TREVOR Cherry was a “unique” character who transcended West Yorkshire’s traditional football rivalry.

City, Leeds and Huddersfield are still trying to come to terms with the sudden and unexpected death of the 72-year-old.

John Hendrie summed up the huge esteem in which Cherry will always be held by all three teams.

“He’s unique because he crossed the divide between Leeds, Huddersfield and Bradford,” said Hendrie. “He was loved at all three clubs.

“Trevor had total respect and professionalism for his job, whether he was player or manager. He gave it his lot.

“He did brilliantly at Huddersfield and even better with Leeds where he went on to play for England and captain them as well as playing in European finals.

“And I can’t speak highly enough of when he came to City. He was a great role model.”

Hendrie was part of the team of young, hungry players that Cherry moulded into Division Three title winners in the 1985 campaign that would end in tragedy.

He had been released by Coventry at 21 when Cherry offered him the chance at Valley Parade.

Hendrie added: “I was on the scrapheap when Trevor picked me up. He showed faith in me and put me on the road to a good career in the game.

“That was the same with a lot of young lads. He looked after us.

“He also had to deal with Bobby (Campbell) with his ways which he did brilliantly. Trevor had to show a different style of management with him than with us youngsters.

“You know what it’s like with young boys getting carried away after a few good results but he had such a calm air.”

Cherry took the City helm in December 1982, initially as player-manager, and brought in former Leeds team-mate Terry Yorath as his assistant.

“Him and Taff were a great combination,” added Hendrie. “It was like good cop, bad cop.

“Taff would be the fiery one having a go, whereas Trevor would be more placid and put his arm around you.

“His favourite saying used to be, ‘get it right on that pitch and everything else will look after itself’. That was Trevor.

“Play the game right and you’ve got nothing to worry about and it was true.

“The way he got us playing was magnificent with great attacking football.

“Speak to anyone about the spirit in that team and we had a manager who encouraged that. He promoted that ‘all-for-one’ attitude because he knew it was a big part of our success.”

Cherry also had to come to terms with the horror of May 11, 1985 and the repercussions after 56 people died at the final game of the season.

Hendrie said: “He led by example. There was no counselling in those days and Trevor tried to protect us as much as he could.

“He showed so much dignity in the way he dealt with the families, the supporters and everyone involved.

“He saw the grief of the fire and dealt with it in such a dignified manner. That should never be forgotten.

“Even in the 18 months after, it was a nightmare going from one ground to the next.

“But there were no moans, he just got on with it in a professional way.”