Tue 14 Apr - Posted in Breaking News
Time to read: 2mins
Derby County are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Henry Newton, who has died at the age of 82.
Newton enjoyed an illustrious 16-season playing career, during which he helped the Rams win the 1974/75 First Division title.
A tough-tackling midfielder, Newton also added a Charity Shield winner’s medal to his collection during his time with the club, playing the full 90 minutes in the Derby’s 2-0 victory against West Ham United at Wembley in August 1975.
It followed his arrival at the Baseball Ground in September 1973, as Brian Clough's last signing as Derby manager. By this time, he’d already tallied more than 350 appearances for Everton and hometown club Nottingham Forest.
Newton became a prominent figure in Dave Mackay’s team in the 1974/75 campaign, making 36 league appearances and netting in consecutive victories against Manchester City, Liverpool and Wolves - in a midfield boasting the likes of Bruce Rioch and Archie Gemmill - as the Rams roared to the First Division title.
His final game in black and white came at the end of the 1976/77 season in a goalless draw against Arsenal at Highbury.
Former teammate Roy McFarland paid tribute to Newton, hailing his industrious playing style and integral role in the squad.
“He was tenacious, his tackling was second to none,” McFarland said.
“He dealt with things on the field; if anything went wrong, you just knew that Henry Newton would do something in the match to support us as a team - he was an excellent footballer.
“Henry added that little bit of class, that little bit of extra to the group, which made us a lot, lot stronger as a team.”
In total, he made 156 appearances during his successful four-year spell with the Rams.
On leaving the Baseball Ground, Newton played 16 times for Walsall – signed by former Derby boss Dave Mackay – before a hip injury forced his retirement from football at the age of 34.
Considered highly unfortunate to have never received a senior England call-up, Newton was capped by the England Under-23 side on four occasions, scoring twice.
The thoughts of everyone at Derby County are with Henry’s family and friends at this difficult time.
