Cray Wanderers in Memoriam – Albert Dorey
All at Cray Wanderers are saddened to learn of the passing of Albert Dorey on Saturday 5th February, a former Wands player and manager who had been unwell for some time.
The Dorey family is very storied through Cray’s history with Albert’s brother, John the holder of the all time Cray Wanderers appearances but Albert was a fine player too and was part of a very good Wands team in the mid 60’s playing in the 1964-65 Greater London League season where Cray finished 2nd and won their third straight Kent Amateur Cup and the Greater London League Cup. The following season Cray won the Greater London League and League Cup and then the Wands moved to the Metropolitan League where Albert was a key member of the side which acclimatised well against the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham A teams. Albert made 77 appearances and scored 9 goals.
Cray Wanderers at the White Hart in 1966: Left to right – John Dorey, Ernie Smith, Barry Diggins, Albert Dorey, Alan Howe, Ray Hutchins, Howard Styles and seated Derek Ingram
He became part of the background for Cray Wanderers in the mid 70’s under Jimmy Wakeling management and was part of another good Wands side which won back to back London Spartan League titles and ruffled a few feathers in cup competitions in 1976-77 and 77-78. During a difficult 1978-79 season for the club Albert became Cray Wanderers manager for a short while but left before the end of the season.
Albert, second left behind manager Jimmy Wakeling of the 1976-77 London Spartan League Championship winning Cray Wanderers
Albert, second right next to Butch Dunn during the 1977-78 season which saw Cray retain the London Spartan League title
From all the club we send our condolences to Albert’s family at this sad time and his son Paul asks if anyone remembers Albert and wishes to celebrate his life at his funeral service once known please let him know. I will post funeral details once a date and venue is known
The pictures have been provided by Cray Wanderers historian Jerry Dowlen.
