Former Scotland and Man Utd icon Docherty, dies, 92
TRIBUTES poured in last night for former Scotland and Manchester Utd manager Tommy Docherty after his death at 92.
Docherty, who also took charge of Chelsea and Aston Villa, died yesterday after a long illness.
Born in Glasgow in 1928, he began his career as a player at Celtic but made his name with more than 300 league appearances for Preston North End as a right-half in the 1950s. He went on to play for Arsenal and Chelsea, and represented Scotland 25 times, including being in the squad at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden.
But it was as a manager that Docherty, pictured, – affectionately known as ‘The Doc’ – will be most remembered.
He spent four-and-a-half years at Manchester United, during which time they were relegated and then promoted back to the old
First Division. He led the team to successive FA Cup Finals, winning the trophy in 1977. A family spokesman said: ‘Tommy passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at home. He was a much-loved husband, father and papa and will be terribly missed.’ Rod Petrie, Scottish FA President, said: ‘Football has lost a tremendous personality in Tommy Docherty. He was tenacious on the park and a great leader off it. His charisma and love for the game shone even after he stopped managing and it was entirely fitting that Tommy should be inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame for his lifelong service. ‘Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.’