Derek began his football career in 1964 at the age of 14, signing for Benington FC in the Boston & District Saturday League - filling in when the team were short of players. The following season, in his last year at school, Derek joined Spilsby Town Reserves playing for the team until 1975, whilst playing for Pip Athletic in the Boston & District Sunday League.

Derek decided to take up refereeing, at every opportunity officiating in the Boston & District Saturday and Sunday leagues, and gradually progressing up the pyramid to GOLA, and then officiating on the Northern Countries East Leagues.  After retiring from refereeing, Derek was appointed the manager of Swineshead Institute Football Club. During his 6 years at the club, he won the County Junior Cup in 1990 and 1992 before moving to Wrangle FC for one season. 

In 1997, Derek was elected to the Lincolnshire Football Association as an area delegate for Boston, holding the position for 22 years until 2019. In 2018, Derek was nominated for the 50 Year Long Service Award from the Football Association for his services to football within Lincolnshire.  

Since stepping down from the Lincolnshire FA area delegate position, Derek served as a committee member for Skegness Town Football Club and Skegness Sports Association, alongside being chairman of the Fishtoft Cup Competition in Boston.  

Derek was a great servant of grassroots football in Lincolnshire and will be sorely missed. 

Everyone across the Lincolnshire Football Association would like to send our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of Derek during this difficult time.