claimed the shirt back in the early seventies and was between the sticks for both of Derby’s Championship winning seasons in 71/72 and 74/75, keeping 23 clean sheets during the former and was ever-present in the second.

In his final seasons he vied for the number one spot with Graham Moseley, but when manager Dave Mackay was replaced by Tommy Docherty, his Derby career was over.

He had a brief loan spell at Southampton, but after 344 games in a Rams shirt, he headed to the US and had a couple of seasons with Tulsa Roughnecks and Lost Angeles Aztecs.

There was a brief return to the UK scene in 1980/81, when he joined Lincoln City. But a career ending injury in only his fourth game brought his 17 year career to an end.

by Peter Scherer

It’s not only ex footballers supporting Mickleover Sports NHS Charity match, former boxer Clifton Mitchell, cricketers Kevin Dean and Dominic Cork, antiques auctioneer Charles Hanson and Adult Film Star Keiran Lee have all pledged their support.

Mitchell, a heavyweight fought between 1991 and 96, winning 18 of his 20 professional bouts, with an 80% knock out rate.

His last fight was a defeat against Zelijko Mavrovic in November ’96, where he suffered a technical knockout in Garmisch- Partenkirchen, fighting for the EBU European title.

Since his retirement he has actively worked on training other boxers and general fitness as a gym proprietor.

 

Dean was a well-known fast bowler as well as useful batsman. He played for Derbyshire for 15 years, after debuting in 1996, retiring from the game in 2008.

In 2002 in was the joint highest wicket taker in the country and Derbyshire’s player of the year.

 

 

 

Fellow cricketer Dominic Cork spent 13 years in the Derbyshire team, after joining them in 1990 from his native Staffordshire. He also played for Lancashire and Hampshire. 

After making his test match debut for England against the West Indies in 1995, he went on to play in 37 test matches, scoring 874 runs and taking 131 wickets.

His highest score as a batsman was 200, but during his first class career of 321 matches, he score 10,114 runs taking 989 wickets.

Part of the Sky commentary team, Cork has also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing.

Not known for his sporting prowess, Hanson is a popular antiques auctioneer, having appeared on numerous BBC programmes, such as Bargain Hunt, Flog it and Antiques Road Trip.

He is a regular supporter of charitable funds and events, having made a rock version of Sleigh Ride with fellow auctioneers for Children in Need and is a supporter of the Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Society, for whom he completed the Great North Run.

 

Keiran Lee is also a charity supporter and a lifelong Derby County fan. He is one of the most successful Adult Film Stars in the World and although Derby born, now lives in the US.

He runs his own production company as well as being one of the stars, having won numerous awards. But in 2011 his love for football landing him in hospital, after breaking his jaw playing for Hollywood United FC.

by Peter Scherer

Roger Davies came to the Baseball Ground from non-league football, but made Derby is home. 

Davies had only made 10 appearances for Worcester City, when Brian Clough picked up for £12,000. 

Having started his career with Bridgnorth Town and Bedford Town before moving into the Southern League with Worcester, Davies was already finding his goal scoring touch, which was further developed during a title winning year with Derby County Reserves in 1972.

He had a couple of games for Preston North before making his way into the Derby County line-up, where his sometimes unpredictable turn of pace caught out many a seasoned defender.

Having played his part in the European Cup semi-finals against Juventus, he then got a League Division one winners medal in 1975, before venturing to Belgium a year later.

After one season with FC Bruges he came away with the Player of the Year Award and a Championship and Cup winners medal, after scoring 21 goals in 34 league games.

Returning to the UK he had two seasons at Leicester City, before being tempted to join former team mate Alan Hinton at Tulsa Roughnecks. 

He also played in the US for Seattle and Fort Lauderdale, but had the winter 79/80 back at Derby.

His Stateside career ended in 1983 and after brief spells at Burnley and Darlington, he saw out his career at Gresley Rovers and Stapenhill, where he was also player manager, finally retiring in 1987.

During his first spell at Derby he was also capped by England at under 23 level, but in later years had a spell as a pundit with Radio Derby.