‘He took Millwall to the promised land – all managers here want to emulate him’ – Neil Harris tribute to John Docherty

Neil Harris has paid tribute to former Millwall manager John Docherty.

The Lions announced that they would be holding a minute’s applause and sporting black armbands for Saturday’s home game against Coventry as a show of respect to the 84-year-old, who has passed away.

Glaswegian Docherty is the only boss of the South London club to win promotion to the top tier of English football, achieving the feat in the 1987-88 season.

“What a legend of the football club,” said current Millwall head coach Harris. “What he achieved as a manager is something we all since have tried to emulate. That was from Mark McGhee, Denis Wise, Kenny Jackett, myself and Gary (Rowett). That is where you want to be – the next one to take Millwall to the promised land. Doc managed it.

“I am very fortunate to have met the Doc, what a good guy. He just oozed class. I’m so sad he has gone but his memory will live on for a long, long time and will drive Millwall players and managers on to achieve what he did.

“Just to get up to the top division, what an achievement for Millwall Football Club. He achieved it with a group, and got a group of players together, that were maybe a little bit unfancied or rough around the edges. So many went on to so-called big clubs and played at the top level for a period of time. Huge credit to him and that team.

“The current players have been left, in no uncertain terms, knowing what they have achieved at this football club.”