Derek, now aged 47, was our goalkeeper in the 1990/91 Stourbridge side that won the Southern League Midland Division title, returning from injury in the November of that season to play a major role in us securing the league.

With promotion denied, Derek subsequently moved on that summer to Worcester City.

Derek has featured regularly for the Aston Villa Old Stars in more recent years - appearing at the War Memorial Athletic Ground on occasions - and he attended a 25th anniversary re-union with many of his former team-mates at Stourbridge in April 2016 when we entertained Whitby Town.

He also played for the likes of Sutton Coldfield Town, Telford United, Halesowen Town and Romulus too in his time in non-league football.

His friends and many of his former playing colleagues are rallying around and a charity game on Sunday, November 19 in his honour will see a team of 'Midland Legends' play against Romulus Veterans at Sutton Coldfield Town Football Club, Coles Lane, kick-off 10.30am. This will be followed by an auction.

More details on this story can be found here -

http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/local-news/ex-aston-villa-goalie-terminally-13869452

For further information, please contact Jon Pearson at jonpearson5@hotmail.com

Our thoughts are with Derek and his family and we hope that the charity match is a great success and a memorable occasion for Derek, back amongst many of his former playing colleagues.

Please support the event if you can!

PHOTO - Pictured in the back row, third from the left, Derek with his ex- Stour boss John Chambers and many friends and colleagues from the 1990/91 Stourbridge side at their 25-year anniversary re-union in April 2016.

Photo courtesy of Andy Roper.