Career
He made more than 450 Football League appearances for four clubs, with the majority of his career being spent with. Derek Draper began his professional career with hometown club, making his league debut in the 1962–1963 season. In April 1966, Draper moved to Derby County for £5,000 but made just eight league appearances for the Rams.
After a spell with Bradford Park Avenue, Draper joined in January 1969 for £5,000.
With 322 league appearances and 54 goals to his name, Draper features in both the club"s top 10 Football League appearance and goalscoring lists (an honour shared only with Stuart Rimmer). He also struck nine times in league matches, including a hat-trick against Rochdale.
Draper played his final game for in a 1–1 draw with Portsmouth at Sealand Road on 11 April 1977. This was also to be his last professional appearance, as he retired from playing and began working in the commercial department foreign
He has since been employed as a milkman and a postman in the area and also managed Sunday League football teams in the city.
