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Condolences: Derek Dooley
Football hero and undisputed Sheffield legend Derek Dooley has died.
Derek had been honoured with an MBE, received the Freedom of the City and an honorary doctorate.
He also achieved the virtually impossible task of being equally loved by fans from both the city's football clubs - firstly as a player and manager for Sheffield Wednesday and later as chairman of the Blades.
He was a prolific goalscorer for the Owls during the early 1950s but was forced to retire from the game at an early age after a collision with Preston goalkeeper George Thompson left him with horrendous leg injuries.
He was forced to have his leg amputated, but he slowly recovered and later took an office job with Wednesday.
He later managed the club and went on to become chairman of Sheffield United.
Add your message of condolence and tribute to Derek Dooley below.
Wednesdayboy,Rotherham
Terrible news. A Wednesday legend gone.
The City of Sheffield can unite as one in this loss.
RIP Big Fella
Kevan Smith,Sheffield
What a fantastic man and true gentleman. My heart goes out to Sylvia and the family. God Bless You Derek.
Keith Roe,Sheffield
You've been a great footballer, a tremendous ambassador for the people of Sheffield, a wonderful family man, an outstanding person in all respects and an invaluable supporter of all Sheffield Fellowship's charitable work. All of us at Fellowship will miss you greatly.
A very sad loss to the living world.
trusthorpe blade,mablethorpe
A great man, will be sadly missed by both red and blue, god bless
newsnerd,Sheffield
Legend - on and off the pitch. Rip Big Man
GregBlade
The only man ever to bridge the gap between S6 and S2. He will be missed by both blades and owls.
Although I expect both clubs will hold the "usual" formalities at their next home games, I would like to point out than in little over a month the 2 sides are set to clash at BDTBL, surely this match should be dedicated to the DD. Some sort of monument or honour should be given by both clubs, whether its a statue or both clubs renaming their Kops after him and refusing sponsorship of those stands. Its all no more than this man deserves a legend on the pitch and in the board room.
i'll always remembering him singing "New York, New York" on the ptich when we won promotion.
Thanks for everything Mr Dooley. Rest In Peace
Chris & Suzanne Wright,Whirlow
A true ambassador of the game and gentleman; shame there aren't more like him in the current murky, selfish and avaricious world of English football.
R.I P. Derek - a true asset to the Blades.
Rod Sockett, Sheffield
I had the honour of meeting Derek a few times. He was a true gent and will be sadly missed. My condolences to his family.
shorehamview,Woodseats
Very sad news. My thoughts go out to his family. A true legend of the game, and the city. RIP Derek.
matthew eyre,castleton
It is so sad to lose such a true gentleman and sportsman, in the proper sense of the words. I only wish that the footballers of today could begin to follow Derek's example. He was always happy to talk football, and i am very glad to have met him.
Onmygrandfathersstool,Abu Dhabi
Sheffield has today lost one of its finest. Derek Dooley was a fantastic footballer and servant to both Sheffield Clubs. Tonight Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United are both 'United' in their grief. Derek was brave, honest and a true gentleman. He was Sheffields very own hero and at very least a statue should be erected in his honour.
Bob H, Macau - China
More than a legend really. He hit football when there was no money, just energy and he canme out of it with a big loss. However instead of complaining, he went onto be a hero in both Sheffield football camps and supporte dthe Sheffield football entity.
I wonder how the big playes of today would have dealt with it, my guesss is "not as good as Derek".
Dan Hall
There have been many idea's on memorials for us to remember Derek Dooley by. Here is one idea that i'd like you to consider.
"The Derek Dooley way" From Hillsborough to Bramall lane- Linking both sides of steel city football.
There would be a statue at each end of "Derek Dooley way"
The statue at the Hillsborough end would be Mr Dooley as a young man, a footballer, in his Wednesday kit.
The Statue at Bramall Lane would be Mr Dooley in his later years, a chairman, and Gentleman.
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Tuesday 22 May 2012
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