Harry Storer guided the rams to a much improved 12th position finish in the second division during the 1960 – 1961 season. They crashed out of the FA Cup in the third round of the cup competition as they suffered defeat against Brighton and Hove Albion. A 4-1 defeat against Norwich City eliminated them from the league cup in what was also at the third round stage. The next two years saw the rams slide down the table gradually as they finished it off in 16th and 18th position respectively, the latter of which saw them involved in a relegation battle. Tim Ward took charge at the club in 1962 and he had to wait until the 1963 – 1964 season to witness a dramatic improvement in Derby’s performances, ending the campaign off in a much improved 13th position.
Derby was much improved during the 1964 – 1965 season as they enjoyed a top ten finish in ninth position. They were part of a thrilling league cup contest in the third round, however they were on the receiving end of a thrilling 5-4 score line against Chester City FC.