Matt Doherty (Northern Irish footballer)

Matt Doherty is a Northern Irish former professional footballer.

An attacking half-back, noted for his footwork and passing, Doherty was one of Derry City FC'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.^{[clarification needed]}

1937–38 was perhaps Doherty's finest season, selected by both Ireland and the Irish League XI. In September 1937 he came extremely close to signing for Burnley FC before Derry rejected their £1,000 offer.^{[citation needed]} He did finally leave the Brandywell in 1941, joining Shamrock Rovers in the League of Ireland, where he earned three League of Ireland XI caps while at Glenmalure Park.^{[clarification needed]}

He returned to Derry after World War II and finally tasted success in the Irish Cup.^{[clarification needed]}

He was awarded a benefit game on 4 May 1955 against Shamrock Rovers.^{[clarification needed]}

Doherty, who also managed the club from late 1959 until the end of the 1960–61 Irish League season, is father to Matt Jr. who also later went on to play for Derry.^{[citation needed]}

Honours

Irish Cup:
- 1948–49
City Cup:
- 1934–35, 1936–37

External links

Matt Doherty on a Blogspot page
Matt Dohertyon the Derry City FC website Archived 26 June 2007 at the Wayback Machine
Matt Doherty at National-Football-Teams.com