Sheffield football legend Derek Dooley dies

[silverfox]

From the OS......Pele

The world's greatest footballer has led the tributes pouring in to Sheffield United following the death of Derek Dooley.

Speaking from his home in Brazil, Pele said: "I know he will be affectionately remembered by everyone at Sheffield United because they are a family club.

"When I was at Bramall Lane last year I was able to spend some time with Derek talking about the past and how things had changed.

"We had a great time reminiscing about the old days of international football and club football. He was a lovely man and I want to offer my condolences to Derek's family."

 

[Keith Curle's tenant]

Shows how much he was appreciated. Not only does he unite a City divided by football, he gets a tribute from the worlds greatest player.

Nice to hear United are naming their junior academy after him

 

[silverfox]

There is a petition around to get a statue built in the city.

I don't think it will need a petition to make it happen.

 

[Bladesman]

R.I.P Derek

 

[stinkyblade]

There is a petition around to get a statue built in the city.

I don't think it will need a petition to make it happen.

Agreed, it would be nice to see a dedication like that to him

I think it helps with him a being a legend on both sides too

Also there was an excellently observed minutes silence at Ice Hockey last night

 

[Robbie]

Sheffield United have named their Youth Development centre after him.

 

[angelblade]

my sincere condolences to Mr Dooleys family, a true gentleman that will be sadly missed r.i.p x

 

[Jodz23Blade]

A service will be held at Sheffield Cathedral next Friday at 10.45am im guessing this if for people to pay there respects to a true legend

R.I.P x

 

[Monty's_Girl]

taken from the Sheffield Telegraph.........

Sheffield United announced this afternoon that the club has committed to commission a statue in the memory of soccer legend Derek Dooley.

It will be the Blades lasting tribute to the former chairman of the football club board who was one of the key figures of the club in modern times.

Mr Dooley, MBE, died earlier this week aged 78.

The club plan to erect the statue in a special area to the rear of the Valad South Stand on the Cherry Street side of the Bramall Lane stadium. Expected to be unveiled in the Autumn, it will stand alongside already commissioned statues of two other United legends – players Joe Shaw and Jimmy Hagan.

United have already announced that the club's soon to be opened new Junior Academy at Crookes will be named "Derek Dooley Community Centre".

Read more: The Dooley academy

PLC Chairman Kevin McCabe said: "Sheffield United are acting with respect and regard to Derek's family. I have spoken with Derek's widow, Sylvia, listened to the fans and spoken with senior management at the club about how we can appropriately honour Derek's remarkable contribution to Sheffield United and football in general.

"Derek was a gentleman of the game bringing fans together whatever their colours. The statue will be a permanent reminder to our family of fans, the city of Sheffield and the sport of football as a whole of the place Derek holds in our hearts," added Mr McCabe.

Initially taken on by United as Commercial Manger after leaving Sheffield Wednesday where he was a player and manager, Derek took on a variety of posts including Managing Director.

In 2003 he was awarded an MBE in the New Year's Honours List and an honorary doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University. He was a freeman of the City of Sheffield. As the Blades celebrated at Bramall Lane their return to the Premier League in April 2006, Derek emotionally told supporters of his plans to step down as chairman and take-up the post of vice-president.

A funeral service for Derek will be held next Friday, March 14 at Sheffield Cathedral in Church Street. Scores of people from the world of football are expected to attend alongside key figures from both Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday, dignitaries from the city and hundreds wanting to pay their personal tribute.

 

[essex blade]

r.i.p. derek