Derby County has wished one of its longest-serving staff members a fond farewell with the retirement of Bill Morley as the club's education and welfare officer.

Bill, 65, has been in the role with the Academy for the last 12 years and has overseen and delivered the education programmes for the Rams' scholars alongside developments in the way youngsters are taught at football clubs.

And in recognition of his outstanding service the learning centre at Moor Farm has been renamed as the Bill Morley Education Suite.

Bill admitted that he felt "humbled" at being honoured in such a way.

He said: "It is something I will treasure and I feel really honoured that they have thought enough for me to deserve that.

"I have mixed feelings today. Working here has been a tremendous experience and I have loved every minute of it.

"I'm pleased in a way to retire and I'm looking forward to what life now has to offer but I'm very sad at the same time because everyone has been tremendous here, it is a great place to work.

"It has been nice to be in the football environment as it is a game I have always loved.

"But it's the people you mix with that you remember, and being able to help lads move on and be successful off the field as well as with their football."

Academy players and staff give Bill Morley a deserved send-off on his retirement. Picture by Andy Clarke

Although he is retiring from his role with the Rams, it's not a completely immediate stop for Bill as he has just landed a first call for international action.

"I have been lucky enough to get a request to go with England U17 in May for the European Championship finals, to help some of the boys who are doing their exams while out there," he said, modestly referring to the next task.

"There isn't one single stand-out memory here, it's that overall feeling of having been involved with so many good and nice people, and the positive way we have managed to take the support of the lads forward from it being very basic in football - not just at Derby - when I first came here, to now feeling that they get a really solid programme."

Academy manager Phil Cannon paid tribute to Bill's work over the last 12 years and says the recongition he has received is richly deserved.

He added: ""I think everyone will agree that Bill has done a tremendous job for Derby County and that they will join me in wishing him a happy retirement.

"I have only known Bill for the last 12 months and he is a man of integrity, professionalism and honesty, who is always prepared to go the extra mile for anyone.

"I'm sure we'll see a lot more of Bill and he will always be welcome here."

Bill is replaced in the role of education and welfare officer by George Delves, who takes over at Moor Farm.

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