In August 1951, he joined First Division side Derby County and made his professional debut in the last match of the 1951–52 season against Chelsea at the age of 18. However, he was called up for his national service soon after and did not become a regular in the Derby first team until they had been relegated again.
In August 1951, he joined Derby County's main squad and made his professional debut in the final match of the 1951–52 season against Chelsea at the age of 18. However, he was called up for military duty shortly after and didn't become a regular member of the Derby team until they had been relegated again.