John O'HARE

John O'Hare made his debut for Derby County at the Baseball Ground on the opening day of the 1967/68 season, scoring a goal in a 3-2 win against Charlton Athletic. The broad-chested 20 year old centre-forward was Brian Clough's first signing, the manager paying Sunderland AFC £20, 000 for the player he had already coached in the youth team at the North Eastern club. Many Derby supporters, nurtured on all action rampaging strikers such as the legendary Jackie Stamps, were initially unconvinced by O'Hare's slower style of play. Clough however knew exactly the role he wanted the Scot to occupy. His long-term plans for rebuilding the side revolved around a "target man" who could play with his back to the opposition, holding onto the ball before expertly bringing teammates into the game. Clough's very public promise of success initially seemed unfounded. The new signings took time to gel together and Derby finished 18th in the second division. Significantly however, O'Hare formed an excellent understanding with Kevin Hector, and despite the lowly placing, only two sides bettered the "Rams" total of 71goals. Derby were defeated by Leeds United at the semi-final stage of the League Cup, O'Hare notched six goals in that competition including a hat-trick against Hartlepool United. In season 1968/69, the signing of the vastly experienced Dave Mackay transformed the side. The former Tottenham captain anchored the side from his position as sweeper and Derby won the division after losing just five matches.

Whilst O'Hare did not have a prolific campaign in terms of scoring, his play frequently created chances for others and although Hector was the top marksman, midfielders Alan Durban and Willie Carlin each accumulated several goals. Derby had an excellent first season in the top flight, finishing in 4th place. Although the plaudits often raved about Hector's silky skills, O'Hare contributed a series of consistent performances which toward the end of the campaign saw him score in five consecutive matches. His good form was recognised, and he received a call up to the Scotland squad for the 1970 Home International tournament, scoring the only goal of the game on his debut against Northern Ireland. Derby finished in ninth spot in the 1970/71 season with O'Hare netting 13 League goals, including braces against Manchester United and Everton. Given his job in the side, O'Hare often found that his ankles became the targets for frustrated defenders who simply could not dispossess him. Despite such harsh tackling he missed just two league games in his first four seasons at the Baseball Ground. His bravery, often playing when not 100% fit, being rewarded with a total of 48 goals. (Mike Cockayne).

After embarking on a marvellous 12 game unbeaten run at the start of the 1971/72 season, Derby County went on to win the First Division championship by a single point from Leeds United, Liverpool and Manchester City. Amazingly by today's standards, the "Rams" used just sixteen players over the entire 42 game campaign. Apart from missing a couple of matches early on, John was again an ever present in the side, scoring on 13 occasions. In readiness for their 1972/73 European Cup campaign, Derby bolstered their squad with the signings of David Nish and Roger Davies. After finding the net just twice in his first seventeen leagues matches, O'Hare was replaced as the sides "target man" by the tall lanky Davies. With Clough recognising that the 26-year-old still had plenty to offer, the second half of the 1972/73 season saw O'Hare largely operating in a midfield position. Although he initially found the role hard his perseverance paid off and, despite missing several games through injury, John still made 34 appearances in the league, netting 4 goals.

O'Hare also featured strongly in Derby's six game European Cup campaign, scoring against Zeljeznicar Sarajevo in the first round. The following season was O'Hare's last at the Baseball ground. Having made only three appearances prior to Clough's departure in mid October, he made just four more under new manager, and former teammate, Dave Mackay. The arrival of another midfielder Bruce Rioch left O'Hare in need of a new challenge. Along with another Derby player John McGovern he rejoined Clough at Leeds United in a £130, 000 joint fee deal, the pair subsequently following their mentor to Nottingham Forest. John O'Hare was undoubtedly one of Derby County's unsung heroes. In all competitions he accumulated 81 goals in 308 games and whilst at the Baseball Ground won 13 international caps. (Mike Cockayne)