Former Millwall Manager John Docherty Dies at 84

The passing of John Docherty, the legendary former manager of Millwall, has been announced at the age of 84. He holds the distinction of being the sole Lions boss in the club’s history to guide them to English football’s top division. Docherty, alongside his assistant manager Frank McLintock, secured the Division Two title for Millwall during the 1987-88 season. In 1988, Docherty and assistant manager Frank McLintock guided a team featuring key players Tony Cascarino and Teddy Sheringham to promotion into the former Division One. This achievement came two years after Docherty succeeded George Graham in the managerial role. Millwall issued a statement on their website, external, acknowledging Docherty’s impact: “In almost 200 games in charge of the Lions, Docherty left a lasting legacy which, to this day, leaves him as the most successful manager in the club’s history.” The club further conveyed: “Everyone at Millwall Football Club would like to pass on their condolences to John’s family and friends at this very sad time.” The club announced that members of that notable team are scheduled to honor “The Doc” before Saturday’s Championship match against Coventry City, which will take place at The Den. Although Docherty grew up in Glasgow, he spent most of his professional football career playing in England, south of the Scottish border. As a winger, he played for Brentford on three distinct occasions, and also had periods with Sheffield United and Reading, concluding his playing career at Queens Park Rangers. His initial managerial role was at Brentford, prior to his move to Cambridge United in 1978. He assumed control at Millwall’s ‘Old’ Den in 1986, and by the conclusion of the 1987-88 season, the club achieved promotion to Division One for the first time ever. The Lions remained in the top flight for two years, a period they have not replicated since, and briefly led the league standings in both seasons. Docherty departed the club in February 1990, just before their relegation was finalized. He later returned for a short tenure in 1997, when the club was in Division Two, which had become the third tier following the establishment of the Premier League in 1992. In a statement released by his family on Millwall’s website, they shared: “His last words were, ‘when’s my next match?'” The statement continued: “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.” To honor Docherty, the club plans to observe a minute’s applause, and black armbands will be worn during Saturday’s match against Coventry.