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DEREK DOOLEY FUNERAL: Thousands say final farewell VIDEO AND PICTURES
THOUSANDS of mourners gathered at Sheffield Cathedral to say a final farewell to "Mr Sheffield" Derek Dooley.
Those who could not get into the building gathered outside to hear the moving ceremony, led by the Bishop of Sheffield Jack Nicholls.
Footballing legend Derek, admired by Blades and Owls fans alike, died at home last week, aged 78.
Sheffield city centre echoed to the sound of applause as mourners and fans paid their respects to one of Sheffield's favourite sons by clapping as his coffin was carried in and out of the cathedral.
Around 700 people - including family members and familiar faces such as Dickie Bird, Richard Caborn, Sir Bobby Charlton, Tony Currie and the Sheffield United team - were seated inside while thousands gathered outside to listen.
Click the video icon to watch our video report of the funeral.
Some mourners carried Sheffield Wednesday or Sheffield United scarves to pay tribute to the man accredited with uniting red and white with blue and white.
More than 7,000 service sheets were printed in preparation for the crowds.
Tributes to Derek, who played for Sheffield Wednesday before an accident cut his pitch career short, were led by former Sheffield United managers Dave Bassett and Neil Warnock who met Derek while he was chairman at the Bramall Lane club.
Both managers raised mourners' spirits by recalling amusing anecdotes and paying tribute to Derek's "great sense of humour".
Dave Bassett, who managed Sheffield United between 1988 and 1995, described Derek as "genuine" and said he "always knew where he stood" with the popular "family man".
He added: "He was generous, a very generous man in the way he gave his time and his love for his family.
"He was enormously respected - if you go to any football club, wherever it is, Derek Dooley was revered and respected. They loved him for what he was."
Neil Warnock, manager at Bramall Lane from 1999 until 2007, referred to Derek as "Mr Sheffield" and spoke emotionally about "a great man" who "never complained" and always supported him.
He recalled a friend telling him that following Derek's footballing accident in his 20s, in which he broke his leg and later had to have it amputated, the plucky player vowed to carry on, saying "I want to continue in football even if I have to be a corner flag".
In a touching end to his speech, Neil said: "What a price he would have fetched today - scoring all those goals.
"He would have made a fortune.
"He never had a lot of money, or a mansion with electric gates and five cars. He was not even a millionaire, but he had something money could not buy - integrity and respect, which is something you can't put a price on.
"Chairman, you're gone but you'll never be forgotten."
Derek's wife Sylvia and his children and grandchildren led the mourners.
Family and friends went on to a private reception and a separate reception was being held at Bramall Lane today which everyone who attended the service was told they were welcome to attend.
Read our readers' tributes to Derek Dooley and add your own message in our book of condolence.
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READ MORE OF OUR REPORTS ON DEREK DOOLEY
See tributes to Derek from our readers and add your own message in our book of condolence
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Weather for Sheffield
Tuesday 22 May 2012
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