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Derek Dooley in 1935 and 2003

Derek Dooley, Sheffield legend

Derek Dooley, one of Sheffield's most respected footballers died in March 2008, aged 78. He was honoured with the title of 'Sheffield Legend' in December 2007 and has since had a road and a Steel City derby named in his honour.

Derek Dooley Way

In July 2008, part of Sheffield's Northern Inner Relief Road previously known as Cutler's Gate was renamed Derek Dooley Way. Read the full story from 91훑괵 News by clicking on the link below.

Dooley Derby

In a tribute to Derek Dooley a one minute applause was held at Bramall Lane when Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday went head to head in a Steel City derby. "The Dooley derby" as it was referred to by the fans was celebrated in true Sheffield fashion before the 7.45 kick off on Tuesday 8 April 2008.

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Dooley's History

Sheffield Football legend Derek Dooley MBE died of a heart attack at his home on Wednesday 5th March 2008, aged 78.

Derek scored 63 goals for Sheffied Wednesday between 1949-52 before losing his leg to gangrene after he broke it playing against Preston. He also managed at Hillsborough.

Dooley then joined Sheffield United working in various roles before becoming Chairman and playing a major part in the club's rise back to the Premier League. He retired from his role as vice-president in 2006.

Sheffield United Chairman Kevin McCabe announced in March 2008 that the Blades' new academy will be named in honour of Dooley, and former Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock paid tribute to Dooley on 91훑괵 Radio Sheffield:

Derek Dooley, Sheffield Legend >

"There will never be anyone like him again, he was loved by both sides of the city of Sheffield. He was just the greatest man in football that I've ever met and had the privilege to meet and a great loss."

:: Submit your memories and tributes for Derek Dooley via 91훑괵 Memoryshare.

Derek Dooley's family and friends, Blackpool 1935

Rare photos of young Derek in Blackpool

Ron Codd from Sheffield met Derek Dooley while on holiday in Blackpool with his family as a boy.

"I was born in 1928, and Derek was born in 1929," says Ron. "Derek lived a few streets away in Pitsmoor.

"We didn't live close enough to be bosom buddies but our parents were occasional friends - I think Derek's mum Jenny (or Jinny?) worked as a file cutter with my mum and our families met up on a holiday in Blackpool in summer 1935-6 when we were about six or seven.

"In the larger photo on the back row (left to right) it's my mum Alice Codd, a girl I don't know, my dad Arthur Codd, and Derek's mum Jenny (or Jinny?) Dooley - she's the one with the rubber ring.

Alan, Ron and Derek Dooley, Blackpool, c.1935

Derek Dooley with Alan and Ron, Blackpool, c.1935

"In the front row (left to right) there's Derek in the rubber ring and cap. I'm not sure who the one with the beach ball next to Derek is - although it could be Derek's younger sister. Then the one with the cap and the spade is me. And on the right it's Alan Dooley, Derek's older brother.

"It could have been Derek's dad who took this photo."

The small photo shows Derek's brother Alan Dooley, Ron Codd and Derek on the same holiday in Blackpool in 1935 or 1936. "We were probably outside the digs where we were staying", says Ron.

Dooley's plaque outside the Town Hall

Many thanks to Ron Codd for the use of these photos.

:: Dooleys achievements ::

Derek Dooley was made an MBE in the 2003 New Years Honours list.
He was granted Freedom of the City and an honorary doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University.
Dooley was a prolific goalscorer for Wednesday during the early 1950s but his career was brought to an early end in 1953 after a collision with Preston keeper George Thompson.桂Dooley's leg was broken and had to be amputated.
He later became Sheffield Wednesday manager (1971-73) but was sacked on Christmas Eve and switched allegiances to United.
He stepped down as Blades chairman in April 2006 - just as the club was celebrating promotion to the Premiership.
He was made a Sheffield Legend and a plaque was unveiled in his honour outside Sheffield Twon Hall in December 2007.

Derek Dooley on becoming a Sheffield Legend

:: The following feature was written on 6 December, 2007 when Derek Dooley was made a Sheffield legend.

Sheffield Legends are people who have been nominated by Sheffield residents as bringing the city recognition at a national or international level.桂They receive special plaques which are set into the pavement in the 'Hall of Fame' outside the Town Hall.

"When I'm gone my name will still be down here."
Derek Dooley

The legends who have been identified and recognised so far are Gordon Banks, Seb Coe, Def Leppard, 桂David Mellor [cutlery designer], Michael Palin and the first Briton in space, Helen Sharman.

Dean Pepall spoke with Derek, the 77-year-old who's plaque was unveiled on Tuesday 4 December, 2007.

How does it feel to get the honour?

I thought all those had gone by, but once again something else has cropped up, it's brilliant.

That's what I like about Sheffield, I've had actual support from the public for a number of years. I've got involved in lots of things in Sheffield and I always had a fear that job wise I would have to go out of the city, but that never happened and it never will now.

Derek with council leader Jan Wilson and his wife

Council leader Jan Wilson (left) and Derek's wife

It means a lot, like Michael Palin, I chatted with him and he was a football supporter, and people like Seb Coe, I wont say we're bosom friends but I've known them over a period of time and it's great. When I'm gone my name will still be down here.

On uniting Wednesdayites and Unitedites

You're either a blue and white or a red and white in this city, but I've been fortunate enough to have Wednesdayites and Unitedites always be good to me.

Fondest footballing memories

I scored five goals against Notts County, all in the second-half, all towards my beloved Kop, and obviously winning the championship and getting a Championship medal for Sheffield Wednesday.

At United... well I've had some happy years at United. I've been involved with Dave Bassett and then Neil Warnock with whom I've had great times, and I was Chairman there and resigned, not because we got into the Premiership but I'd fully intended to do that from the start.

What's so special about Sheffield

I think mainly, the people of Sheffield. Wherever I've gone they've always looked after me and welcomed me. I've put a lot of effort into being involved, but I've enjoyed doing that, and have enjoyed meeting the people of Sheffield and doing certain things.

last updated: 24/11/2008 at 15:02
created: 06/12/2007

Have Your Say

Leave your tributes for Derek Dooley here.

maurice thompson
true gentle giantandy a great yorkshire man

Dave , Red and White Army
The man was,and always will be, a true legend to all of the red and white half of the city. Maybe he did have ties to that lot from a suburb in barnsley, but we all make mistakes in life!

John Winslow (now Cyprus)
I met Derek several times but my fondest memories are when I was mistaken for him when I played in the Band on the pitch at Owlerton.I used to go through the players entrance and some kids would mistake me for Derek (we were very much alike)and asak for my autograph!Im only sorry I dcouldnt emulate the great man.

Michael J. Crow, blades fan
I think Derek Dooley is a symbol of Sheffield coming together as one, whether your united or wednesday, he is a man of great integrity and someone who will be dearly missed on both sides. Lets hope the Steel City Derby in April is a cracker and both teams make Derek proud.

Mel Morris
A truely great sportsmanwho transended the rift between the Owls and the Blades. My personal memory of him will never fade.

marylyne owen
I would like to send our deepest sympathy to Sylvia and her family from cousin Eric and family.We certainly agree a memorial is needed and truly deserved

Keith L. Turner
I met Derek when I was 12. That was in 1952. He taught me one great lesson in life. That was."If you have to cheat to win, then it's not worth winning".How sad that todays players have not learned the same lesson. Sadly missed. You Bet.

david roome. WEST AUSTRAILIA
I WAS ONLY A KID STANDING ON THE COP,BUT REMEMBER HIM WELL. RIP DEREK.

steven smalley
one word legend!

mike and joanne gregory & gordon & janet green.
Our deepest condolences to Sylvia and your family. We have many happy memories of social events that we have spent with you both.

Francesca , Blades fan
Upsetting is the word for me , Dooley was a legend to sheffield, mainly sheffiled united and sheffield wednesday he played alot of parts for both clubs he was a amazing man and will always be remembered my a amazing man. R.I.P Dooley you will never be forgotton you will always be a blade lookin down on us when we lose or win thanks for everything you have done.Love you forever. xxx

100%blade middlesbrough
what a legend in blades and owls eyes. never met the man but knew like myself how much the mighty blades meant to the guy. derek dooley rip you'll be missed by both sets of fans.

Liz Westnidge
Great manGreat playerwill be missed by all

chris harding
what a legend im an owl and he was loved by both halves of the city rest in peace derek and score 1 for the owls in heaven

saxilbyblade
Dooley a true sheffield legend and a great kind man! RIP buddy!

Anthony
What a great man, a sporting legend and some one who overcame terrible personal tradegy and triumphed - an inspiration to us all. As a life-long football fan, it was a massive honour to play the Organ for his funeral.

Trueblade, sheffield
GUTTED.. that word sums how sheffield is feelin with the shock news today. a giant in every sense of the word...giant in frame and stature in football. im sure derek wont mind me saying so but i have had the pleasure to nurse derek over the last few months and have got to know him n his wife slyvia so very well.. neil warnock was right when he says derek never complains.. after all the rubbish life has thrown him over the years he was always upbeat, so loveable and so approachable. he was committed to football, committed to blades and committed to sheffield. condolences go to his family he will be missed greatly. it seems a cliche to say he was one of the nicest people u could wish to meet.. but derek genuinely was.. i will never forget 2 things about derek.. 1) when he went back to hillsborough for the first time when united played wed the reception he got from all side of the ground was immense, and 2) when blades won promotion and he sang new york new york in the middle of the pitch...fantastic. derek we salute you and thanks for the memories.

Bry the Border Blade, Hawick, Scotland
Great to hear all these superb tributes coming in from both sides of the City shows just how much respect there was for Derek throughout Sheffield.If you can gain admiration and respect like we're hearing tonight ..you know this is a special human being.Rest in peace Derek from all Scottish Blades.

Michelle, Hillsborough
My parents got married in 1952 and I remember as a child a double-sided photo frame in pride of place on the 'sideboard' with my parents wedding photo on one side and a photo of Derek Dooley in full flight on the other! For years my dad told me it was him!

bob, S2
having just switched on the radio today to hear the sad sad news about derek i am devasted. My condolences go to his family.The Dooley Derby is a good idea to tribute the great man. i wrote to him as a sheffield united fan and he always wrote back promptly and invited me to tour of a ground he is a fantastic example of a person who triumphed so oftenly in the face of adversity he will be soarly missed on both sides of the city

SaboBlade, Nottingham
There was an open day at Bramall lane in the early 80s, and me and some friends wandered into his office, Derek was sitting at his desk. We shouldn't have been there but he just said hello and told us to have a look around. The other meeting was at a pre season friendly at Skegness. I was standing over the other side the pitch and spotted him in the stand. At half time i ran over and asked if i could take his photo. I thought i was just going to take it where he sat, but he got out of his seat, climbed over the boundary wall and allowed me to take the photo. I felt so humbled that a man with one leg would do this for a stranger. What a great guy and what a hero and example to others he was.

Jason, Fox Hill
Let's get a statue of derick dooley half way between hillsbrough and bramhall lane with is arms raised and a flag in each hand. Also let's bring back the steel city cup (it was played once in 95 pre-season) and re-name it the "dooley cup" and lets play it every pre-season that way he will never be forgotten.

Richard Martin
Some years ago my Uncle was involved with United, and used to take my brother Iain into the Director's Box to watch the odd game. When my brother was taken into the dressing room to get some autographs, the first person he approached to sign his programme was Derek Dooley. My uncle said that Derek was taken aback by this young lad asking for him to sign before the players. A very humble man. We have all lost our Mr. Football.

John, Sheffield
So sad to here of the City's loss of Derek. Only met the guy once at a Bramall Lane open day in the late 80's. We were queueing to get in and my son then about 6, was waiting in the car park with me standing with his arm in a sling. Derek made a b-line for the lad and chatted for a good 10 mins before having his photo taken. A true gent and a unique figure who'll be missed by many. The "Dooley Derby" is a fantastic idea.

Dan, Waklley
what about the currently refurbished weston park for a dooley statue? Lots of sheffield history is already in there

Peter, Fox Hill
Hearing of the demise of Derek Dooley puts things into perspective. rest in peace derek you certainly was one of the chosen few

Dan the Donny Owl
Derek Dooley a legend in both blue and red white stripes

Ian Isaacs, lifelong wednesday fan
Dooley "United" the city like no-one else, my condolences to his wife and family. I am not certain one derby match would be a long term fitting tribute to the man - renaming Sheffield Parkway, or the stretch of road between Leppings Lane & St.Marys roundabouts Derek Dooley Way would be more appropriate.

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Derek Dooley, Sheffield legend