The 1967–68 season was Derby County's 68th in the Football League and their 10th consecutive season in the Second Division.
In his second season as chairman, Sam Longson appointed Brian Clough as the club new manager, who was coaching Fourth Division club Hartlepools United with relative success. Clough, arrived with assistant manager former Middlesbrough's Goalkeeper Peter Taylor and both parties agreed to a £5,000 annual salary for Clough and made available £70,000 to fund player transfers.[1] On 25 August 1967 Tranmere Rovers Central-back Roy McFarland arrived to the club.[2] Also, Scottish Forward John O'Hare was transferred in from Sunderland for £20,000 being an ideal partner for Kevin Hector.
During September 1967 Nottingham Forest Left-winger Alan Hinton was then signed by Brian Clough for £30,000.[3] Northern Irish winger Arthur Stewart signed to the club in December 1967 from Glentoran F.C.
After a good start of season reaching a 4th place, the team collapsed during winter and finished its 10th consecutive Second Division campaign at 18th spot. In League Cup first ever notable run, the squad advanced to the semifinals stage only to lose the two legs of the series against Leeds United which also, eliminated The Rams on FA Cup 3rd round. The season also saw Reg Matthews set the club record of 246 appearances by a goalkeeper, as he surpassed Harry Maskrey's previous record of 222.[4]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.