I met him at a Kent game many years ago - lovely man - and he was very happy to learn that I am a Charlton fan - more than happy to talk about his career
Such a sad loss. Back in the 90's I was working as a steward for the club. It was early in the day (a couple of hours before the crowds were let in) and Derek approached me as I stood by the tunnel and just started chatting to me. Soon he was reminiscing about his playing days and I could visably see his eyes glaze over as he recalled events. This lasted for about 10 mins, before breaking off mid sentence, saying "anyway, I'm sure you don't want to hear my old tales", said goodbye and walked off. He couldn't have been further from the truth, as I would've been happy to listen to him all day.
So sorry to hear this. Derek was the oldest surviving England International. In February I posted a poem my mother in law wrote and slipped in my birthday card. Some years ago I'd told her a story about the stained glass window dedicated to Derek's mum at St Paulinus church, Crayford. Sarah Ufton was one of the Crayford WVS women killed by a doodlebug in 1944 whilst registering evacuees. I told her that Sarah's son was a CAFC legend. It inspired this poem about the great Huddersfield game. I posted it here as I was really touched. As a tribute to Derek, Crayford's CAFC legend, here it is again.
Derek
Ufton and Pete - two Crayford lads (a poem for Pete’s Birthday)
Lovely man who followed us home and away, quite happy to mix, chat and sometimes you had to pinch yourself who you were talking to, such were his sporting achievements. Legend is too often used these days but Derek genuinely is one. Absolute gent that will never be forgotten. RIP Derek.
I never had the pleasure of meeting or seeing him play but my uncles who were Charlton Athletic and Kent cricket supporters of the same era, spoke highly of him. RIP.
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I met him at a Kent game many years ago - lovely man - and he was very happy to learn that I am a Charlton fan - more than happy to talk about his career
Derek Ufton and Pete - two Crayford lads (a poem for Pete’s Birthday)
Two lads were born in Crayford,
thirty nine years apart
Both loved the game of football,
each took Charlton to their heart
Derek was born in twenty eight
and Pete in sixty seven.
Both proud of their Crayford roots
each loved the Charlton eleven
Pete often appears at Charlton,
up in the stands he is found
at practically every home match
at his beloved Valley ground.
Derek also appeared at Charlton
a player of great renown.
Pete would have loved to have been there
when Charlton played Huddersfield Town.
The year was nineteen fifty seven,
a cold day in December
A day that players and fans alike
were going to remember.
Derek, the captain, got injured
and left his team to their fate
With the captain gone and only ten men
Charlton’s prospects didn’t look great.
Huddersfield Town was winning five-one
with twenty seven minutes to go
but Summers came to the rescue
And it looked like being a draw.
It was six-six ‘til the eighty ninth minute
When Charlton scored one more
and Charlton’s ten men were the winners,
seven-six was the final score.
Charlton’s players were elated
but Huddersfield’s players cried
because, although they had scored six goals,
they were still on the losing side.
Poor Derek was injured and missed it
and Pete wasn’t born, it’s unfair!
Both Crayford lads, player and fan
wish that they had been there.
But it’s just as well that you missed it Pete,
or you might be seventy, say
so raise a glass and be thankful
you’re only fifty four today.
RIP Derek a true gent
RIP Derek and my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
A proper Gent.
RIP.
RIP