Matt Doherty (footballer)

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For other footballers of the same name, see Matt Doherty Jr. and Matthew Doherty.

Matt Doherty Sr. is a former Irish footballer.

An attacking half-back, noted for his footwork and passing, Doherty was one of Derry City's early stars. During his time at the Brandywell he picked up winner's medals in the City Cup and North-West Cup, played in Derry's 2-0 defeat to Linfield FC in the 1936 Irish Cup final, and in 1938 came within a whisker of helping the club to their first League title, Derry losing 3-1 to Belfast Celtic in a replayed title-deciding test-match.

1937-38 was perhaps Doherty's finest season, selected by both Ireland and the Irish League as a representative. In September 1937 he came came extremely close to signing for Burnley FC before Derry rejected their £1,000 offer. He did finally leave the Brandywell in 1941, joining Shamrock Rovers in the League of Ireland, though he returned to Derry after World War II and finally tasted success in the Irish Cup.

Doherty, who also managed the club for a spell from late 1959 until the end of the 1960-61 Irish League season, was father of Matt Jr. who also later went on to play for Derry.

[edit] External links

• Northern Ireland's footballing greats
• Doherty's son's profile on Derry City's official site

Preceded by Tommy Houston

Derry City F.C. manager 1959-1961

Succeeded by Willie Ross

Derry City F.C. - Managers

McCleery (1929–32) | Gillespie (1932–40) | Management Team Committee (1940–42) | Ross (1942–53) | Management Team Committee (1953–58) | Houston (1958–59) | Doherty (1959–61) | Ross 1961–68) | Hill (1968–71) | Wood (1971–72) | Ross (1972–72) | The "wilderness years" (1972–85) | Crossan (1985–85) | King (1985–87) | McLaughlin (1987–91) | Coyle (1991–93) | O'Doherty (1993–94) | Healy (1994–98) | Mahon (1998–2003) | Keely (2003–03) | Dykes (2003–04) | Hutton (2004–04) | Kenny (2004–06) | Fenlon (2006–07) | Hutton (2007–07) | Robertson (2007—07) | Kenny (2007–)