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Tommy Docherty managed 12 clubs including Manchester United, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Derby, as well as a spell in charge of Scotland; former Preston player guided Man Utd to an FA Cup final win over Liverpool in 1977
Tommy Docherty, the former manager of Manchester United and Chelsea, has died aged 92.
The former Scotland boss passed away on December 31 at his home in the North West following a long battle with illness.
His family said in a statement: “Tommy passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at home. He was a much-loved husband, father and papa and will be terribly missed.
“We ask that our privacy be respected at this time.”
The Scot famously oversaw United’s relegation to the second division in 1974, although he brought them back up as champions the following year.
He also guided United to an FA Cup final win over Bob Paisley’s Liverpool in 1977 – famously denying the Reds a Treble.
During his playing career, Docherty made his name at Preston North End, whom he made over 300 appearances for.
He also spent three years at Arsenal. He joined Chelsea late on in his career, but played just a handful of games before taking over as manager.
Docherty won the League Cup with the Blues in 1965 and led them to the 1967 FA Cup final, although they lost to Tottenham.
Despite having a distinguished playing career, Docherty was most well known for being in charge of United.
And it was his former club that led the tributes to the man often referred to as ‘The Doc’.
A United tweet read: “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.”
Queens Park Rangers, who Docherty managed in 1968, also extended their thoughts to late Scotsman on Twitter.
They tweeted: “It is with great sadness the club has learned of the passing of former QPR manager Tommy Docherty.
“Our thoughts are with his family at this time. May he rest in peace.”
Preston North End echoed QPR’s sentiment, saying: “Everyone at Preston North End is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former player and manager Tommy Docherty, who made over 300 appearances for the club.
“Our thoughts are with Tommy’s loved ones at this sad time.”
The beloved Docherty also had a stint in charge of Altrincham in the 1987/88 season, which ultimately proved to be his final campaign as a manager.
Tommy Docherty was inducted into the SFA Hall of Fame in 2013Credit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
The Robins tweeted: “Altrincham FC are saddened to learn of the passing of Tommy Docherty, who managed the Robins during the 1987/88 season.
“This was his final managerial role. Our thoughts are with his friends and family. RIP.”
Match of the Day presenter Dan Walker also paid a touching tribute to the late Docherty, tweeting: “One of my first jobs was working on a football phone-in with Tommy Docherty & Malcolm Allison.
“The Doc was always kind & took great care of Malcolm.
“He was full of quips but behind the humour was a deep love and understanding of the game. My thoughts are with his family.”
