Dave Mackay

It's with much sadness that last night I heard of the death of Dave Mackay.

It's also very sad that the media in general are ignoring the contribution that he made to football beyond Tottenham Hotspur.

He was an all time great at White Hart Lane, but before he made a name for himself in London, he was a Star at Heart of Midlothian. He was on the verge of retiring from football and taking a coaching position back in Edinburgh when a certain Brian Clough twisted his arm into extending his playing career with Derby.

Clough also persuaded Dave Mackay to play sweeper. Far from being 'Over the hill' he played some outstanding football as Derby won the old second division and became a major force amongst the games elite.

When his playing days ended at Swindon Town, he briefly managed Nottingham Forest before Derby County came knocking again. This time it was to replace Brian Clough as manager.

The reality was that only someone as popular as Mackay would be accepted by fans.

Not only was he accepted, but he also steered the Rams to a second league title in three years.

He inherited a very good side from Cloughie and added a few quality signings of his own. Francis Lee who had two storming seasons, Charlie George from Arsenal, Bruce Rioch and Leighton James were amongst the big names to be signed by Dave Mackay.

If accepting Clough and Taylor's resignations were the biggest mistakes ever made by a Derby board, sacking Mackay a few years later is almost as bad.

Dave retained a love for the club and I was fortunate enough to exchange a few words with him at the Ted McMinn benefit game.

Another club legend has departed from this life and hopefully a lasting tribute to the great man will be forthcoming. A statue maybe or even retiring the number six shirt as well.

RIP Dave Mackay the best signing Brian Clough ever made.