THE widow of Sheffield footballing legend Derek Dooley said today her late husband would have been "surprised and delighted" with the decision to name a road in his honour.
Sylvia Dooley spoke after being invited to officially relaunch Cutlers Gate, in the city centre, as Derek Dooley Way.
As she rubbed shoulders with Blades star James Beattie, Owls striker Akpo Sodje and council leader Paul Scriven Sylvia said Derek would probably have shed a few tears of joy that the road, which is part of the Inner Relief Road between Sheffield Parkway and the Wicker, was being re-named after him.
"I think he would have been speechless when he found out because it is so lovely. You couldn't wish for anything more," Sylvia said.
Click on the green audio icon above to hear Sylvia's interview in full.Beattie and Sodje put football differences aside for the event and were full of praise for the man who united both Sheffield teams.
Beattie said: "It is an honour to be here today. He meant a lot to both sides of supporters and to both clubs and there are not many people can say that in the city of Sheffield."
Sodje added: "Derek Dooley was a great man and a great footballer. I am quite new to Sheffield and all people talk about in both teams is one person, Derek Dooley."
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