• Article |
• Discussion |
• Edit |
• History

Kevin Hector had scored 113 League goals in 176 games for Bradford when Tim Ward astonished supporters by signing him for £40,000. Derby, pottering along unambitiously in the Second Division, were not expected to pay fees of that size but Hector was an instant success.

He was christened the King by supporters and retained the nickname, even when he became one fine player among many in the great days of the early 1970s.

He did more than survive the advent of Brian Clough and Peter Taylor; he was an integral part of the teams which won the Second Division and two League championships. He was gifted with pace and a marvellous balance, so the goals flowed regularly.

Between 1970 and 1972, he played in 105 consecutive League games. Sir Alf Ramsey should have given him an earlier England run and his debut, against Poland in October 1973, was farcical, a couple of minutes as substitute to try and get England through to the World Cup Finals. He nearly did it too, being denied only by a Polish kneecap on the goal-line. His only other cap was also as substitute.

Tommy Docherty sold Hector to Vancouver Whitecaps and he spent the English season playing for Boston United and Burton Albion fore Colin Addison brought him back in October 1980. By the time be bowed out, with a goal against Watford in a match Derby had to win to ensure their Second Division place, Hector had made more appearances than any other play in Derby's history and had scored 201 goals, a total surpassed only by Steve Bloomer.

He gave supporters immense pleasure through his style, his goals, his manner on and off the field and he was still a winner in Belper Town's Northern Counties (East) League championship team of 1984-5.

• Kevin Hector

FEEDBACK

Did you enjoy this article? If so, why not comment on it? Perhaps you disagree with something in it, or you know something the writer doesn't and can add some extra facts. You may want to ask a question about this article. Making a contribution is easy - either click 'edit' to insert more information or 'discussion' and then 'add comment.' This is your site. Please feel free to use it to the full and share your memories, thoughts and knowledge about Derbyshire with others.

If there is no 'edit' link showing it means the article has either previously been published in the Derby Evening Telegraph, or it has been protected by the site administrator and cannot be edited.'

County:  Derbyshire

Return to