Born in Huddersfield, he started his career at his hometown team before he made his name at Leeds United during the 1970s, making 486 appearances and winning the Championship title in 1973–74.
[3] He made his debut in 1965, aged 17, establishing himself as a classy defender who could play anywhere across the back line,[4] and helped Huddersfield win the Second Division title in the 1969–70 season.
[4] He ended up playing both alongside and instead of Charlton in his first season but predominantly at left back, replacing broken leg victim Terry Cooper.
[4] By the end of the season Cherry had amassed 38 League appearances and was selected by Revie for the 1973 FA Cup final, which Leeds lost to Sunderland.
Injury curtailed half of his season, but he recovered in time to help Leeds in their European Cup campaign as they progressed towards the semi-finals and a game against Barcelona.
[11] However, Cherry's own personal success paled into insignificance when the Valley Parade ground was devastated by the Bradford City stadium fire during the final game of the season on 11 May 1985, killing 56 people.
[12] Cherry was manager when City returned to Valley Parade in December 1986 but was sacked the following month when the club was struggling – a surprise decision that provoked angry demonstrations against the board.