Docherty was born in Gorbals, Glasgow. He played for Celtic, Preston North End, Arsenal and Chelsea. He also played for Scotland 25 times between 1951 and 1959. He then managed a total of 13 clubs between 1961 and 1988. He also managed Scotland during that time. He managed Chelsea to the Football League Cup in 1964–65. Docherty was manager of Manchester United between 1972 and 1977. In 1974, the club was relegated to the Second Division but were promoted the next season. He also won the FA Cup with Manchester United in 1976–77.