Lady Cathy Ferguson, the wife of legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex, has passed away. Sir Alex is mourning over the death of his long-term partner, who helped him build an empire at Old Trafford during an era of dominance in English football that will never be repeated.
A statement released on behalf of the Ferguson family reads: “We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing yesterday of Lady Cathy Ferguson, survived by her husband, three sons, two sisters, 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. The family asks for privacy at this time.”
Manchester United also released a statement following the sad news of Cathy’s passing. It read: “Everyone at Manchester United sends our heartfelt condolences to Sir Alex Ferguson and his family on the passing of Lady Cathy. Lady Cathy was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother, and a tower of strength for Sir Alex throughout his career.”
The former United boss, now 81, first met Lady Cathy, whose maiden name was Holding, in 1964 during his career as a player in his homeland, Scotland. She married Sir Alex just two years later and was by his side for the remainder of his playing career at Dunfermline Athletic, Rangers, Falkirk and Ayr United after starting off at Queen’s Park and St Johnstone.
In his autobiography, Sir Alex shrugged off claims that he suffered discrimination at Rangers from 1967 to 1969 due to his wife’s Catholicism.
The iconic Scot and Lady Cathy had three sons during their 57-year marriage: Mark, born two years after they tied the knot in 1968, and twins Jason and Darren, born in 1972.
Darren Ferguson played under his father after graduating from United’s academy in 1990 before moving to Wolverhampton Wanderers four years later.
He also represented Sparta Rotterdam, Wrexham and Peterborough United as a player. After retirement, he followed in Sir Alex’s footsteps and entered the world of football management.
The 51-year-old coach returned to Peterborough for the first of four stints in the dugout, currently overseeing his latest tenure at Weston Homes Stadium.
Sir Alex and Lady Cathy have been blessed with 12 grandchildren, who he previously hailed the latter’s ability to care for.
“Cathy is fantastic with the kids. It’s a military operation with her. If any of them misbehave, they’re in the doghouse,” Sir Alex explained.
Lady Cathy was by Sir Alex’s side throughout his 27-year reign at the United helm, during which he lifted a staggering 38 major trophies, including 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League crowns.
He retired in 2013, much to the heartbreak of the United fanbase. But Lady Cathy played a prominent role in ensuring he held off on the decision in 2002, ultimately delaying the club’s steep decline that followed his departure.
“One, your health is good. Two, I’m not having you in the house. And three, you’re too young anyway,” Sir Alex claimed Lady Cathy listed as her reasoning for him to continue after waking him up.
Sir Alex stepped away from the game a few years later to support his wife after the death of her sister, Bridget.
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