Derby County were pleased to reveal a memorial plaque in memory of the great Dave Mackay following the ten-year anniversary of his passing earlier this month.
Mackay’s family were invited to the 2-1 home win over Blackburn Rovers on Saturday 8th March to see the plaque for the first time, which has been installed beside the statue of the Rams’ former player and manager to explain his contributions to the club and the game itself.
Mackay was an influential figure on the pitch as player as Derby returned to the top-flight and then established themselves in the First Division under Brian Clough’s guidance.
As a player, he racked up 145 appearances and seven goals for the Rams between 1968 and 1970 and was part of the Second Division title-winning side in 1968/69 season, while he also lifted the Watney Cup in 1970.
The Scotsman was appointed as the Rams’ manager in October 1973, following spells in charge of Swindon Town and Nottingham Forest. Under Mackay, Derby were First Division champions in 1974/75 and also claimed the Charity Shield in August 1975 in another memorable spell during the club's history.
He sadly passed away in March 2015 at the age of 80 and the statue was erected in his memory at Pride Park Stadium a few months later as a lasting tribute.
His wife, Isobel Mackay, revealed the memorial plaque and was joined by several club officials, including owner David Clowes and former players Roy McFarland, Roger Davies and Charlie George.
The plaque represents part of ongoing efforts by the club to increase its heritage coverage across Pride Park Stadium, and details about further commemorations of the 1974/75 anniversary and other key events will be communicated in due course.
