Derby County FC were formed in the year 1884 and were installed as founder members of the football league in the year 1895, settling in to the baseball ground in 1896. Between 1896 and 1904, the Rams reached an incredible seven FA Cup semi finals and were defeated in three finals. They spent most of their pre 1960 days in the first division; however they did have several spells playing in the second division including between 1922 and 1926. They suffered relegation in to the second division in 1953 and two years later suffered demotion in to the third division north. They clawed their was out of the third tier back in to the second division in 1957. They reached the semi finals of the FA Cup also in the years 1909, 1923, 1933 and 1948.
Their pre 1960 football managers included, Ted Magner, Stuart McMillan, Jack Barker and Harry Storer, the latter of which was in charge between 1955 and 1962 at the club.