We learned with regret last week of the death of Derek Ryder at the age of 79. Older supporters will remember him as a stalwart full-back in the Southport side which won the Fourth Division Championship in 1972-73.
Derek Francis Ryder was born in Leeds on 18th February 1947. A product the Leeds Schoolboys team, he joined the Elland Road club straight from school, turning professional in February 1964, aged 17. At Leeds United he appeared in the same junior teams as Bobby Sibbald and John Price, both of whom later joined Southport. He was released at the end of 1965-66 season without making a single League appearance, although he did play for a Leeds United XI against Rochdale in Ted Burgin’s benefit match.
Derek signed for Cardiff City in June 1966, making his Football League debut against Derby County on 1st October 1966. His progress at Cardiff City was retarded after a cartilage operation in December 1967 and after only making four appearances he joined Rochdale on a free transfer in July1968. In his first season at Spotland he was an ever- present in the team which gained promotion for the first time in its League history. A model of consistency, he missed only two League games in his first three seasons with ‘Dale and went on to make 168(+2 subs) during his four years with the club.
Southport paid a £2,000 fee for Derek. He missed the start of the1972-73 season through suspension but soon slotted quietly and efficiently into the championship team, being reunited with Bobby Sibbald , and held his place with ease. Sound, although rarely spectacular, Derek completed (80+2sub) appearances Football League appearances before retiring at the age of just 27 at the end of the 1973-74 season. During that campaign he scored goals against Watford and Blackburn Rovers which earned Southport a point in each game.
Derek became a representative for Scottish & Newcastle Brewery and settled in Morley, Leeds.
Obituary By Michael Braham
Derek is pictured in this photo of our 1972-73 Championship winning squad. Second row third from the left
