In a statement given to the Press Association, Docherty’s family confirmed that ‘The Doc’, one of soccer’s most colorful and outspoken characters, had passed away peacefully at home on New Year’s Eve after a long disease.
“Tommy passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at home,” the statement read.
“He was a very beloved husband, father and father, and will be greatly missed.
“We ask that our privacy be respected at this time. There will be no more comments «.
Docherty was manager at Manchester United from 1972-77, and suffered relegation to the former Second Division before guiding the club back to the top flight as champion at the first question.
He also led United to back-to-back FA Cup finals with a style of play favored by attack, with a victory at Wembley in 1977 that denied Bob Paisley’s dominant Liverpool a memorable treble.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Tommy Docherty, who led us to victory in the FA Cup in 1977 with an exciting and offensive team in the best traditions of Manchester United,” United said in a statement.
“Everyone at the club sends their deepest condolences to Tommy’s loved ones.”
Docherty began a 27-year managerial career that included a total of 12 clubs as player-manager at Chelsea in 1961, staying in West London for six years and guiding the club back to the First Division as well as winning the Cup. of the 1965 League and reach the final of the 1967 FA Cup, losing to their rivals Tottenham.
Chelsea became known as the ‘Docherty Diamonds’ during that time, with the coach keen to give the youngsters a chance as he made key figures such as Peter Bonetti, Ron Harris, Terry Venables and Bobby Tambling.
The Scotsman also had two stints in charge at QPR, in addition to stints at Rotherham, Aston Villa, Derby, Preston, Wolves and Altrincham. He retired in 1988.
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Docherty also managed the Scottish national team during a 12-game stretch between 1971-72 before leaving for Manchester United and was abroad with FC Porto in Portugal and the Sydney Olympics and South Melbourne in Australia.
As a player, he made more than 300 appearances for Preston between 1949-58, reached the FA Cup final and won a Second Division title, and appeared 82 times for Arsenal, in addition to playing for both Celtic and Chelsea.
Docherty, who learned his trade at the Shettleston youth club in Glasgow’s East End, also played 25 internationals for Scotland and played in the 1958 World Cup in Sweden.
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