Martin Dobson talks to Michael Docherty

FOLLOWING in a famous father's footsteps is a daunting prospect in any profession, but in the high profile world of professional football it's almost impossible.

Few, if any, have had the talent or strength of character to survive.

Michael Docherty defied all the odds to have an outstanding career and, but for horrendous injury problems, he would certainly have emulated his father at international level.

Tommy Docherty, who originated the catchphrase "I've had more clubs than Jack Niklaus", was Chelsea manager at the time and could easily have brought his son into the Stamford Bridge family.

However, the best finishing school in the country beckoned.

Mick told me: "Dad didn't want the father-son relationship to jeopardise my career in any way.

"Burnley had a great reputation for getting kids through the ranks, to play first team football, and we both felt it was in everybody's best interests to go there. I knew I had to stand on my own feet."

Mick soon experienced the highs of the game when he received the FA Youth Cup when Burnley were victorious in 1968.

"It was wonderful experience as it gives your confidence a massive boost," he said.

"We spent countless hours on the training ground under the guidance of Joe Brown and Jimmy Adamson.

"We were learning the game and we beat some terrific sides along the way like Manchester United, Manchester City, Everton, who were expected to win the trophy.

"We beat Coventry City 2-1 on aggregate in the final and playing on a rain sodden Turf Moor pitch, in front of 14,000 fans, was a fantastic feeling.

"Eight of that side broke through into the first team very quickly and it was significant that when Manchester United won the same trophy a few years later the bulk of their team managed to stay together to form the nucleus of the Premiership winning side.

"Unfortunately, at Burnley, we had to sell players each year to survive."

Doc, along with the likes of Dave Thomas and Steve Kindon, soon got his first taste at senior level.

Indeed, the next season he captained the side at Everton in a team including John Angus, Ralph Coates and Arthur Bellamy.

"I was 18 years of age and Brian Labone was captain of Everton, but I wasn't overawed.

"I always had confidence in myself and for Jimmy Adamson to give me that responsibility he must have felt I could handle the pressure.

"Jimmy was such an innovative coach and it was a pleasure to come into training each day. The great strength of the side at the time was the organisation and discipline."

Doc was a tough-tackling committed defender. His attitude to the game was spot on and woe betide anybody who was giving less than 100 per cent.

His rise to the top of his profession was dramatic but during the all conquering championship season of 1972 -73, he began to see the other side of the game.

He explained: "I played in the first 38 games of the season and we only needed one win from the last four games to guarantee promotion but against Huddersfield I did my medial cartilage.

"It was a real sickener to miss out on the celebrations, but I worked hard through the close season and pre-season and couldn't wait to get back to top flight football.

"But in the first game, away to Sheffield United, I suffered medial and cruciate ligaments injuries.

"It was a freak injury and had nothing to do with my other problem but I must admit it did knock me side ways."

To cap it all that wasn't the end of Docs injury problems. He then suffered a lateral cartilage injury in training.

"People were thinking my career was over but I was determined to prove them wrong," he added.

"The club stuck by me and I had the best medical attention at Harley Street where I was operated on by Sir Martin Sweatman.

"I'll never forget his name. He performed a revolutionary operation, moving the muscle from behind my leg to compensate for the weakness in the joint."

His career was then extended by five years, one at Manchester City and another four at Sunderland, and that's where Mick struck up a close relationship with the reserve coach Stan Ternent.

"I had known Stan before and when he moved on to Blackpool, Chelsea and Crystal Palace, we kept in touch.

"I was coaching the Sunderland youth side and moving through the ranks, a bit like Ronnie Jepson was doing at Burnley after his playing career had finished. Ronnie was doing a great job."

Doc even took over the mantle of caretaker manager in one of Sunderland's darkest moments. They were on the verge of relegation from the top flight.

"Ken Knighton got the sack and chairman Tom Cowie asked me to take over for the last six games.

"It came to the crunch when we had to beat Liverpool at Anfield in the final match to avoid relegation.

"Stan Cummins scored the only goal and we survived. I've never felt as drained in all my life.

"It gave me a tremendous boost and I would have liked the opportunity to fill the position on a permanent basis but it wasn't to be.

"Cloughy and Bobby Robson were being touted but eventually Alan Durban got the job."

Mick managed Hartlepool and then joined Stan at Hull City before becoming assistant manager to Frank Casper in the early 90's at Burnley.

He was out of the game when Stan returned to Turf Moor as manager and offered Doc the Youth job.

"I was so delighted I didn't even talk money. Shortly afterwards I coached the Reserve team and then Stan moved me up to first team coach.

"He did a brilliant job stabilising the club and has obviously got something very special."

While waiting for another coaching or managerial opportunity, Mick is busy developing his media and TV work.

He has also followed his father into the world of after dinner speaking and is an excellent MC at sporting occasions.

He is, however, convinced of one thing. He definitely made the right decision, all those years ago.

"To win promotion and be part of that set up and work with such a great bunch of players was a pleasure and a privilege.

"We had a great team and it told me the value of choosing the right types to build a side and what characteristics were needed for a successful team.

"Strength of character, will to win, discipline and organisation were all excellent. We looked after each other both on and off the field.

"Stalwarts like Colin Waldron, Frank Casper and Paul Fletcher were giants in the dressing room. Fletch was an absolute 'balloon' but so important for the team spirit.

"I will always be grateful for being given the opportunity to be part of such a great club."