Eamonn Holmes rallies behind close pal Alex Ferguson after brain haemorrhage
EAMONN Holmes has urged everyone to pray for close pal Sir Alex Ferguson and said: "If anyone can beat this, my friend Fergie can."
The Talkradio host rallied to support the footie manager legend, 76, after he suffered a life-threatening brain haemorrhage.
In a heartrending open letter in the Eamonn described their incredible friendship, Ferguson's superhuman football knowledge and memory for names and stats, and how they twice took on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.
He wrote: "When I heard the news on Saturday night my blood ran cold.
"For someone you know to be struck down with illness is horrendous, but for a man with such a mind to suffer a brain haemorrhage somehow seems even crueller."
He added: "He can not only reel off football results over the years, he can give the goal scorers, the location, what the weather was like – in the Premier League, the Champions League, the Scottish League, internationals and even from school."
The 76-year-old former Manchester United manager was said to be in an “extremely serious” condition after being rushed to hospital following a seizure at his house.
It is understood Fergie complained of feeling unwell at his home in Wilmslow, Gtr Manchester, on Thursday before an ambulance was called at 9am yesterday.
He was then transferred under police escort to Salford Royal Hospital.
Wife Cathy, who he wed in 1966, and his sons Mark, Darren and Jason were thought to be at his hospital bedside after he was put into an induced coma.
A Manchester United statement said: "Sir Alex has undergone emergency surgery today for a brain haemorrhage. The procedure has gone very well but he needs a period of intensive care to optimise his recovery. His family request privacy."
Why Sir Alex retired in 2013
SIR Alex gave the death of his sister-in-law as the reason for ending his glittering managerial career in 2013.
Wife Cathy’s twin, Bridget, had died the previous year.
Sir Alex felt he owed a debt to Cathy, who he married in 1966 and who talked him out of retirement in 2002.
He explained in 2013: “I would have carried on. I saw her (Cathy) watching TV one night and she looked up at the ceiling. I knew she was isolated.
“When I told her I was going to retire she had no objection. I knew she wanted me to do it.”
In his tribute to the great man, Eamonn revealed his called his pal 'the boss' but said it was Cathy who wore the trousers in their strong marital home.
He revealed how Ferguson loves to sing and once stood on a chair to deliver a rendition of That's Amore."
Eamonn signed off: "Get well soon, Boss, and take all the Fergie Time you need to do it."
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Worried fans placed flowers and cards outside Old Trafford today in a touching tribute to the football legend.
Last Sunday a smiling Fergie, who landed 13 league titles with United, appeared on the pitch to present outgoing Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger with a gift on his last visit with the Gunners.
Sir Alex - known for his love of racehorses and red wine - retired as United manager in May 2013 after winning the Premier League title in his final season.
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