Derek Gilbert Ufton was born 31 May 1928, in Crayford, Kent. An Old Boy of Dartford Grammar School, Derek was a professional cricketer and footballer, playing for Kent and Charlton Athletic. He gained his only England cap at football in 1953, against a team from Rest of Europe. He was a left-handed batsman whose fielding position was Wicketkeeper. He later managed the football team Plymouth Argyle.