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DOOLEY: Thanks for everything Derek
HE was the goalscoring hero who went on to win the heart of his home city.
A giant of a man in build and character hit by tragedy at the peak of his phenomenal footballing powers.
From the red-haired kid playing in the streets of Pitsmoor to the elder football statesman in the Bramall Lane stand Derek Dooley gave everything for his family, football and Sheffield.
Today we offer a tribute to honour the life of Derek Dooley and to say thank you from The Star and the city for being able to share in his extraordinary life.
On the field his record of 64 goals in 64 games for Wednesday will never be bettered.
A red-haired local lad full of power, mischief and goals galore.13st 10lb of raw-boned centre-forward, fast, fearless and 6ft 3in tall. The excitement created by his explosion onto the football scene back in those grim post-war years cannot be overestimated.
Then he lost his leg after a clash with the Preston goalkeeper on St Valentine's Day in 1953. Sheffield and football was stunned, horrified that a brave, strong young man could suffer such agony.
But he battled back.
His career had highs and lows in the following years, the lowest point being when he lost his job as Owls boss on Christmas Eve 1973.
There were many highs. His wife Sylvia and their family, being re-united with Owls fans on the pitch at Hillsborough in 1992. The all-Sheffield FA Cup semi-final at Wembley in 1994, the Blades winning promotion to the Premiership in 2006.
Away from the protocols of football, the TV cameras and the honours Derek Dooley got as much satisfaction from an 'ayup gaffer' from one of the Wednesday players he used to manage as he would from an MBE.
When he tragically lost his leg in 1953 his home city reached out to help their stricken hero.
Star readers raised 2,700 for he and his new wife Sylvia to buy the family home they shared for more than half a century.
The Dooleys always remained humble and grateful for their fellow Sheffielders' generosity.
But if we had bought him 100 houses it would not repay the debt of thanks and gratitude that this city owes him.
Rest in peace Derek Dooley, and thanks for everything.
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
Here's a song to unite both Blades and Owls
Thanks for everything Derek<a
Funeral address for city's great son
href="http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/DOOLEY-A-world-apart-from.3879453.jp">A world apart from today's millionaire players
Reflections on his life and times
YOUR LETTERS: Wednesday's messiah and country's greatest
YOUR LETTERS: Let's have a statue we can all share
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Weather for Sheffield
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
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