In 1884 members of the Derbyshire County
Cricket team formed the football club as a way
of boosting finances in the cricket close
season. They played their first season at the
Racecourse Ground and entered the FA Cup.
A year later the club moved to the Baseball
Ground where they remained until a move to
Pride Park Stadium for the 1997-98 season. In
1888 they became founder members of the
Football League. Since their formation they
have fluctuated through the top divisions, but
enjoyed a sparkling spell during the 1970s.
