Winger Derrick Downing played over 200 games for north-east neighbours Middlesbrough and also had spells with Orient and York before Billy Horner brought him to the Vic for the 1977/78 season. Downing was a regular first team throughout that season and contributed five goals, though he is probably equally well remembered for the red card he received in a bad-tempered game against Darlington at Feethams.