GEOFF BARROWCLIFFEGeoff Barrowcliffe, who died on 26 September, 2009, at the age of 77, was a fine player in what was for the most part a colourless time for Derby County.The exception was in their two seasons in the Third Division North.Relegation from the Second Division in 1955 left supporters inevitably gloomy but Harry Storer was appointed as manager and revived enthusiasm.In their first year in the basement, the Rams were second as Grimsby Town took the only promotion place but scored 110 goals.Derby followed this with 111 goals and promotion in 1956-57, with gates averaging more than 19,000. Ray Straw, a native of Ilkeston like Barrowcliffe, equalled Jack Bowers' club record by scoring 37 times.Barrowcliffe was an integral part of that side, either at right or left-back and missed only one game. After the flourish, Storer and his successor Tim Ward were hampered by lack of cash and the Rams did little more than mark time in the Second Division until they were galvanised by Brian Clough and Peter Taylor.By then, Barrowcliffe had run his course after 503 appearances. He is one of only seven to play for Derby more than 500 times. That record marks him as a superb signing.He made only a handful of appearances for Ilkeston Town but scouts from League clubs were quickly aware of him. Later evidence suggests they saw a teenage defender who was comfortable on the ball.The Rams, then managed by Stuart McMillan, were happy to complete the signing in October, 1950.Barrowcliffe served his time in the Reserves before a First Division debut at left-back against Stoke City in September, 1951.In those days, many full-backs concentrated on shifting the ball as far as possible from their penalty area, but the Rams had a stylist in Bert Mozley for Barrowcliffe to emulate.On several occasions over his career Barrowcliffe appeared at centre-forward. The Derby Evening Telegraph usually announced this as 'an effort to add punch to the attack'.He seldom looked out of place, simply because he was a gifted footballer who enjoyed playing. He was also wedded to his roots and never moved from Ilkeston.Ian Hall, who was a contemporary of Barrowcliffe for a time, once said that while most players were still contemplating a bath after a home match, Geoff was adjusting his tie, ready to leg it for the Felix bus home.He was still playing – and playing well – for the Rams veterans side into his 60s.He was as surprised as he was proud to be presented with a Merit Award at a Former Players' Association dinner.Geoff could have played at a higher level but was happy to stay at the Baseball Ground. It will be a long before the Rams have another player clocking up 500 appearances.His final years were blighted by Alzheimer's Disease but he is a Rams legend who will be remembered with affection, for his modesty and pleasant personality as much as his skill.
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