Our final Derby County Vintage post spans the period between 1976 and 1987. These were trying times for the club after they hit the heights again with a second title success in 1975. Decline set in with relegation following in 1980 and a further drop to the depths of the third division in 1984.

At least by 1987 Derby were back on an upwards trajectory thanks to the poisoned chalice of Robert Maxwell ownership and financial support.