Profile: Raich Carter was an aristocrat of the football world. So highly regarded was this man that even his peers, often referred to him as 'The Maestro'. One of the most successful and happiest times of the Club's history can be linked to the presence of a man whose hair was silver but whose talent was 24 carat gold. His career almost came to an end before it had started, for he had been rejected by Leicester City after trials. His hometown club gave him his chance in 1930; they were not to regret their decision for Raich was a major factor in the success they enjoyed during that decade. He played a key role, as captain, in their League Championship season of 1936/37, their first for over 20 years. He also led them to their first ever FA Cup Final victory, in 1937, scoring one of the goals in a 3-1 defeat of Preston. By the age of 20 Raich was to play for his country and although he played in many of the war-time internationals, his 13 'Full' international appearances are a meagre return. At the end of the war his association with his beloved Sunderland came to an end, a decision that hurt him, but he took little time in showing them the error of their ways. He led his new club, Derby County, to their first ever FA Cup. This made Carter the only player to have won a Cup winner's medal either side of the War. By March 1948 he had moved to the Tigers, initially as player-assistant manager. His debut came too late to assist the club in their faltering promotion bid and they eventually finished in fifth place. It was in the following season when the full impact of Raich's influence was to be felt. Now in his mid 30's, he still possessed an abundance of talent and experience, which he used to influence events on the field to such an extent that the Tigers had the best season in their history, winning the Third Division North championship and setting new records along the way. His departure from the club in September 1951 left them rudderless, and it was only after he was persuaded to return as a player, that the Tigers managed to win their battle against relegation. At the age of nearly 40, he was still winning medals, this time in Ireland with Cork. It maintained his record of winning honours with every club he played for. It was a high standard to achieve in such a lengthy career but Carter would have accepted no less. He set himself high standards and expected the same from others. |
