Ranking Derby County's 20 greatest players of all-time - Dave Mackay = 4th | OneFootball

In this list, FLW have ranked Derby's greatest ever players to have graced the Baseball Ground and Pride Park over the decades

One of the founding members of the Football League, Derby County has a rich history - dating back to their inception in 1884 - with numerous legendary players having donned the famous black and white.

In this list, FLW have ranked Derby's greatest ever players to have graced the Baseball Ground and Pride Park over the decades.

While fans may debate the exact ordering, it's important to mainly remember the undeniable lasting legacy these players have created in the East Midlands - also a special mention to Igor Stimac, the Rams have had quite a few brilliant centre-halves.

Spanish attacking midfielder Inigo Idiakez may have arrived in Derby a bit past his prime, at 30-years-old in 2004 - but he made an immediate impact at Pride Park.

Despite having a "horrible" trial by his own admission, manager George Burley saw what he could still offer and gave him a two-year deal.

Idiakez won Derby's Player of the Year award in his debut season - scoring nine goals - as the Rams finished fourth in the Championship. His technicality, paired with a natural ability to take a perfect set-piece - made him a fan favourite. The Spaniard later reflected on his time at Derby as the "best year of my career" as he recalled "hearing 24,000 sing your name at every corner."

Welsh international striker Dean Saunders came to Derby in 1995 when the club was pushing for promotion to the Premier League under manager Jim Smith - he was their first ever £1m signing.

With previous spells at Liverpool and Aston Villa - his goals for the Rams helped secure promotion to the Premier League in 1996, and he continued to perform at the top level once the club reached the promised land.

In total, Saunders scored 57 goals in 131 appearances for Derby.

18 Mark Wright

Defender Mark Wright developed into one of England's most accomplished center-backs during his time with the Rams in the late 80s/ early 90s. He joined in 1987 from Southampton for a then-club record fee of £760,000.

His performances in a Derby shirt earned him regular international recognition with England - most notably Euro 1988 and the 1990 World Cup. before Liverpool came calling with a big- money move, and Derby needed the cash.

17 Bobby Davison

Bobby Davison enjoyed two separate spells at Derby County, becoming a firm favourite with the fans during the 80s. His tireless work rate and ability to score goals made him a standout performer during a somewhat challenging period in the clubs history - as he helped them to two promotions - from the third-tier and second-tier.

Davison's goals were very often the difference between success and failure for Derby during his time at the Baseball Ground, and his commitment to the cause endeared him to the Rams faithful. A true Derby county cult hero who always gave everything for the shirt.

He scored 106 goals across the two periods - playing 248 times.

16 Georgi Kinkladze

Georgian playmaker Georgi Kinkladze joined Derby in 1999 with a reputation as one of the most skillful players in English football following his spell at Manchester City.

When on form - Kinkladze was simply unplayable - capable of moments of magic that others could only dream about.

Consistency did sometimes elude him, but his technical ability and dribbling skills provided Derby fans with some unforgettable moments - the kind of flair player that could change games in an instant.

15 Mart Poom

Estonian number-one Mart Poom established himself as a beloved figure at Derby County after signing for the club in 1997.

He joined alongside Costa Rican duo Paulo Wanchope and Mauricio Solis - making his debut in that memorable 3-2 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Poom went on to make 166 appearances for the Rams across six seasons in the Premier League and half a season in the First Division. His reliability and spectacular saves made him a fan favourite - with Derby supporters showing their appreciation even when he later scored against them for Sunderland, giving him a standing ovation.

14 Craig Bryson

Haggis enjoyer Craig Bryson joined in 2011 and went on to become one of the club's most successful modern-era players.

During his time at Pride Park, Bryson twice won Derby's Player of the Year award in 2012 and 2014 - being named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year in the latter.

He wrote his name into Derby County folklore when he became the first Rams player in 116 years to score a hat-trick against local rivals Nottingham Forest - in a 5-0 deforestation.

His energy and goal-scoring ability from midfield made him a standout performer during his eight years with the club - and arguably one of the only 'legends' younger fans have witnessed first-hand.

Italian forward Francesco Baiano brought that continental flair to the Rams when he signed in 1997. He helped change Derby's playing style in the Premier League through his technicality and link-up play.

Forming a partnership with earlier mentioned Wanchope - Baiano's intelligence made him a joy to watch for Derby supporters. His signature was a real coup, helping signal the club's ambition during their successful early Premier League years.

12 Charlie George

Flamboyant is perhaps the best way to describe Charlie George - who came to the Baseball Ground in 1975 from Arsenal. He won the charity shield on his debut - a 2-0 win over West Ham.

George played a significant role in Derby's second First Division title win in the 74/75 - and remains the only Derby player to have scored two hat-tricks for the club in European football.

In total, he scored 34 in just over 100 league appearances.

11 Stefano Eranio

The second Italian on this list signed in the same year as the former, Baiano, in 1997. He arrived with serious pedigree having won multiple Serie A titles in his native Italy with AC Milan. He was the first ever goalscorer at Pride Park.

Baiano arrived later and managed to help Eranio flourish - with the Rams adopting a style of play that suited the italians more.

There was no surprise Eranio became a cult-hero quickly at Pride Park - with fans appreciating his consistent quality. With a genuine world-class talent choosing to play in the East Midlands, it also marked how far the club had come under the Bald Eagle's, Jim Smith, management.