RIP Derek Draper

Derek Draper, a true legend of Chester Football Club, has sadly died at the age of 81 after a battle with dementia.

With 322 Football League appearances and 54 goals to his name, Derek was a Hall of Fame inductee and held in the highest regard by supporters and teammates during an eight year spell at Sealand Road from 1969 to 1977.

A key player in the 1974/75 team that reached the semi-finals of the League Cup and achieved promotion from the Fourth Division, Derek forged a tremendous partnership with John ‘Jesse’ James, with the pair combining to devastating effect in the 3-0 win against Leeds United, then champions of England.

Born in Swansea in 1943, Derek started his professional career with his hometown club, making his league debut for the Swans during the 1962-63 season and played an important role in their run to the FA Cup semi-finals the following campaign.

Having moved to Derby County in April 1966, Derek then linked up with Bradford Park Avenue before Chester manager Ken Roberts paid £5,000 to bring him to Sealand Road.

A wily forward whose trademark flicked headers would create countless chances for his strike partners, Derek made his debut against Notts County in January 1969 and would go on to spend eight years as a regular in the team, featuring in the club’s top 10 for both Football League appearances and goals.

He made his final appearance for Chester against Portsmouth in April 1977 in a game that also marked his retirement from the game.

Derek was later employed in the commercial department at Sealand Road and also worked as a postman and milkman in the Chester area, where was also involved in local football for a number of years.

He was an active and respected member of the Chester Former Players’ Association and will be greatly missed by those who had the privilege of playing alongside him or watching him from the terraces.

On behalf of everyone at the club, we extend our deepest condolences to Derek’s family and many friends.