John Docherty dead aged 84: Legendary former Millwall boss passes away as football world pays tribute
LEGENDARY former Millwall manager John Docherty has died at the age of 84.
Tributes have poured in for the history-making Scot who was raised in Glasgow.
He is famously the only manager to guide the Lions into the top flight of English football, winning promotion in 1988.
Docherty would eventually leave the club in 1990 before briefly returning as caretaker manager in the 1996/97 season.
His managerial career also saw him have stints at Brentford, Cambridge and Bradford.
A right winger before hanging up his boots, Docherty also starred for Brentford across three spells, Sheffield United and Reading before ending his career at Queens Park Rangers.
Docherty’s family paid tribute and revealed his final words in a statement.
His family said: “His last words were, ‘when’s my next match?’ – of all the jobs he had, his best memories came from his time at Millwall.
“He loved the club and all its supporters, we will miss him dearly.”
A Millwall statement on his passing said: “Everyone at Millwall Football Club would like to pass on their condolences to John’s family and friends at this very sad time.
“Paying tribute on matchday at The Den will also be players from that memorable 1987/88 season.
“Supporters are welcomed to pay their respects to John at The Den ahead of Saturday, with an area dedicated for tributes outside of the main reception. Rest in peace, Doc.”
The club will hold a minute’s applause and black armbands will be worn in memory of Docherty against Coventry on Saturday.
Tributes also came in from Cambridge and Brentford.
A Cambridge statement said: “All connected with Cambridge United have been saddened to hear of the death, at the age of 84, of former manager John Docherty…
“A hard-working player and manager of great talent, he will be sadly missed by the football family.”
A Brentford statement said: “All at Brentford are deeply saddened by the passing of former player, manager and coach John Docherty, aged 84.
“Everyone at Brentford would like to pass on their condolences to John’s family and friends at this very sad time.
“John’s life and legacy will be honoured before Saturday’s game against Newcastle United. Rest in peace, Doc.”