Docherty, who spent just one season in charge at Molineux, is fondly remembered for his long career as a midfielder before spending almost 30 years as a manager at clubs across Britain and Australia.
Glasgow-born Docherty had worked his way up through the Celtic ranks before joining Preston North End in 1949. A fearless wing-half, he was capable of dispossessing the best of opponents and instantly turning defence into attack with the drive of an aggressive ball player.
‘The Doc’ won 25 caps for Scotland while making 420 club appearances, featuring for Preston 324 times, including the 1954 FA Cup final, before stints at Arsenal and Chelsea.
Having taken on the reins as a player-coach for the Blues in 1961, months later Docherty packed up his boots to become Chelsea’s permanent manager, going on to lead the side to an FA Cup final in 1967.
An outspoken and much-travelled manager, Docherty undertook managerial stints at Rotherham United, Aston Villa, the Scottish national team and Manchester United among others, as he guided the Red Devils back to the First Division before lifting the FA Cup with the Old Trafford side in 1977.
After taking charge of six teams during the following seven years, Docherty arrived at Molineux in June 1984, however, Wolves finished bottom of the Second Division.
Although Docherty tried his best to save Wolves, during one of the most dark and troubled times in its history, a run of 21 games without a win meant he was unable to salvage the situation and left the club in July 1985.
Having retired from the game following his final managerial role at non-league Altrincham in 1988, Docherty became an after-dinner speaker and media pundit, before being inducted into the Scottish Hall of Fame in November 2013. Docherty died on 31st December 2020, following a long illness.
“Tommy passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at home,” his family said in a statement. “He was a much-loved husband, father and papa and will be terribly missed.”
The thoughts of everyone at Wolves are with Tommy’s family and friends at this sad time.
