Tommy Docherty

1928 —

Clubs: Celtic, Preston North End, Arsenal, Chelsea

A charismatic manager and football personality in later years, Tommy Docherty also enjoyed a successful playing career which started off with Celtic in 1948 and ended at Chelsea in 1962. After a spell at junior grade with Shettleston, Docherty was called up for national service and on returning home earned a contract with Celtic. After a short period with the Parkhead club he joined Preston North End in 1949 where he would spend the bulk of his playing career. With the Deepdale club ‘the Doc’ made over 300 league appearances, won the Second Division title in 1951, was an FA Cup Finalist in 1954, and won the vast majority of his 25 Scotland caps.

A talented right half, Tommy played at the 1954 World Cup Finals in Switzerland and was a regular in the dark blue of Scotland throughout the 1950s era. In 1957 he played in the memorable 4-2 Hampden win over a Spanish side boasting Ramallets, Kubala, Di Stefano and Gento. He later enjoyed a three year spell in London with Arsenal before moving across the city to Chelsea, initially as player- coach, before taking over as manager following the departure of Ted Drake. The extensive list of clubs managed by Docherty include Aston Villa, Porto, Scotland, Manchester United and Derby County.