Derek Hales

Derek David Hales Date of Birth: Dec 15, 1951

Derek came to the attention of Luton when banging in the goals for Dartford and although he had a good job as a qualified Post Office engineer he took the plunge and joined the professional ranks at Kenilworth Road in March 1972.

Even though he scored on his full debut for the Hatters in a 1-1 home draw with Cardiff in February 1973 he was not given much of a chance at Kenilworth Road and went to Charlton for £4,000 that summer.

The rest is history, as the predatory goalscorer in two spells at the Valley netted a goal every other game as well as enjoying big money moves to Derby and West Ham in a long career!

Derek now lives in Sittingbourne and coached at his old school in Rainham.