DEREK RICKARD

Full Name: Derek Bryan Philip Rickard

Born: 01 October 1947

Came from: Junior   Went to: Bournemouth

First game: 13 December 1969   Last game: 16 April 1974

Appearances: 121 (109/12)   Goals: 42

Born in Plymouth, Rickard joined his hometown club in December 1969 as a 22-year-old forward. He had originally signed for Argyle at the age of 15 as an amateur in 1963. After a period of development, he went on to play five games for the reserves in 1965-66 but was then released. He secured work in Devonport Dockyard and went on to play for Torpoint Athletic and St Austell, becoming a prolific scorer in Cornish football.

His second chance came about principally because Ellis Stuttard was still involved at the club as a scout, after his first spell as manager and a stint in charge at Exeter City. Stuttard was a big believer in giving local talent a chance and persuaded the club and Billy Bingham to take another look at Rickard, particularly given Mike Bickle was going through a dry spell and Argyle were struggling. Rickard was put back into the reserves at the beginning of the 1969-70 season and having perhaps lacked confidence as a teenager three years before, he scored a hatful for the reserves.

He continued to make a favourable impression on those in charge and the turning point in his Argyle career's 'take two' came after a reserve game against Chelsea, where he scored both goals in a win. With another reserve game four days later, he wasn't named in the line-up, creating speculation that he was being readied for a first-team bow. Notably, within this time frame, Billy Bingham had left the club. With Argyle in the bottom half of the table, some felt that his 'job share' of having the Argyle hot-seat, whilst also being in charge of the Northern Ireland national team, had an impact on his capability at Home Park. This meant Ellis Stuttard moved from the role of scout and back into the hotseat for a second spell as manager.

The speculation, however, was indeed correct and in Dec 1969 he made his debut, away against Halifax Town, though Argyle lost 2-0. However, Rickard retained his place for the rest of the season and went on to score nine goals. Bickle also rediscovered his scoring touch, as did Don Hutchinson, no doubt aided by Rickard's efforts. Rickard himself also managed a hat-trick against Shrewsbury Town at home in March 1970, and Argyle pulled to safety in 16th place. To cap a memorable debut season as a professional, he was voted as the club's Player of the Year for 1969-70 - a remarkable achievement having only been back at the club for just under six months and having played, in effect, a half-season.

Injuries did, however, sadly wreck his next two seasons for the club. In all, he did go on to make 121 appearances and scored a creditable 42 goals. His peak season came in 1971-72 when he scored 14 goals in just 19 league appearances, which was enough to finish as the club's leading scorer for that season.

The majority of the Home Park faithful remember two Rickard goals in particular: a headed equaliser in Argyle's FA Cup 4th Round 2-1 defeat at then cup-holders Leeds United at a packed Elland Road in February 1973, and the other being a deft header against Santos in that famous 1973 friendly win over Pele's team in March 1973.

The arrival of Tony Waiters sparked the end of his time at Home Park, with new arrivals Paul Mariner and Brian Johnson, along with a resurgent Steve Davey, limiting his starting opportunities. In July 1974, he joined Bournemouth along with Neil Hague for a joint £15,000 transfer fee. Rickard spent two years with the Cherries, making just 32 league appearances and scoring six goals, in a side which suffered relegation.

After leaving Dean Court, he returned to Cornwall. A league career which started at 22 years old was done and dusted within six years. He returned to his original job in Devonport Dockyard, whilst playing part-time for Falmouth Town and then Saltash United

In later years, he built up a newsagents in the city, which he sold in 1998 and also worked as a delivery driver for the Evening Herald - the paper he used to make headlines in - as well as keeping his hand in football with some involvement with Weston Mill Oak Villa in various capacities over a number of years.

Derek remains living locally and has been a regular match-day guest of Forever Green (the club's former players' association) at Home Park.