I'm 82 and I'd be lying if I said'I didn't worry about my memory & dementia

Ferguson hails part late wife Cathy played in his rise to top

- RORY CASSIDY

FORMER Aberdeen and Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has opened up on the death of his much-loved wife Cathy.

The couple had been married for nearly 60 years when Cathy - who he described as his "bedrock" passed away in October last year aged 84.

Speaking on the loss of Cathy in a rare interview, the 82-yearold said: "Well, 58 years is a long, long time she was a great, great wife, a fantastic mother and a great grandmother.

"She was the leader of the band, no doubt about that."

The couple met in 1964 when Ferguson was 23 and playing for Dunfermline Athletic. They married in 1966, shortly before his move to Rangers.

She was at his side throughout his managerial career, as he moved from East Stirlingshire to St Mirren, before Aberdeen and Manchester United, and also taking the reins of Scotland.

They had three sons, Mark, Darren, and Jason.

Earlier this year, it emerged she left him more than £3million in her will, as she had built up a £3,299,823 estate by the time of her death.