The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Tributes paid to ‘The Doc’, 92
Former Manchester United and Scotland manager Tommy Docherty has died at the age of 92 following a long illness, his family have announced in a statement.
United said they were “deeply saddened” by the news while Scottish Football Association president Rod Petrie added “football has lost a tremendous personality” after Docherty died at home in the north-west on Thursday.
A family spokesperson said in a statement released to the PA news agency: “Tommy passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at home.
“He was a much- loved husband, father and papa and will be terribly missed.”
Glasgow-born Docherty, who was known affectionately as ‘ The Doc’, spent nine years as a player with Preston, and won 25 caps for Scotland before going on to manage 12 clubs.
He first took charge at Chelsea, leading them to the 1964- 65 League Cup, before over seeing the fortunes of Rotherham, QPR , Aston Villa and Portuguese club Porto.
Docherty then took the reins at Scotland, but was best known for his five-year spell at Old Trafford, overseeing an FA Cup final win over Bob Paisley ’ s Liverpool in 1977.
United said in a statement on Twitter: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Tommy Docherty, who led us to FA Cup victory in 1977 with a thrilling, attacking team in the best traditions of Manchester United.
“Everyone at the club sends sincere condolences to Tommy’s loved ones.”
In order to succeed Frank O’farrell at United in December 1972, Docherty quit his post at Scotland, having put them in contention to reach the 1974 World Cup.
He later described the decision as one of his “biggest regrets” but he was nevertheless inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame in 2013.
The Scotland national team’s Twitter account described the passing of Docherty as a “sad loss”, while SFA chief Petrie said: “Football has lost a tremendous personality. He was tenacious on the park and a great leader off it.
“Tommy was a regular in the Scotland side in the 1950s that qualified for two World Cups, and his record as Scotland manager was impressive, albeit cut short by his decision to take the Manchester United job.
“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.”
Doc her ty began his playing career at Celtic, who twee ted: “We are saddened to hear of the death of Tommy Docherty who spent two years with Celtic in the 1940s.”
Chelsea also paid tribute to their former player and manager.
Lou Macari, who played under Doc her ty at Manchester United, said on Sky Sports News: “He was a larger than life character who could make anybody laugh and that was his big strength.”