Derby County 1987-89 Away Jersey
€40.00
Buy 4 selected tops & save 20%
The Derby County 1987–89 Away Retro Football Shirt represents an exciting period in the Rams’ late-1980s revival under Arthur Cox. After winning back-to-back promotions to return to the First Division, Derby secured their top-flight status with a 15th-place finish in 1987–88 before making a remarkable leap to fifth the following season. The 1988–89 campaign was Derby’s strongest top-flight finish for more than a decade, although the continuing ban on English clubs in European competition prevented the Rams from taking their place in the UEFA Cup.
The side featured England internationals Peter Shilton and captain Mark Wright alongside Geraint Williams, John Gregory, Ted McMinn and, from October 1988, Welsh striker Dean Saunders. Saunders made an immediate impact after arriving from Oxford United and became a key attacking figure in the side that finished fifth, while Wright was named Derby County’s Player of the Year for the 1988–89 campaign.
The shirt is instantly recognisable for its bold sky-blue and dark-blue checkerboard pattern, a dramatic departure from Derby County’s traditional white home identity. Large alternating blue squares create a distinctive late-1980s look, complemented by dark contrasting trim and a period buttoned collar. The prominent Maxwell Communications sponsorship across the chest further anchors the design to this particular era, making the shirt closely associated with Derby’s return to the English top flight and their impressive fifth-place finish in 1988–89.
Please refer to the size guidance on this product page for detailed measurements.
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QUANTITY
Size Guidance (Retro Jersey)
| Size | Chest (in) | Length (in) | Rec. Height (ft/in) | Rec. Weight (lb) |
| S | 39 | 28 | 65–67 | 121–132 |
| M | 41 | 28 | 67–69 | 132–154 |
| L | 43 | 29 | 69–71 | 154–176 |
| XL | 44 | 30 | 71–75 | 176–198 |
| XXL | 46 | 31 | 75–79 | 198–220 |
Note: All sizes are for reference only. Manual measurement may result in an error of ±1 inch.
IN BETWEEN SIZES?
That's easier said than done. Because what do you do if you are in between two sizes?
Well, that's up to you. Do you like a tight fit? Go for the smaller size. Loving a loose fit? Go for the larger size.
TOP FIT
If your body measurements for chest and waist result in two different suggested sizes, order the size from your chest measurement.
Rec. Player Printing Options
| Printing | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| 8 (Dean Saunders) | Best Printing Choice. The strongest commercial option from the 1988–89 side. Saunders joined in October 1988 and quickly became Derby’s leading attacking figure as the Rams finished fifth in the First Division. |
| 5 (Mark Wright) | An outstanding collector choice for Derby’s captain and defensive leader, who was named the club’s Player of the Year in 1988–89. |
| 7 (Ted McMinn) | A highly popular Rams choice associated with one of Derby’s most recognisable wide players of the late 1980s and early 1990s. |
| 4 (Geraint Williams) | A strong period-specific midfield choice for the Wales international who played every league match during Derby’s first season back in the top flight. |
| 10 (John Gregory) | A particularly relevant 1987–88 option for the experienced midfielder who scored six league goals during the club’s return season. |
Best Printing Choice: 8 (Dean Saunders)
Second Choice: 5 (Mark Wright)
Third Choice: 7 (Ted McMinn)
We recommend No.8 (Dean Saunders) as the standout printing choice for the Derby County 1987–89 Away Retro Football Shirt. Saunders arrived from Oxford United during the 1988–89 campaign and immediately made an impact, scoring twice on his Derby debut before becoming the club’s leading attacking figure as the Rams climbed to an impressive fifth-place finish in the First Division. His No.8 provides one of the strongest connections to the most successful season in which this distinctive away design was worn.
Our second recommendation is No.5 (Mark Wright). Derby’s captain and defensive leader was an integral figure across both seasons covered by this shirt and was named the club’s Player of the Year in 1988–89. For collectors looking for a player whose association spans the full 1987–89 period rather than only the second season, Wright is an outstanding choice.
