| John McGovern signed for Derby County in September 1968, moving to the
Baseball Ground from Hartlepool United for a £7500 transfer fee.
Although the slightly built nineteen year old right winger cum
midfielder took time to settle, he joined a club that had been
transformed by appointment of Brian Clough as manager and the signing of
the former Tottenham Hotspur stalwart Dave Mackay. Having established
himself as a regular in the side in January 1969, McGovern starred in
the away wins at Aston Villa and Bury as County went on to win the
Second Division championship seven points ahead of Crystal Palace. The
"Rams" enjoyed a magnificent first season back in the top flight, a
series of tremendous home performances securing a fourth place finish.
John's ability to do the simple things well, allied to his work ethic
and willingness to act as a man marker saw him return a series of solid
displays; often against much older and experienced opponents. He netted
four goals, scoring against Liverpool, Newcastle United, Sunderland and
Southampton, the undoubted highlight being a brilliant curving drive in a
4-0 demolition of the Merseyside club. Although County started their
1970/71 campaign well, seven defeats in September and October 1970 saw
them eventually finish in ninth spot. McGovern made thirty-four
appearances, scoring six goals including a double strike in a 4-2, first
home game of the season, win against Wolverhampton Wanderers. He also
netted goals against Coventry City, Everton, Burnley and local rivals
Nottingham Forest. In his first three seasons at the Baseball Ground
John made a total of eighty-five league appearances, including three as a
substitute, his midfield partnership with Archie Gemmill and Alan
Durban in the Spring of 1971 working particuarly well. (Mike Cockayne). |