Derek James Possee, born London, England, February 14, 1946. Known for his speed and eye for goal, Derek Possee left an indelible mark on several clubs, most notably Millwall and Crystal Palace.
Possee began his football journey at Tottenham Hotspur, where he started as an apprentice. Tottenham, at the time, was one of the most exciting teams in English football, and breaking into their first team was no small feat. However, the young Possee quickly made a name for himself, scoring on his debut in a 3-1 victory over Aston Villa at White Hart Lane in January 1964. This debut goal signaled his potential, and although he found limited opportunities at Spurs due to the wealth of attacking talent in the squad, it was evident that Possee had the skills and drive to succeed. However, his career at Tottenham did not take off in the way he might have hoped, and a move became inevitable. In 1967, Possee was transferred to Millwall for £25,000. This move proved to be transformative for both the player and the club. At Millwall, Possee found a platform where he could showcase his talent consistently, and his performances made him a fan favorite. Over the course of seven years, he made 245 appearances and scored 87 goals, making him one of the most important players in the club’s history. Possee’s pace down the wing and his ability to cut inside and score goals helped Millwall remain competitive during a challenging period. Moreover, his goal-scoring record remains impressive, and to this day, he is revered as one of Millwall’s greatest ever players. In addition, Possee’s ability to perform in big matches further endeared him to the Millwall faithful. His knack for scoring crucial goals helped the club maintain its status in the Football League. His contribution went beyond just goals; he was also known for his work rate and commitment, qualities that made him a key figure in the dressing room. By the time he left Millwall in 1974, Possee had cemented his place as a club legend. Consequently, his departure was a bittersweet moment for the club, but his legacy was already well established.
After leaving Millwall, Possee moved to Crystal Palace. Although his time at Palace was not as prolific in terms of goal-scoring as it had been at Millwall, he still played an important role in the team. His experience and professionalism were invaluable, especially to the younger players in the squad. Possee then had a brief stint with Leyton Orient, where he continued to contribute with his vast experience. Towards the latter stages of his career, Possee moved abroad and signed for St Patrick’s Athletic in Ireland in 1977. Under the management of former teammate Barry Bridges, Possee made an immediate impact by scoring twice on his debut. His time in Ireland was short but memorable, and it served as a stepping stone to the next phase of his career. In 1978, Possee took his talents across the Atlantic, joining the Vancouver Whitecaps in the North American Soccer League (NASL). The NASL was an emerging league at the time, attracting a number of high-profile European players. Similarly, Possee adapted well to the North American game and was part of the Vancouver Whitecaps team that won the Soccer Bowl in 1979. This victory was the pinnacle of his time in North America and provided a fitting conclusion to a long and successful career. Possee retired from professional football following his time in North America, leaving behind a legacy of over 400 league appearances and more than 100 league goals. In particular, his contributions to Millwall remain a significant part of the club’s history, and his name is still celebrated by fans who remember his electrifying pace and goal-scoring prowess.