Former Sheffield Wednesday forward and Sheffield United chairman Derek Dooley has died at the age of 78.
Former Owl and Blade dies at the age of 78
Former Sheffield Wednesday forward and Sheffield United chairman Derek Dooley has died at the age of 78.
Dooley was a prolific striker for Wednesday in his playing days after joining the Owls from Lincoln in 1947.
However, in 1953 he broke his leg and the injury ended his career and his leg was eventually amputated.
He returned to Wednesday as manager between 1971 and 1973, but he was infamously sacked on Christmas Eve 1973.
Dooley then moved across the city and joined United where he was initially taken on as commercial manager before fulfilling a number roles, including chairman, at Bramall Lane and he was awarded an MBE in 2003 before retiring in 2006.
Sheffield legend
Former Sheffield United manager and current Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock told
Sky Sports News: "It's a massive blow because from my own point of view he was like a father to me.
"He is probably the greatest man I have ever met in football and I don't think anyone will ever be loved by both sides of the city like Derek.
"There is not anyone that would have a bad word to say about him. I don't think there is anyone like that in the world he is a unique man."
And former sports minister and ex-Sheffield United director Ricahrd Caborn added: "Derek epitomised everything that was good about sport.
Sad loss
"He was the only person I know who really brought both Sheffield clubs together and was loved by both sets of fans. It is a very sad loss for his family and for football."
The Blades, meanwhile, are to name their new junior development centre in the city after Dooley.
PLC chairman Derek McCabe said: "I have spoken to Derek's widow Sylvia and she is overwhelmed and pleased that the academy will be named after Derek.
"Derek was a special guy. He united the city in football. He never forgot the value of grassroots football so we feel this is an appropriate and fitting tribute to a man who was passionate about the game and loved the city, the Blades and the Owls."
