Derek Anthony Dawkins (born 29 November 1959) is an English former professional footballer, born in Edmonton, London, who played as a midfielder in the Football League for Leicester City, Mansfield Town, AFC Bournemouth and Torquay United.
[1] Derek 'The Dude' Dawkins began his career as an apprentice with Leicester City, turning professional in November 1977 and making his league debut the same season.
In February 1984 he joined Torquay United from Weymouth and began the most successful spell of his career, becoming a great favourite of the Plainmoor crowd.
Won Player of the Year in 1986.His versatility was put to the test in May 1987, with Torquay at home to Crewe and in danger of losing league status, he played out of position in the centre of the Torquay defence, playing his part in the Gulls survival.
His other great moment at Plainmoor was scoring the winner against a Tottenham Hotspur side containing the likes of Ray Clemence, Clive Allen, Gary Mabbutt and future Torquay player Chris Waddle, in a League Cup 2nd Round 1st Leg tie in 1987.