Lady Cathy Ferguson, wife of former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, has passed away at the age of 84. The couple were married in 1966 and had three sons, including Darren Ferguson, the current manager of Peterborough United. Their relationship began in 1964, while both were working at a typewriter factory. The soccer club said, “Everyone at Manchester United sends our heartfelt condolences to Sir Alex Ferguson and his family on the passing of Lady Cathy, a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother, and a tower of strength for Sir Alex throughout his career. Flags at Old Trafford have been lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect.”
Sir Alex was manager of Manchester United for 27 years. Cathy is said to have played a key role in persuading him not to retire in 2002. In his autobiography, Sir Alex wrote about the moment Cathy convinced him to stay, saying that “One, your health is good. Two, I’m not having you in the house. And three, you’re too young anyway.” When Sir Alex did announce his retirement 11 years later, he said: “My wife Cathy has been the key figure throughout my career, providing a bedrock of both stability and encouragement. Words are not enough to express what this has meant to me.”
Several soccer clubs paid tribute to Cathy on social media. Peterborough United said, “Everyone at Peterborough United Football Club offers our sincere condolences to Darren Ferguson and his family on the passing of his beloved mother, Lady Cathy.” Manchester rivals Manchester City and Arsenal also offered their “heartfelt condolences”. Sir Alex’s former club St Mirren said, “Everyone at St Mirren Football Club sends its deepest condolences to Sir Alex Ferguson and family following the sad news of the passing of Lady Cathy Ferguson.” Aberdeen, another of Sir Alex’s former clubs, also sent their condolences
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