Tommy Docherty Former Scottish footballer and football coach. Date of Birth: 24.04.1928 Country: Great Britain

1. Early Life and Football Beginnings
2. Rise to Prominence at Preston North End
3. International Career and Move to Arsenal
4. Managerial Quest at Chelsea
5. Departure from Chelsea
6. Post-Chelsea Managerial Career

Early Life and Football Beginnings

Thomas Doherty began his football career with Shettleston Juniors, a lower division club. In 1946, he joined the British Army, serving in the Highland Light Infantry. While in the army, Doherty played for the British Army football team.

Rise to Prominence at Preston North End

After completing his military service in 1947, Doherty earned a contract with his boyhood club, Celtic. However, struggling to break into the first team, he joined English club Preston North End in November 1949. It was at Preston that Doherty enjoyed his most successful playing spell, making over 323 league appearances and 26 FA Cup appearances, including the 1954 final. He also earned 25 caps for the Scottish national team.

International Career and Move to Arsenal

In 1958, Doherty left Preston and joined the Scottish World Cup squad for the tournament in Sweden. Following the World Cup, he signed for London club Arsenal. In 1961, he moved to Chelsea, where he ended his playing career.

Managerial Quest at Chelsea

In February 1961, Doherty's dream of becoming a football manager was realized when he was appointed player-manager at Chelsea. A year later, with the resignation of Ted Drake, Doherty became full-time manager. Despite his lack of tactical prowess, Doherty was an exceptional motivator and talent scout. He assembled a young team known as "Docherty's Diamonds," which included Terry Venables, Bobby Tambling, Peter Bonetti, and Barry Bridges. The team won promotion to the First Division in their first season under Doherty and finished 5th in 1964/65. Chelsea also won the League Cup in April 1965, defeating Leicester City in the final.

Departure from Chelsea

However, Doherty's relationship with several players, particularly captain Venables, deteriorated. Tensions escalated, leading Doherty to suspend eight players for breaking curfew before a crucial match against Burnley. Chelsea lost the match, ending their title hopes. Doherty left Chelsea in October 1967.

Post-Chelsea Managerial Career

After leaving Chelsea, Doherty had brief spells as manager of Rotherham United, Queens Park Rangers, and Aston Villa.