Tommy Doc: The Life Behind the One-Liners of Tommy Docherty, Football's Comic King

by David Tossell

Tommy "The Doc" Docherty was a combative Scotland international wing-half who became a brilliant but erratic manager. His 1960s Chelsea team was a glorious reflection of his colorful personality, and a decade later he reinvented his relegated Manchester United side as a vibrant attacking force. He was also, however, a hostage to his own decision-making, costing Chelsea a shot at the First Division title when he banned eight players for breaking their curfew. Most famously, he was fired by United after FA Cup glory because he’d fallen in love with the physiotherapist’s wife. He was a much-traveled manager, and "I’ve had more clubs than Jack Nicklaus" was among the well-worn one-liners that created the image of "The Doc" as football’s stand-up comedian. But in Tommy Doc, David Tossell looks beyond the wisecracks, interviewing Docherty himself, as well as former players and colleagues, to examine a remarkable career and reveal the personal heartaches behind the laughter.

Genres: Football

336 pages, Hardcover

First published October 10, 2013

About the author

David Tossell has been a sports journalist for four decades. Long-time head of European Public Affairs for the NFL (National Football League) and former Executive Sports Editor of the Today newspaper, he is the author of 17 sports books. He has been short-listed seven times in the British Sports Book Awards - for Bertie Mee (Best Biography, 2006); Grovel! (Best Cricket Book, 2008); Nobody Beats Us (Best Rugby Book, 2010); Tony Greig (Best Cricket Book, 2012); The Great English Final (Best Football Book, 2014), Natural: The Jimmy Greaves Story (Best Biography and Best Football Book, 2020). He has also been short-listed twice for MCC/Cricket Society Book of the Year.
He has written books on football, cricket, rugby and American football.

Reviews

[Simon Jones]

Enjoyable biography of a flawed yet interesting character.

[Ipswichblade]

Another 5 star book written by David Tossell. His biographies of footballers and football managers are so detailed and cover all areas. He also manages to show sympathy when needed and criticism when that is due

[Mrs Susan Mason]

A cracking read!

A book well worth investing your time in about one of football and life's true characters. Tommy Doc is a legend in his lifetime.