Docherty was previously long-time assistant manager to Derek McInnes at St Johnstone, Bristol City, Aberdeen and Kilmarnock.

Docherty's short playing career began in 1987 with Dunfermline Athletic before moving to English side Cambridge United.

During his time with the Coatbridge club, Docherty became SFA development officer for the Glasgow area, spending three years there before a move to Falkirk as the community coach.

[3] In November 2007, Docherty left Tannadice and moved to Scottish First Division side St Johnstone as assistant manager, working under former United player Derek McInnes.

[12] Later that month, Docherty would be nominated by PFA Scotland for Manager of the Year alongside long time partner Derek McInnes and John McGlynn.