Welsh international Derrick Sullivan, a member of the squad that travelled to the 1958 World Cup finals, had made 275 league appearances for Cardiff City by the time he joined Exeter City in 1961. An ever-present in his solitary season at St James’ Park he moved on for a final professional season with Newport County. 

Derrick worked his way through the junior teams at Cardiff City before signing professional in September 1949 and going on to make 275 league appearances with 19 goals along the way. Making his first appearance for Wales against Northern Ireland in Belfast in April 1953, he went on to win 17 caps and was a member of the squad that went to Sweden for the 1958 World Cup Finals when he played in four of the five games. 

Joining Exeter City in June 1961 as he approached his 31st birthday, Derrick made his debut in the opening fixture against Mansfield Town on 19 August 1961 and wore the number six shirt in all 46 league games prior to moving to Newport County in July 1962  in a joint £1,500 deal with Peter Gordon. Making 23 league appearances during his time at Somerton Park, Derrick later turned out for Hereford United, Ebbw Vale and Monmouth Town (where he played alongside his son).

Derrick died in Newport on 16 September 1983 as the result of a liver condition.