Rams star Kevin Hector was a columnist for the Derby Telegraph 40 years ago. Here, we re-publish his thoughts penned for the paper in April 1969.

THE most memorable week of my life ends tonight. Or, to be more exact, the most memorable eight days, because things really started to buzz last Saturday with our Second Division finale at the Baseball Ground.

I never thought I would get a little tired of champagne – that's how hectic the celebrations have been. There have been times when I would have given anything for a glass of bitter!

But don't think I am complaining. The reception we have been given since last Saturday has been absolutely fantastic. Our supporters, who have been great all season, really surpassed themselves.

So it is nice to be able to sign off for another season on such a happy note. This time last year I was bemoaning everything that was going wrong. But I did say in my final article last season that I did not think it would take such a lot to transform us into a successful side. Considering the players in the team, we were a better side last season than our position suggested. Then along came just two men, but what a "two". Dave Mackay and Willie Carlin, provided what was missing. John Robson developed into a fine player, then along came John McGovern just to rub it in.

Now we have got into the habit of winning matches and this makes a lot of difference. It is the same when you are losing – you have to make a massive effort to get out of the rut. Now it is the other way for us and I am sure we will start next season in this "winning" frame of mind. This was how it was against Bristol City last Saturday. I think some of us were more nervous about the lap of honour than the match, because that was something new to us.

The game was little more than a formality. When you know it is practically impossible for the opposition to score, the forwards can relax and get on with scoring goals. When Alan Durban first went into the middle of the 4-3-3 he was as much a defender as an attacker. Last Saturday he was given a free hand and, as you know, he went to town in a big way, scoring a brilliant hat-trick.

The lap of honour was a great experience and it was just the same when we went up for our medals. Then came a great party in the evening and the receptions this week. Let's hope we have as much to celebrate this time next year…

Kevin shares his memories with Pat Parkin on Page 28.