Man Utd legend steps in to raise money for ex players after Sir Jim Ratcliffe axes crucial funding in drive to cut-costs
MAN United hero Gary Neville has stepped in to raise money for former players after boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe pulled the plug.
In a big cost-cutting drive, billionaire Sir Jim axed the ailing club’s annual £40,000 donation to an ex-stars fund.
The Association of Former Manchester United Players was set up in 1985 with its main objectives of promoting friendship, support and charitable work.
But many of its 300-plus members played in the years before the eye-watering wages of today.
In an interview last month, pundit Neville grilled Sir Jim on the issue, saying: “£40,000 was taken from the former players association. That’s not the players that played under Sir Alex (Ferguson) or even the last ten years. They’re players from the 1960s and ’70s.
“Why not raise the money at a dinner? Give the ex-players their money. It’s a cruel decision.”
Sheepish Sir Jim admitted: “Well, nobody suggested that.”
Now Neville has worked with the club to organise an event to honour ex-striker Andy Cole, with the proceeds going to AFMUP.
Guests at the £125 a ticket bash on April 24 will include legendary manager Sir Alex.
AFMUP trustee Jim Elms, 84, said: “Gary telephoned me and said he’d organise a Q&A session and we are all delighted.”
A Man United source said: “We’ve always worked well with the former players’ association and we want that to continue.”
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