Tommy Docherty dead: Former Manchester United, Chelsea and Scotland manager dies aged 92

Former Manchester United, Chelsea and Scotland manager Tommy Docherty has died at the age of 92.

In a statement given to the Press Association, Docherty’s family confirmed that ‘The Doc’ - one of football’s most colourful and outspoken characters - had passed away peacefully at his home on New Year’s Eve after a long illness.

“Tommy passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at home," the statement read.

"He was a much-loved husband, father and papa and will be terribly missed.

“We ask that our privacy be respected at this time. There will be no further comment.”

Docherty was manager at Manchester United between 1972-77, suffering relegation to the old Second Division before guiding the club back to the top-flight as champions at the first time of asking.

He also led United to back-to-back FA Cup finals with an attack-favoured style of play, with victory at Wembley in 1977 denying Bob Paisley’s dominant Liverpool team a memorable treble.

“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,” United said in a statement.

“Everyone at the club sends sincere condolences to Tommy’s loved ones.”

Docherty began a 27-year managerial career that took in a total of 12 clubs as a player-coach at Chelsea in 1961, staying in west London for six years and guiding the club back to the First Division in addition to winning the 1965 League Cup and reaching the 1967 FA Cup final, losing to rivals Tottenham.

Chelsea became known as ‘Docherty’s Diamonds’ during that time, with the manager keen to give youth a chance as he made the likes of Peter Bonetti, Ron Harris, Terry Venables and Bobby Tambling key figures.

The Scot also had two spells in charge at QPR in addition to stints at Rotherham, Aston Villa, Derby, Preston, Wolves and Altrincham. He retired in 1988.

Docherty also managed the Scottish national team for a 12-game stretch between 1971-72 before leaving for Manchester United and had spells overseas with FC Porto in Portugal and Sydney Olympic and South Melbourne in Australia.

As a player, he made over 300 appearances for Preston between 1949-58 - making an FA Cup Final and winning a Second Division title - and turned out 82 times for Arsenal in addition to playing for both Celtic and Chelsea.

Docherty - who learned his trade at junior club Shettleston in the East End of Glasgow - also earned 25 senior international caps for Scotland and played at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden.

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