When Sir Alex Ferguson turned agent for Keith Gillespie

Sir Alex Ferguson once turned agent for former Manchester United player Keith Gillespie. But how?

Sir Alex Ferguson retired as manager of Manchester United in 2013. Ever since, he has been making regular appearances at Old Trafford, until his health deteriorated in May earlier this year.

However, the Scottish former manager returned at Old Trafford during Manchester United’s game against Wolves this season.

Many footballers who played under Sir Alex Ferguson have shared numerous stories about his contribution to their game, and the club. Cristiano Ronaldo went to the extent of calling him his ‘football father.’ The Portuguese footballer paid him a visit after playing against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Tuesday this week.

Keith Gillespie, the former Northern-Irish footballer who also started his career at Manchester United, has now shared an interesting story about Fergie’s role in securing a transfer to Newcastle United.

When Sir Alex Ferguson turned into an agent:

Keith Gillespie shared the story about how Sir Alex Ferguson once turned into an agent for him, as he was pushing for a move to Newcastle United. Gillespie didn’t get enough game time, and Sir Alex obliged when he decided to make the switch.

However, Gillespie stated that it was Sir Alex who not only made sure that the move takes place, but also helped him get an incredible amount of salary.

“After an FA Cup game, we thrashed out terms [with Newcastle] at midnight in a hotel in Sheffield,” said Gillespie. “Back then I was a £250-a-week player. I remember Alex sitting there with a pen and paper, adding up figures and scribbling away.

“He told a bit of a white lie to Kevin Keegan: “Keith’s on £600 a week at the moment so he’ll be looking for an increase on that.” He didn’t tell me this would happen so I sat there with a poker face, giving nothing away.

Newcastle were happy to double my wage and an hour later I shook hands on a deal worth £1,200 a week.

Fergie rang my mum, explained the situation and promised her that he’d look after me in terms of sorting out a deal. My mum trusted him, I trusted him and Fergie was true to his word.

I was grateful that he managed to get me that deal; he had my interests at heart and that’s the way he was with all the young players. Fergie was a great manager to start out under.”