A Tribute To Albert Derrick

Sad news reached the club yesterday that former Hereford United player Albert Derrick had sadly passed away aged 82. Club Historian Ron Parrott has penned the following tribute to Albert:-

“Step back in time almost 60 years to a time when men were men, goals were celebrated with a handshake or sometimes with an arm around the shoulder if it was an important goal. It was also an age of respect, when the sight of an oncoming policeman on the beat filled you with guilt, even though you’d done nothing wrong and you’d walk past with your eyes glued to the ground. This was my era and it was also the era of Albert Derrick or “Alby” as we fondly knew him. An ex-Army man, Albert arrived at Edgar Street in February 1963, having been signed from Cambridge City by that most astute of managers, Bob Dennison. Albert had played for Cambridge against United in the previous game and although he didn’t score, he impressed Dennison profoundly. Although Albert failed to save United from relegation for the first time in their history, he broke all records in 1964/65 with a magnificent tally of 43 goals, as Hereford won their league with a record number of goals and a record number of points. I was aged 13 when he arrived at Edgar Street and lived in awe of him! Playing football in the playground, most kids wanted to be Dennis Law or George Best but not me, I wanted to be Albert Derrick. He was my absolute hero and could do no wrong! I remember plucking up the courage after one Saturday afternoon game to ask him for his autograph and he was looking resplendent in his team blazer with shirt and tie. I needn’t have worried though, he was the perfect gentleman, asked my name and duly signed my programme for me. After that I met him on many occasions. 

Pre-match, Albert would always have Vaseline on his eyebrows and for those who can remember it, the old-fashioned liniment on the legs to warm the muscles and of course, the number 10 shirt on his back. On the pitch, Albert was not the tallest of men but he confounded the experts and scored a significant number of goals with his head. Albert would run through a brick wall for you, he had pace off the mark and most of all, he possessed the sweetest left foot you would ever wish to see. He remained at Edgar Street for six seasons and scored a remarkable 129 goals at a strike rate of 45% before the travelling to Hereford for training and matches three times a week, became too much for him and he returned to Newport County. The news of his departure sent repercussions throughout the county and when Hereford Times reporter Laurie Teague, broke the news to my old friend Garth Lawson on the College bridge, trains were delayed for some time as a distraught Mr. Lawson teetered on the parapet. Albert had that effect on people, he was infectious and instantly likeable. I kept in touch with him over the years and we became friends. 

Sadly, Albert developed throat cancer some years ago and his voice worsened as he aged but he wasn’t bitter and pointed out to me that nearly all his team mates smoked, it was the done thing and in those days, nobody knew what harm they were doing to their bodies. Richard Prime invited Albert back to Edgar Street some years ago for an interview and to enjoy a game and what a pleasure it was for him to be introduced to the younger fans. Our phone conversations continued but had to be curtailed as his throat worsened until such time as he could no longer speak. Sadly, after a long but brave battle, Albert passed away on 27th June 2022, aged 82. Albert my friend, rest in peace. You were my schoolboy hero, you remained my hero and guess what? You are still my hero!”