Tributes pour in for former Celtic player and Manchester United manager Tommy Docherty

The Glaswegian, affectionately known as ‘The Doc’, famously took Manchester United down to the second division in 1974 before bringing the club straight back up as champions.

Docherty, who began his playing career when he joined junior football club Shettleston and was inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame in 2013, died at home in the north-west of England. His family confirmed the news on Thursday.

A family spokesperson said in a statement released: "Tommy passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at home.

In his playing days, Docherty (right) spent nine years at Preston before joining Arsenal in 1958 (PA Archive/PA Images)

"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."

The son of Georgina, a cleaner, and Thomas, who worked in an iron foundry, Docherty was born into poverty in the Gorbals area and joined Celtic in 1947, after national service. 

The Parkhead side also paid respect to Docherty last night, saying: "We are saddened to hear of the death of Tommy Docherty who spent two years with Celtic in the 1940s. Sincere condolences go out to his family and friends. RIP."

Shettleston shared their own message of condolence, writing: "Sad news on the passing of former player and Scottish football legend Tommy Docherty.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tommy's family and friends at this sad time." 

Manchester United paid its tribute within minutes of the announcement on social media saying:  "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. Everyone at the club sends sincere condolences to Tommy’s loved ones."

Former Manchester United star Sammy McIlroy said: "He was an unbelievable bloke. He was very witty, always joking, always talking about football. It was a great pleasure...to be in his company."

Scots Manchester United legend Lou Macari said his biggest strength was his personality saying he was a "larger than life character" adding that he once said he had "more clubs than Jack Nicklaus".

He added: "He could make anybody laugh.  In the dressing room, an hour from kick off, he would entertain you from 2pm on a 3pm kick off to 3pm and as a result players relaxed."

Docherty pictured with George Best, who played under him at United (PA Archive/PA Images)

As a player, the former midfielder became a legend for Preston North End, making more than 300 appearances over a nine-year spell at the club, while also spending three years at Arsenal.

He represented Scotland 25 times and was part of the squad that competed in the 1958 World Cup in Sweden.

He famously had the option of retaining each jersey or taking a £15 match fee. He chose the jerseys.

In a managerial career which spanned across nearly three full decades, Mr Docherty also managed Chelsea – where he won the League Cup – Aston Villa and Scotland among numerous other sides, totalling 13 by the time he retired in 1988.

The Scotland national team’s Twitter account described the passing of Docherty as a “sad loss”, while SFA chief Rod Petrie said: “Football has lost a tremendous personality. He was tenacious on the park and a great leader off it.

From left to right, Sandy Jardine, Billy Bremner and Willie Young listening to Scotland manager Tommy Docherty's tactics ahead of a 1-0 win over Belgium in 1971.

“Tommy was a regular in the Scotland side in the 1950s that qualified for two World Cups, and his record as Scotland manager was impressive, albeit cut short by his decision to take the Manchester United job.

“He was on record as saying that the biggest regret of his career was leaving his Scotland managerial role and looking at the results and performances he inspired, it is hard not to wonder what might have been had he remained.

Tommy Docherty was inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame in November 2013 (Nick Potts/PA).

“His charisma and love for the game shone even after he stopped managing and it was entirely fitting that Tommy should be inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame for his lifelong service.”