Everyone at The Football Association is saddened by the news that Trevor Cherry, who won 27 caps for England, has died.
Leeds United, where Cherry spent ten years of his career, announced on Wednesday that the former defender had passed away at the age of 72.
Huddersfield-born Cherry began his career with his hometown club, captaining them to the Second Division title in 1970. After two years in the top flight and a total of 188 appearances for the club, he left to join Leeds.
Cherry arrived at Elland Road to compete with England internationals Jack Charlton and Norman Hunter for a place in defence, and instead spent most of his early days at the club playing in the left-back position. It was there that he played in the 1973 FA Cup final, as Leeds were upset by second-division Sunderland. A year later, though, Cherry and Leeds were English champions.
After securing the title, Leeds manager Don Revie left Elland Road to succeed Sir Alf Ramsey as England boss. It was Revie who handed Cherry his first international cap when, in March 1976, the defender was one of eight debutants in a 2-1 win over Wales.
Cherry would win 15 caps over the next two years and would outlast Revie, who was replaced by Ron Greenwood after England failed to qualify for the 1978 FIFA World Cup.
Under Greenwood, England did secure a place at the 1980 European Championship finals with Cherry by then an established member of the group. After captaining the side in a pre-tournament friendly against Australia, he was named in the 22-man squad for the finals – the first to be expanded to include eight teams.
However, the trip to Italy was a disappointing one for England and Cherry alike. With Greenwood preferring Phil Thompson and Dave Watson at centre-back, Cherry’s only on-pitch involvement was as a late substitute in the third group game – a 2-1 win over Spain – as the Three Lions failed to make the knockout stage. It would be his last appearance for his country.
After a total of 488 games across a ten-year period, Cherry left Leeds in 1982 to become player-manager at Bradford City. He featured for the Bantams 102 times, with his last appearance coming in a win over Bolton Wanderers on 6 May 1985 that secured them the Third Division title.
Bradford were presented with the league trophy five days later, ahead of their final game of the campaign, but their celebrations gave way to tragedy when a fire at Valley Parade claimed the lives of 56 supporters.
Cherry is credited by Bradford for the leadership shown in the months that followed, as he attended funerals of those who tragically died as well as visiting the many injured in hospital.
Cherry’s only managerial role ended in January 1987, with the Yorkshireman going on to run several businesses outside of football and spend time with his wife, Sue, as well as their three children – Darren, Ian and Danielle – and five grandchildren.
The thoughts of everybody at The FA and within the England set-up are with Trevor’s family, friends and former clubs at this difficult time.
He will be remembered as the 913th man to represent the Three Lions at senior level and one of only 122 to captain the side, earning him a special place in our history.
