In Memoriam – John Dorey
All at Cray Wanderers are saddened at the passing of John Dorey, the legendary and most successful captain in the club’s history at the age of 88.John holds the joint record officially for the most club appearances of 450 appearances but could well be in the area of 500.
John was a high quality and supremely fit centre-half and a true sportsman who made his debut in the 1961-62 season and over the course of the next ten seasons oversaw a club playing at Grassmeade in St Mary Cray that collected trophies and accolades almost on a season by season basis with John very much the driving force of the team.
Capped by Kent John’s array of honours started with the Aetolian League in 1962-63 and the first of an unprecedented three straight Kent Amateur Cup victories famously beating Bromley in the final at Hayes Lane and defeated Herne Bay in 1963-64 and Maidstone United in 1964-65. From here the Aetolian League Cup was won in 1963-64.Back to back Greater London League Cups in 1964-65 and 65-66 and Greater London League Champions in 1965-66.
The club made the bold step of joining the Metropolitan League in 1966-67 as an amateur club amongst semi-pro reserve and full time Academy sides and Cray punched above their weight and enjoyed some fine runs in national cups most notably the last 16 of the FA Amateur Cup in 1967-68.Cray three times finished fourth which was a great achievement. Cray also won two Metropolitan League Amateur Shields in 1966-67 and 67-68 for the highest placed amateur club.
The final silverware came in 1970-71 with the Metropolitan League Cup before a difficult 1971-72 season saw many players depart and so John’s era came to an end but only after officially quoted 443 games (but with the possibility of many uncategorised games not included) and scored 29 goals. It seems only fair with Jamie Wood amassing 464 appearances in the 90’, 00’s and 10’s that John and Jamie have a share of the all time appearance holders but John’s was in an era in the early days where no substitutes were permitted under the later 60’s
For supporters of a certain vintage lucky enough to remember the Grassmeade days from 1961-71 players like John Dorey stand out amongst some quality players and for a player that dedicated so many years and games for a club Cray Wanderers size speaks volumes as to his achievements.
I had the pleasure to meet John on one occasion where he was a guest of the club in February 2018 and also conducted the 100 Club Draw. He was a perfect gentleman then and I’m sure this was a trait he carried on into later life.
John’s brother Albert also played for Cray Wanderers and briefly managed the club whilst his son Mark also played for the Wands in the early 90’s.
Our thoughts are with John’s son Mark and all the Dorey family at this sad time.
Thank you John for the memories.
A special tribute from Jerry Dowlen
“It was my privilege to watch many of those games in the 1960s when Cray indeed enjoyed lots of success (at what was probably Step 4 / 5 level by comparison with today).’Johnny the Dorey’ was an outstanding centre half and captain. His style of play was described as ‘polished’ – and I can’t think of a more fitting word. Thank you John for all my treasured memories of that Grassmeade era. R.I.P”.
Since John’s passing there was a minute silence and eulogy for him before the Maidstone game on Saturday. His son Mark was present to watch the game. It was perhaps apt that a centre half Rob Strachan scored the Wands goal on the day.
