Derek Saunders

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Derek Saunders (born 6 January 1928) is a retired English footballer who played most notably for Chelsea during the 1950s.

Born in Ware, Saunders played primarily as a wing-half and started his career with amateur side Walthamstow Avenue. He joined Chelsea in June 1953 and immediately turned professional, making his club debut against Sheffield United. Saunders' most significant contribution to Chelsea was to be a member of their 1954-55 Championship-winning team. He was one of only two players to play in every game that season. Saunders' position meant that he rarely scored goals, but he scored a crucial one against West Bromwich Albion to put them 3-2 ahead having been trailing 0-2; they eventually won 4-2.

He stayed with Chelsea for a further four seasons, though they were unable to repeat their title success. He also featured in the first Chelsea side to play in a European competition, the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1958. A year earlier, he featured in the London XI side in the same competition. He made 223 appearances for Chelsea, and scored nine goals. Upon leaving the club in 1959, Saunders became a physical education teacher at Westminster School.

[edit] References

• Hadgraft, Rob (2004). Chelsea: Champions of England 1954-55. Desert Island Books Limited. ISBN 1-874287-77-5.