RIP
Derby County is saddened to confirm the passing of its former player Terry Hennessey at the age of 82.
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The club was informed of the sad news by his family on Friday morning.
Hennessey joined Derby County under the management of Brian Clough in the early stages of 1970 from Nottingham Forest.
His move across the East Midlands saw Hennessey enter the history books by becoming the Rams’ first-ever £100,000 signing as the side finished fourth in the top-flight in 1969/70.
Hennessey played 18 times in the club’s historic 1971/72 title-winning campaign, while he also featured significantly in the Texaco Cup winning team in the same season.
The Wales international defender, who gained 39 caps for his country, also played four times in the club’s run to the Semi-Final stage of European Cup during the 1972/73 season.
Hennessey played 82 times for the club in all competitions and scored five goals and left the club in 1973 and retiring due to injury, bringing down the curtain on his impressive professional career.
Derby County’s deepest condolences and thoughts are with the family and friends of Terry Hennessey at this difficult time.
Statement from the family of Terry Hennessey
We Mourn the Passing of Terry Hennessey (1942-2025)
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of William Terrence “Terry” Hennessey, the legendary Welsh international footballer and former club captain, who died peacefully on the 8th of August 2025, at the age of 82.
Born on 1st September 1942 in Llay, near Wrexham, Hennessey became one of Wales’ most respected footballers of the post-war era. A commanding presence at the heart of defence, his career spanned over a decade and a half at the highest levels of the game.
Terry began his professional journey with Birmingham City in 1959, making over 170 league appearances and helping the club to victory in the 1963 Football League Cup Final. He went on to captain Nottingham Forest, earning admiration for his leadership and consistency over 159 appearances. His final English club was Derby County, where he played a pivotal role under Brian Clough in the club’s historic 1971–72 First Division title-winning season.
On the international stage, Hennessey proudly earned 39 caps for Wales between 1962 and 1972, captaining his country on 20 occasions, marking the legendary Pelé at just 19 years old in 1961, and serving as a role model for future generations of Welsh players.
After retiring due to injury, Terry transitioned to management and coaching, leaving his mark overseas. He found success in the North American Soccer League (NASL), most notably guiding the Tulsa Roughnecks to the 1983 Soccer Bowl championship. His coaching journey later took him to Australia, where he continued to contribute to the game through roles with Melbourne Croatia and Heidelberg United.
A man of humility and passion, Terry Hennessey was not only a footballer of great stature but also a devoted ambassador of the sport across continents. He spent his later years on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula in Australia, where he remained closely connected to football as both a mentor and enthusiast.
Terry was a devoted husband to the late Sandra for over 44 years. Terry is survived by his son Dean, daughter Samantha and son-in-law Jim. Terry was a loving grandfather of six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
We pay tribute to a man whose influence transcended borders and whose legacy will endure through the many lives he touched on and off the pitch.
Rest in peace, Terry. You will forever be part of football’s proud history and much-loved family man.