Alex Ferguson's beloved wife Cathy dies

SIR Alex Ferguson is mourning the loss of his wife of nearly 60 years Lady Cathy, after her death at the age of 84.

- Cyril Dixon

Manchester United's legendary manager and his sons Darren, Jason and Mark said they were "deeply saddened".

Sir Alex, 81, once described his beloved Cathy as a "bedrock of both stability and encouragement" in the turbulent world of Premier League football.

The family said in a statement: "We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing yesterday of Lady Cathy Ferguson."

It continued by saying she is survived by her husband and sons, two sisters, 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Lady Cathy was a familiar figure at Old Trafford and very much part of the club.

After hugging his staff in the dugout she was the first person Sir Alex looked for and waved to after United sealed the treble in Barcelona in 1999.