DERBY'S FINEST HOURSThe Complete Historical Record In the storied halls of football literature, Gerald Mortimer's "Derby County: A Complete Record" stands as a masterful chronicle of one of England's most historic clubs. Mortimer, with his characteristic attention to detail and decades of experience covering the Rams, brings to life more than a century of triumphs, heartbreaks and unforgettable moments at the Baseball Grounds and Pride Park. The author's intimate knowledge of the club shines through particularly in his coverage of the glory years under Brian Clough and Peter Taylor. Having firsthand witnessed the transformation of Derby County from Second Division strugglers to First Division champions, Mortimer vividly illustrates how these two revolutionary managers transformed not only the club but also English football itself.What sets Mortimer's work apart is his remarkable ability to weave statistical precision with compelling storytelling. His account of the 1971-72 championship season, for instance, goes beyond mere match reports and scorelines. Through careful research and personal observations, he captures the electric atmosphere of the Baseball Ground, the tactical innovations that bewildered opponents, and the camaraderie that defined that legendary squad. The author's treatment of the club's earliest days is equally enlightening. His description of Derby County's founding members, their initial struggles, and the eventual establishment of the club as a football force makes for fascinating reading. Mortimer's extensive research unearths delightful nuggets of information, such as how the club's nickname, 'The Rams', was formally adopted in 1895, inspired by the region's connections to the regiment of Colonel Cromwell. Perhaps most impressively, Mortimer's objectivity never wavers. Despite his clear affection for the club, he doesn't shy away from addressing darker periods, including financial difficulties and relegation battles. His balanced approach lends credibility to the entire work, making it not just a celebration of Derby County's achievements but a thorough historical document. The author presents the comprehensive statistical sections with remarkable clarity. Season-by-season analyses are enhanced by the author's contextual notes, helping readers understand not just what happened, but why it mattered. This attention to detail reflects Mortimer's decades of experience as a sports journalist and his profound understanding of what makes Derby County unique among English football clubs. ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 Publisher: Breedon Books Publishing Co Ltd Published: September 1, 2006 Price: £25.00 Hardcover: 400 pages ISBN-10: 1859835171 ISBN-13: 978-1859835173 Lavishly illustrated Weigh: 1.4K
