Former Manchester United and Scotland manager Tommy Docherty, popularly known as “The Doc”, has died after a long illness at the age of 92, his family announced Thursday.
The much-travelled Docherty managed 12 clubs - including Chelsea and Aston Villa and a stint in Australia - after a playing career that included 25 caps for Scotland between 1951-59 and more than 300 games at Preston North End.
Docherty was at Old Trafford from 1972-77, replacing Frank O’Farrell, with the 2-1 FA Cup final victory over Bob Paisley’s Liverpool a highlight along with winning the second division title.
The Glaswegian was sacked in 1977 after an extra-marital affair with the wife of the United physio, whom he went on to marry.
His departure saw flair replaced with more dour fare under replacement Dave Sexton.
Former United player Sammy McIlroy paid tribute.
Former France manager Gerard Houllier, who rebuilt Liverpool from Premier League underachiever into a cup treble winning side in 2001, has died aged 73, his former club said Monday.
Posted by Sports Tribune on Monday, 14 December 2020
Docherty was also famed for his ready wit and acerbic one-liners, joking that he’d had more clubs than golfer Jack Nicklaus.
The late Aston Villa chairman Doug Ellis sacked him in 1970 after 13 months in the job.
The Scottish FA said in a statement that it was deeply saddened by the passing of Docherty.
Scottish FA president Rod Petrie also paid tribute.
Chelsea, with whom he won the League Cup in 1965, hailed Docherty as a “legend of our game”.