Mel Sage
# Mel Sage

Melvyn Sage (born 24 March 1964) is an English former footballer. He played as a full back for Gillingham and Derby County in a ten-year career which was ultimately cut short by injury.

## Playing career

Sage began his career as an apprentice professional with his hometown club, Gillingham, turning professional in 1982. He soon forced his way into the first team and became a regular in the defence, as well as attracting attention from larger clubs. In the 1985-86 season he was an ever-present in the team and named the club's Player of the Year, after which he was snapped up by Derby County, who had just clinched promotion to Division Two, for a fee of £60,000. The following season he helped the Rams gain promotion to Division One and in all made over 140 league appearances for Derby before a succession of injuries, most notably a knee injury sustained in November 1991, forced him into retirement in 1992.

## Post-playing career

After retiring from football, Sage returned to his hometown of Gillingham and became a taxi driver.

## Honours

Derby County

* Football League Second Division: 1986–87

Individual

* Gillingham Player of the Season: 1985–86
