Ex-Manchester United director Maurice Watkins, who helped keep Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford when he briefly resigned in 1998, dies aged 79
Former Manchester United director Maurice Watkins CBE, who brought Sir Alex Ferguson to the Premier League club in 1986, has passed away aged 79.
Watkins spent 28 years at Old Trafford before retiring in 2012 and was involved in some of the biggest decisions the club has made in that period.
Not only was Watkins crucial in appointing Ferguson, who went on to become the most successful manager in United's history, to the club - but he also convinced the Scot to stay on as manager when he threatened to quit in 2001.
Former Manchester United director Maurice Watkins has passed away aged 79
His final role in sport saw him take up the role of British Swimming chairman, with Team GB enjoying their most successful Olympic Games in Tokyo this summer just before his passing.
Watkins became a director at Manchester United in 1984, on the same day Sir Bobby Charlton was appointed to the same role, and also held the position as the club's solicitor.
He represented former United and England defender Rio Ferdinand at the hearing which saw the defender was banned from playing for eight months and fined £50,000 for failing to take a drugs test, as well as Eric Cantona at his assault trial when the striker performed a 'kung fu' kick on Crystal Palace fan Matthew Simmons in January 1995.
More to follow.
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