Gary Doherty

Gary Doherty (b. 31 January 1980, County Donegal, Republic of Ireland) is a 6'1" Football (soccer) currently playing for Norwich City F.C.. He is affectionately known by many fans as either 'The Doc' or 'Ginger Pele' (which was immortalised by the publication of the football song/chants book: 'One Ginger Pele').

Club career

Doherty started his league career with Luton Town F.C. in 1997. The Republic of Ireland national football team international made 84 appearances in total over less than three seasons with the Hatters.

He was bought by Luton old boy David Pleat then Director of Football at Tottenham Hotspur F.C. for £1million in March 2000. The player made his Spurs debut as a substitute in a 3-1 defeat at Manchester United F.C. in May 2000.

He had a superb season in 2000/01 after breaking into the side on a regular basis in December of that campaign. However, the following season started badly when he broke his leg in a League Cup match against Torquay in September. He returned before the end of the season but found it hard to break back into the side.

His versatility continued to haunt him in following seasons, as he is equally at home at centre-back and centre-forward, though he has never really been considered outstanding in either position. His hair colour and awkward-looking style earned him the moniker 'Ginger Pele'.

At Tottenham, Doherty eventually settled into a defensive role, and although he enjoyed probably his best spell after the turn of the year in 2003/04, he did not manage to consistently reach the form he exhibited before breaking his leg, and was eventually sold by Tottenham's new management team of Frank Arnesen and Martin Jol at the start of the 2004/2005 season to newly promoted Norwich City for an undisclosed fee.

At Norwich, his career started well, earning a regular place at the heart of the defence, but he lost his place in February to Jason Shackell and Norwich were eventually relegated. The following season, however, saw Doherty established as a regular choice at centre-back and his form and consistency improved considerably. Although Norwich City had a difficult and disappointing 2005/06 season, the supporters recognised Doherty's contribution by voting him Norwich City player of the year.

Although after this Doherty had an uneasy few years at Carrow Road with many fans very critical of Doherty due to various poor performances and he was very often caught giving away needless fouls with some proving to be very costly for Norwich. But he signed a new contract at Carrow Road until summer 2008. The 07/08 season also started off poorly for Doherty and was injured for 2 months in October. Although after his return under Glenn Roeder Doherty appeared much improved and he once again won many fans over with some solid displays. Doherty's contract expired in June 2008, but he signed a new two year deal on July 1st. He subsequently announced that his new squad number, 12, is intended to bring him luck:

"It's all about superstition. Since I came to Norwich, my goal tally's been rubbish really. I used to wear 12 at Luton and Tottenham, and I used to be quite free-scoring during those times."


During the Canaries 2008/09 pre-season tour, Doherty picked up an ankle injury that is expected to rule him out for at least the first three months of the season.

International career

Doherty moved with his family to Luton in England at the age of six, but he came through the youth system of his native country, being part of the UEFA Under-18 Championship winning side in 1998, and the Under-20 side that got to the quarter-finals of the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship.

Doherty has usually played as a striker for his country, and made his debut against Greece in April 2000. He was becoming a regular in the squad when he broke his leg in September 2001. He recovered in April 2002, scoring his first international goal against the U.S., but just missed out on the squad for the World Cup finals.

He has since forced his way back into the squad and has gone on to score 4 goals in 34 appearances, although only five of those have been for the full 90 minutes, confirming his role as super-sub.

Clubs

- Norwich City F.C. (2004 - )
- Tottenham Hotspur F.C. (2000 - 2004)
- Luton Town F.C. (1999 - 2000)