ROY McFarland, a Derby County legend, summed it up perfectly when offering his congratulations to the latest winner of the Merit Award presented by the club's Former Players' Association.

"If anybody in the history of Derby County deserves this sort of award, Gordon Guthrie epitomises that," said McFarland, himself a previous recipient of the honour.

Guthrie has served the Rams with great loyalty for almost 50 years.

He has worked under 19 managers. Throw in the odd caretaker manager and the figure is pushed up to 23.

His roles have ranged from player to his current position as one of the kit managers.

He began as a player in the junior sides and Reserves under Harry Storer, who was manager up to 1962 but Guthrie did not make a first-team appearance. He moved into coaching and then became the club's physio.

Guthrie was in the dugout during Derby's successful years in the late 1960s and early 70s when the brilliant management team of Brian Clough and Peter Taylor made the Rams champions of England and a force in Europe.

Guthrie was also there when Dave Mackay's team lifted the title in 1974-5 and during the Arthur Cox years when Derby won successive promotions and finished fifth in the old First Division.

Clough's son Nigel is now in charge at Derby. He said: "Gordie has been a terrific servant to the club and it is absolutely invaluable listening to him."

In a lovely touch, former Rams goalkeeper Martin Taylor presented Guthrie with his award at the annual Former Player' dinner held in the Toyota Suite at Pride Park Stadium.

Taylor was an ever-present and player of the year in 1993-4 but a few months later, in October 1994, he suffered a double fracture of his left leg playing against Southend United at Roots Hall.

It was a nasty injury and he endured operations and long spells of rehabilitation before returning to action.

"Through my injury Gordie was unbelievable and he got me back playing," said Taylor.

Taylor is now a part of Clough's coaching staff, as is Andy Garner, a striker with the Rams in the 80s.

He also paid tribute to Guthrie, saying: "He is a major, major part of the club. He loves the club, always has done and always will do. There is great respect for him."

Guthrie was unaware of his nomination for the award.

In his typically unassuming way, he collected the prestigious award and said a quick "thanks everybody" before returning to his table.

But he is thrilled to receive such an honour and is the 12th winner.

He joins a list that includes some of the biggest names in Derby's history.

On the list are Roy McFarland, Geoff Barrowcliffe, John Bowers, Raich Carter, Alan Durban, Reg Harrison, Dave Mackay, John O'Hare, Tommy Powell, Jack Stamps and Ron Webster.

The award is for players who have not only played for Derby but also served the club and their profession with distinction and pride.

Among the former players at the dinner were Alan Hinton, Colin Boulton, Ron Webster, Gordon Hughes, Roger Davies, Steve Sutton, Michael Forsyth, Darren Wassall and Tommy Johnson.

Hinton, the winger who was Derby's creator-in-chief in Brian Clough's team, is over from America.

He has been named in the Rams' All-time team as chosen by the supporters.

The search for the greatest 11 was held jointly by the Derby Telegraph and Derby County and the side will be celebrated when the club's 125th anniversary celebrations come to a close in an event at the Quad on Wednesday.