Career
Derek "The Dude" Dawkins began his career as an apprentice with Leicester City, turning professional in November 1977 and making his league debut the same season. He played only 3 league games for the Foxes before moving to Mansfield Town in December 1978. He was released by the Field Mill side after 73 games, joining Bournemouth in August 1981.
He played only 8 times for the Cherries before dropping into non-league football.
In February 1984 he joined Torquay United from Weymouth and began the most successful spell of his career, becoming a great favourite of the Plainmoor crowd. His versatility was put to the test in May 1987, with Torquay at home to Crewe and in danger of losing league status, he played out of position in the centre of the Torquay defence, playing his part in the Gulls survival.
He left Torquay after 175 games in which he scored 7 times, joining Newport County. In the summer of 1990 he joined Gloucester City from Yeovil Town, where he appeared in the final match at their famous Huish ground and the first match at their new Huish Park stadium.
Whilst at Torquay he was in charge of the youth team at Torquay United, bringing through the likes of Lee Sharpe.
In May 2001 the Torquay Herald Express reported that Dawkins was living in Torquay and running a mobile-phone cases business. Derek is now involved with the Sheffield United Academy in Torrevieja, Spain.
