Derek "Doc" Pace (11 March 1932 – 17 October 1989) was a footballer who played in the position of striker for Sheffield United and Aston Villa.
Derek was small in stature for a centre forward at five feet eight inches, and less than 12 stone, but was nonetheless hardy and tough, and a real problem for defenders to cope with.
Although he missed out on being selected for the Aston Villa 1957 FA Cup Final side, being twelfth man after playing in all the rounds up to the semi-final.
He started the 1957–58 season with Villa and played in 12 games scoring three goals – including the Charity Shield side that was beaten by Manchester United.
He made his debut for United on the day he had signed – scoring after just eight minutes, against Blackburn Rovers at Bramall Lane on 26 December 1957.
He was an ever-present in the side when United achieved First Division status again in season 1960–61 with Pace scoring 26 goals, including a FA Cup run in which the team reached the Semi-finals.
He became a great favourite with the Blades fans, who warmed to his enthusiasm, sportsmanship, quick shooting and brilliant heading ability, and his signing was undoubtedly a major factor in bringing better days ahead to the Lane.
He then left to join Walsall in July 1966, only playing four matches plus one as substitute, and scoring one goal – a flying header at Grimsby Town on 27 August 1966.