Snapshot In Time: Rioch On The Ball As Derby Progress In The 1975/76 European Cup

Whilst circumstances currently mean there’s no live football to enjoy, dcfc.co.uk is delving into the archives to feature a photograph from Derby County’s illustrious history.

Every day for the foreseeable future, we’ll provide you an image for supporters to enjoy and reminisce.

Rioch Plays His Part As Derby Defeat Slovan Bratislava In The European Cup

Pictured here is former Derby County midfielder Bruce Rioch in action during the 1975/76 European Cup.

Derby were competing in the illustrious European competition, now known as the UEFA Champions League, for the second time in their history after manager Dave Mackay guided the Rams to the 1974/75 First Division title.

They were drawn against Slovan Bratislava, from what was known at the time as Czechoslovakia, in Round 1 and tasted a 1-0 defeat away from home in the First Leg.

However, Derby stormed back to win the Second Leg 3-0 at the Baseball Ground thanks to a brace from Francis Lee and a goal from Jeff Bourne to progress to Round 2 with a 3-1 aggregate victory.

Mackay’s side eventually bowed out of the competition in Round 2, after losing 6-5 to Spanish giants Real Madrid on aggregate.

Rioch played in three of Derby’s four games in the European Cup that season, only missing the Second Leg against Real Madrid.

The midfielder joined Derby from Aston Villa in 1974 and after two seasons he moved to Everton, but he returned to the Baseball Ground for a second spell between 1977 and 1979.

In total he made 184 appearances for Derby and found the net on 54 occasions.

Rioch won two major honours whilst on the books with the Rams, the 1974/75 First Division title and the 1975 Charity Shield.

Look out for tomorrow’s Snapshot in Time across dcfc.co.uk – and remember you can suggest an image by getting in touch via the club’s social media channels.