Andy CRAWFORD

 Yorkshire born Andy Crawford joined Derby County as an apprentice and subsequently learned his trade in the "Rams" reserve side. When Tommy Docherty named him as a substitute for County's FA Cup fourth round tie with Birmingham City in February 1978, the small but neat striker was just two days beyond his nineteenth birthday. Crawford's league debut against Liverpool the following month resulted in a 4-2 victory, and more importantly Andy's first senior goal: a close range effort from a David Langan cross. Although Crawford maintained his place in the side for a 1-1 draw with Chelsea, a 3-1 home reverse against Birmingham City saw him demoted back to second team football. Docherty's side meanwhile defeated Arsenal on the last day of the season to secure twelth place in the First Division table.

It was March 1979 before Andy was recalled to the first team squad. His return was prompted by four goals in two reserve outings and, after coming on as a substitute against Leeds United, he held his place for a dozen games. County were hanging on to their First Division lives at the time and Crawford netted goals in a 2-1 defeat by West Bromwich Albion and a 2-2 draw with Queens Park Rangers. Additionally he scored a magnificent dipping volley against Ipswich Town, a 2-1 defeat ending a sequence of three consecutive away draws.

Although Derby avoided relegation, a nineteenth place finish saw Docherty resign and be replaced by Colin Addison. Andy made just five appearances for the new manager , a £50000 deal with Blackburn Rovers seeing him move to the Lancashire side in October 1979. In all competitions he wore the "Rams" shirt on twenty-five occassions, including eight as a substitute. He netted five goals and, given the fact that he was top scorer in his first season at Blackburn, was a young player who Derby should probably have persevered with for much longer. (Mike Cockayne)