Derby County Player of the Year book by Jim Fearn

The book is an in depth look at all of the 38 recipients of the Derby County player of the Year award. Starting way back in 1968-69 season with Roy McFarland the award is usually presented on the last home game of the current season and is a highly prized acknowledgment of the effort and skill of the recipient during a particular season for Derby County.

Each winner of the award has been interviewed by Jim Fearn and their thoughts on the season, manager and games in which they excelled.

Insights into the players life after Derby County, or football all together, are looked at, with interesting snippets such as Michael Forsyth's complete swap of sports, as he joined Jenson Buttons support team in Formula 1 motor racing.

Reading the book I am reminded just what talent we had over the last 40 years at Derby County and it is sad to reflect that the current team are finding it difficult to live up to Rams favourites such as Mark Wright, winner of the award two years running in 1988-89 and the following season 1989-90, the latter season culminating in Marks appearance in the 1990 World Cup.

Legends of the game have been Derby County footballers of the year, the very first to win the Derby County player of the year was Roy McFarland in the 1968-69 season, only injury robbed Roy of even greater fame and England games. His partnership with Colin Todd, another winner of the POY award during the League Championship winning season 1971-72 was worth the price of the season ticket just to watch and no wonder the Rams were top of the English football tree during this period.

Goal scorers feature high on the list of winners with the likes of Kevin Hector, Charlie George, Roger Davies, Bobby Davison, Dean Saunders, Marco Gabbiadini, Francesco Baiano and Steve Howard but it is also interesting to note that The Player of the year has also thrown up some very good defenders, McFarland and Todd , we have already mentioned but names such as Craig Short, Jacob Laursen, Chris Riggott and Danny Higginbotham have laso been winners.

Maybe one of the most bizarre winners was last season, remember who won it? Yes YOU, the Supporters of Derby County, who played their part in a season Horribilus in the Premier League. Ironically it was Roy McFarland, winner of the very first Derby County player of the season, who presented the trophy.............to us all.

So if you are looking out for something for the Rams fan this Christmas you must take a look at this superb book. As always Derby County Mad in association with Breedon Books will be offering you a chance to get your sticky mits on one of two copies of the book. Keep your eyes open for the competition later this week.

A real stocking filler and even if you don't win one of our free copies, books are one sale at most good book shops priced at a very reasonable £14.99 for this hard backed book. For an extra special treat come along to the special signing days below to have your copy signed :