Millwall Football Club is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of John Docherty, aged 84.
John, a history-making manager with The Lions, remains the only boss to guide the club to the top flight of English football, which he did in 1988.
Brought up in Glasgow, Scotland, John took over from George Graham at The 'old' Den in the summer of 1986. Docherty's first campaign with Millwall saw him manage the likes of Brian Horne, Keith Stevens, Les Briley and Teddy Sheringham, finishing in 16th place in the 'old' Division Two table.
However, the following season - 1987/88 - was one to remember for Lions fans, as Docherty steered the club to a historic promotion to Division One, winning their place in the top flight courtesy of a memorable 1-0 win at Hull City through Kevin O'Callaghan's penalty-kick.
After a 12-match unbeaten run and seven straight wins, the League title was sewn up shortly after as 'The Doc' oversaw the emergence of players such as Terry Hurlock in a Millwall shirt, also managing Sheringham and strike partner, Tony Cascarino, to 24 and 23 goals respectively across the campaign.
Docherty's Lions then spent two seasons at the top, facing the best sides in the country - such as Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and more - and sat at the division's summit following a 3-2 win over Queens Park Rangers.
Docherty left Millwall in February 1990, but returned for a brief caretaker spell in the 1996/97 season. His management career also took in spells at Brentford, Cambridge United and Bradford City.
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.
John's family said: "His last words were, 'when's my next match?' - 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."
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 will hold a minutes applause in memory of John ahead of kick-off against Coventry City on Saturday, as well as wearing black armbands. Paying tribute on matchday at The Den will also be players from that memorable 1987/88 season.
Supporters are welcomed to pay their respects to John at The Den ahead of Saturday, with an area dedicated for tributes outside of the main reception.
Rest in peace, Doc.
