The start of the 1950s saw Derby decline rapidly and after finishing 17th in 1952, their lowest position for over quarter of a century, they were relegated the following year.

Stuart McMillan, who had guided the club to FA Cup glory in 1946, was sacked as manager in November 1953 with his current team struggling in Division Two.

Jack Barker, a hero of the 1930s, took over, though he was unable to prevent Derby dropping to Division Three North in 1955 after they finished bottom of the table.

Harry Storer took over for the 55/56 season and guided Derby to second in the table, on the back of a first-ever century of league goals, but it wasn't enough to take them back up again.

Midland League side Boston United caused a major FA Cup shock in December 1955 by winning 6-1 at the Baseball Ground.

In their side that day was one Reg Harrison, who had joined them the previous season and was the last of the 1946 heroes to leave Derby.

Storer's side clinched the Division Three North championship in 1957, aided by Ray Straw's record-equalling 37 league goals, and Derby reached three figures again with 111 - one more than the previous campaign.

Consolidation in Division Two followed, though they endured a difficult campaign in 59/60 that ultimately saw them finish fifth from bottom.

They were beaten 7-1 at home by Middlesbrough - a scoreline that equalled their heaviest-ever home defeat, and was matched again in 1990/91.

On the pitch that day, though not on the scoresheet, was a certain Brian Clough, whose influence would be felt greatly in the not-too-distant future.