Thursday, 21 February 2013

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says David Gill stepping down ... - Telegraph.co.uk

"If I could have found a way of persuading him to stay I would love to have done that. But he has made his decision and I respect him for it. He has been, and will continue to be, a fantastic success for Manchester United. He has all the qualities of successful people ingrained in him: energy, honesty, integrity, personality and decision-making ability. I wish him well in whatever new challenges he will tackle in the future."

Gill has spoken in the past about the fiery but respectful relationship he had with Ferguson. "I wouldn't say I'm exempt from the hairdryer," Gill said, in November 2011. "But I would say I can give as good as I get."

The trust between the two men has proven to be decisive during key moments over the past 10 years, however, such as Wayne Rooney's contract stand-off in 2010, when discussions between Ferguson, Gill and the Glazers ultimately saw United win the battle with the player, who had appeared set to force through a move to Manchester City.

"Of course we have had a million arguments," Ferguson said. "But I have always enjoyed them because I know that David has two great qualities: he is straight and he always puts Manchester United first.

"I have been at United for over 26 years and for 23 of those years, my boss has been one of only two men – Martin Edwards, who brought me to the club, and David Gill. I have enjoyed working with both."

Gill has overseen a decade of success and turbulence at United, including the club's 2008 Champions League triumph in Moscow and the divisive leveraged takeover by the Glazer family in May 2005, which Gill initially opposed by claiming that "debt is the road to ruin".

Despite United's success on and off the pitch during Gill's 10 years at the helm, his decision to remain in his position under the Glazers after his initial opposition to the Americans' takeover saw him become the focus of prolonged supporter antipathy.

He was the target of personal abuse during the supporter-led green-and-gold campaign in 2009-10, when fans attempted to drive the Glazers away by backing the failed 'Red Knights' takeover bid.

Having emerged from that period, however, Gill insisted that the time was now right to step down. "It

has been a very hard decision because I love this club and, as the fans' banner says, it is, 'more than a religion', Gill said.

"But I am also of the view that all businesses need to refresh themselves and after 10 years in charge, I believe it is appropriate for someone new to pick up the baton.

"I am looking forward to continuing my involvement on the club board. And I hope to be able to make a contribution to the game on a wider national and European level."

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