The 1965 -1 966 season saw Derby finish off strongly in eighth position. They crashed out of the FA cup in the third round suffering defeat against Manchester united, suffering a 5-2 defeat against the reds. They ere eliminated out of the League cup in the third round as they suffered defeat against Reading. The 1966 – 1967 season was the last one that saw Tim Ward in charge at the club. The Rams finished off the campaign in 17th position and stormed out of the FA Cup in the third round as they suffered a 3-0 defeat against Norwich City.
Brian Clough was installed as the new manager at the club in 1967 and his first campaign in charge saw him help the club avoid relegation as they finished it off in 18th position.
Clough performed miracles at the club during the 1968 – 1969 season as he turned round the club dramatically as they finished it off as second division champions, gaining promotion in to the first division. They also enjoyed a fine run in the league cup, reaching the quarter finals of the competition, suffering a narrow defeat against Swindon Town. Clough took Derby to new heights the following season as their first season back in the top flight saw them finish in fourth position and reach the quarter finals of the league cup once again.