Legendary Millwall boss Docherty dies aged 84

John Docherty (right) and his assistant manager Frank McLintock (left) led Millwall to the Division Two title in the 1987-88 season

Legendary former Millwall manager John Docherty, who remains the only Lions boss in history to take the club to the top flight of English football, has died at the age of 84.

Docherty and his assistant manager Frank McLintock led a side spearheaded by Tony Cascarino and Teddy Sheringham to promotion to the old Division One in 1988, two years after he took over from George Graham at the helm.

"In almost 200 games in charge of the Lions, Docherty left a lasting legacy which, to this day, leaves him as the most successful manager in the club's history," Millwall said in a statement on their website.

"Everyone at Millwall Football Club would like to pass on their condolences to John's family and friends at this very sad time."

The club said players from that memorable team would pay tribute to "The Doc" ahead of Saturday's Championship fixture against Coventry City at The Den.

'His best memories came from Millwall'

Docherty was raised in Glasgow but spent the majority of his football career south of the border in England.

The winger had three separate spells playing at Brentford, as well as stints at Sheffield United and Reading, before ending his career at Queens Park Rangers.

Docherty's first job in management was back at Brentford before he moved to Cambridge United in 1978.

He took over at Millwall at the 'Old' Den in 1986 and the club was promoted to Division One for the first time in their history at the end of 1987-88 season.

The Lions would spend two years in the top flight, a feat they have not achieved since, and briefly topped the table in both seasons. Docherty left the club in February 1990 shortly before relegation was confirmed.

He returned for a brief stint in 1997 with the club in Division Two, which was then the third tier after the formation of the Premier League in 1992.

"His last words were, 'when's my next match?'," his family said in a statement on Millwall's website.

"Of all the jobs he had, his best memories came from his time at Millwall. He loved the club and all its supporters, we will miss him dearly."

The club will hold a minute's applause and black armbands will be worn in memory of Docherty against Coventry on Saturday.