Stephen CARTER

Steve Carter arrived at the Baseball Ground, on a free transfer, from Notts County in August 1978. The 25 year old, Great Yarmouth born, right winger had spent over six seasons at Meadow Lane and had netted 21 league goals in 188 appearances - including a single strike in the Magpies 1972/73 Third Division promotion campaign. After making his debut in a 2-0 defeat by Coventry City on September 2nd 1978, Steve made a total of 29 appearances in what proved to be a very difficult year for Tommy Docherty's side. County finished in 19th place in the First Division and, although relegation was avoided, the heavily criticised "Doc" resigned soon after the season had ended. Carter's only goal came against Southampton in just his fourth game - a 60th minute strike helping County gain a 2-1 victory on September 23rd. With Colin Addison replacing Docherty as the Rams manager, Steve found himself on the sidelines at the start of the 1979/80 season.

He appeared as a substitute in a 3-2 victory over Arsenal on September 8th, but managed just three full games during the season - fading from Addison's thoughts after the selection of fellow wide man Paul Emson into a reshuffled side. It all proved to no avail however as County ended their stay in the top flight - relegated in 21st place after scoring a mere 47 goals during the entire campaign. Steve failed to regain his place, and two years later in September 1981 moved back to Notts County for a second spell. In all competitions he appeared 35 times (34 +1) in the Rams shirt and scored just that one goal. In honesty the First Division was probably a level above his ability, although to his credit he always gave of his best in what was, at the time, a poor Derby side. (Mike Cockayne)