Millers delighted to mark anniversary with return of former boss...
It was a day that will live long in the memory as Rotherham United marked the 50th anniversary of Tommy Docherty’s appointment by inviting the man himself to be the guest of honour against Shrewsbury.
Tommy was joined by a host of his former players, which included his first signing at Rotherham, his former skipper Johnny Quinn.
The 89-year-old was in great spirits, with the queues for the great man’s autograph seemingly never ending before his presentation to the crowd prior to kick off on Saturday’s game.
After managing the leading lights of English football, which included Chelsea and Manchester United, his arrival in South Yorkshire in 1967 was not only a shock, but a major national story.
50 years on with the help of local legends John Breckin and Les Payne, Tommy was back in town where he was given a great reception by the Rotherham faithful.
“It was a fantastic day,” Breckin told www.themillers.co.uk
“Tommy was brilliant. He had so many photos and signed countless autographs – I don’t think I’ve ever seen a queue as long as that to meet a former Miller.
“The special moment for me was reuniting Tommy with his former skipper, Johnny Quinn. When they both walked out to that fantastic reception, it brought back many memories for me as a fan as I was then. They were two legends of the game, and they still are.
“I would like to thank Tommy for coming, and thank Les Payne for his help putting everything together. Tommy had a great time, and it was a pleasure to have him as our guest.”