University library named after Sir Alex Ferguson as he donates keepsakes

Glasgow Caledonian University's library has been named after Sir Alex Ferguson after he donated a number of personal items to be displayed within the archive centre in the building.

The collection includes worn shirts, his manager of the year trophy and coaching notes - they'll be in the uni from today.

The former Manchester United manager officially opened the renamed library this afternoon.

Archivist for Glasgow Caledonian University, Carole McCallum, said:

"It's significant for GCU but it's significant for anyone who visits.

"It's significant for the students, the staff but the community - anyone that visits the library will be able to come in and feel a connection to Sir Alex who, when we think about it, is a Glasgow boy who's gone on to do amazing things."

The former Manchester United manager and founding donor of the GCU Foundation has granted the university an indefinite loan of the items.

They'll be used to create a display called 'Sir Alex - My story in Objects' within the newly renamed Sir Alex Ferguson Library.

Sir Alex said: "I’ve had a brilliant relationship with GCU over many years now, and it is an absolute honour that the University has chosen to name its library after me.

"The University was keen to give an insight into the person the Library has been named after and I hope that donating personal items from my life will help to do that. I thoroughly enjoy returning to the University and listening to students speak passionately about their experiences. I see great ambition and potential in many of our young people."

Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Pamela Gillies CBE, FRSE said: "The University’s library will be renamed the Sir Alex Ferguson Library in recognition of his outstanding generosity and contribution to nurturing the talent of our students at Glasgow Caledonian University. It is also in recognition of the fact that Sir Alex is a local hero who has achieved phenomenal influence as the world’s most successful football manager and as a truly exceptional, inspiring leader.

"We felt the library, the heart of the University, would be the most appropriate building to rename. It contributes directly to the University’s key goals to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to achieve academically, to maximise their employability and to contribute to our mission, for the Common Good.

"This aligns very closely to Sir Alex’s motivation for supporting our students, which was driven by his passion for providing young people with precious opportunities that will encourage them to reach their full potential and achieve their dreams."

The items will be available for the public to view from today.

Hear all the latest news from across Glasgow and the West on the hour, every hour, at Clyde 1. Listen on FM, via our Radio Clyde app, on your DAB radio, online at Clyde1.com, or say ‘Play Clyde 1’ on your Smart Speaker.