Derek Dooley (1929-2008)

Sheffield legend Derek Dooley has died today of natural causes. He was 78 years old with a life spanning from December 13, 1929 to March 5, 2008. He was born in Pitsmoor, England and died in in Sheffield.

Dooley started his career at Lincoln City in 1946 and scored 2 goals in only 2 games for the club. He then joined Sheffield Wednesday and played there from 1947 to 1953. He scored 62 goals in 61 games for the Owls and helped them win the Second Division in 1952.

It looked as though Dooley would have a great career until February 14, 1953. On that not so lovely Valentines Day he collided with Preston North End goalkeeper George Thompson and broke his leg. He would then have to get his leg amputated after complications with gangrene. Dooley most likely would have played for the national team as well.

He became manager at Wednesday in 1971 but was sacked in December of 1973 and then did the unthinkable by taking a job at rival club Sheffield United. He was not the head coach at United though. Dooley started as Commercial Manager and had various other roles including managing director before becoming the chairman of Sheffield's Football Club board.

He was awarded a MBE (Member of the British Empire) in 2003. He was also given a key to the city of Sheffield and a honorary doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University.

More recently though Dooley played a key role in getting Sheffield United back to the Premiership. They moved back up the the EPL for the 2006-07 season for the first time since the 1993-94 season. They were relegated after one season though. In April of 2006 he moved down from Football Chairman to be the Vice President.

Derek and his wife Sylvia shared a house in Sheffield since the 50's. He had a son, Martin, a daughter, Suzanne, and four grandchildren, including one named after him.

People have said that he is the only person who has ever brought Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United together. Fans of both clubs respected him. Sheffield United have named their new junior development center after him. Sheffield United take on Coventry City on Tuesday and Wednesday take on QPR on Saturday. Both clubs will have a minute of silence for Dooley.

The flags at United's home of Bramall Lane are currently flying at half mast for Derek.