Leicester City In 100 Players: Derek Hogg
Hogg's pace and dribbling skills made him one of the finest uncapped English wingers of the 1950s. Born in Norton-on-Tees in November 1930, he grew up in Preston and, as a youngster, played in the Preston District League before joining Preston North End as an amateur.
In October 1952, after serving his National Service in the Army in the Suez Canal zone and Egypt, he was signed by Leicester City manager Norman Bullock. For his first two seasons at Filbert Street, Derek’s first team opportunities were limited because of the form of Wales international right-winger Mal Griffiths.
The turning point came towards the beginning of the 1954/55 season when Bullock suggested Derek switched to the left wing. At this point, his career took off, even though City were relegated at the end of that season.
Derek became the established left-winger for the next four seasons, reaching a then Club record of playing 104 consecutive games. Throughout his career, Derek’s game was characterised by his dribbling skills and great pace.
In 2012, he told us that he was always the fastest player at every club he played for. His form was so impressive that he was selected for the Football League side against the Scottish League in October 1955.
In this game, he played alongside Tom Finney, Nat Lofthouse and Billy Wright. He was also chosen for the FA to play against the Army in November 1956. However, Derek’s path to the England side was blocked by wingers Stanley Matthews and Tom Finney.
Playing alongside the likes of Arthur Rowley, Derek Hines, Johnny Morris and Jack Froggatt, he was a key player in the record-breaking Leicester City side which won the Second Division title in 1957.
In the first season back in top flight (1957/58), Derek’s speed and crosses played an important part in helping the Club avoid relegation. However, at the end of the season, in April 1958, he moved to West Bromwich Albion.
Contrary to popular belief, Derek left Leicester City because of his strained relationship with manager David Halliday, rather than a desire to pursue his international ambitions at a bigger club.
Two years later, in October 1960, he transferred to Cardiff City for two seasons before making over 100 Southern League appearances for Kettering Town. He then spent a quarter of a century as a publican, firstly at the Royal Oak in Osgathorpe and then in the Lincolnshire village of Ludford.
He later retired to Cromer and died in Sutton-on-Sea in 2014.