[3] After 59 league games for the Magpies (scoring four goals)[2] he moved to Derby County in August 1978 for a fee of £60,000,[4] making his Rams' debut on 15 September in a 3–2 win against West Bromwich Albion at the Baseball Ground.
[2][6] The following season, he scored the only goal of the game as Rovers beat local rivals Bristol City for the first time in ten meetings.
In March 1985 he joined Torquay United on loan and in July that year moved to Exeter City on a free transfer.
He made 58 league appearances for the Grecians before a £3,000 move back to his native north-east, joining Hartlepool United in February 1987.
The following season saw Carlisle struggle financially and finish bottom of the league, only saved from relegation to the Football Conference by the unfortunate demise of Aldershot.