CEO Gill, Manager Ferguson, Leaving Manchester United

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Let me first say, I hate Manchester United PLC (NYSE:MANU). I have to, I’m a proud Chelsea supporter. The Glazers and David Gill gall me to no end, though I have as healthy a respect for Sir Alex Ferguson as I do a burning hate for nearly all past, present, and future Manure players.

CEO David Gill will not be around to see what becomes of the team that he’s led for over 10 years now that the most celebrated manager in English football has decided to call it quits with the club and Everton’s David Moyes has been slated to replace him.

While Sir Alex was 71 years old and has been doing this for a long time it still maintains a certain shock value now that the old gaffer has made his intentions clear.

Unlike Sir Alex, David Gill’s decision to leave was announced months ago and I’m guessing was done with the understanding that Sir Alex would not be returning.

“It has been the greatest privilege to serve Manchester United PLC (NYSE:MANU) for 16 wonderful years—the last 10 of which as its chief executive,” said Mr. Gill, whose close relationship with manager Alex Ferguson has helped the club win six major titles during his spell as chief executive.

“I have worked alongside the finest manager in the history of the game and been part of what I consider to be the best club in the best sport in the world,” he added.

Mr. Gill will be replaced by Executive Vice Chairman Ed Woodward, who was most recently responsible for the club’s commercial and media operations. Gill will remain on the board of Manchester United PLC (NYSE:MANU).

Prior to naming Moyes as the new manager, Gill outlined the desired criteria for Ferguson’s successor. “If you look at what happened in our two most successful eras, with Sir Matt Busby and then Sir Alex, we had managers there who sort of got involved with the whole aspects of the club,” he told MUTV. “Clearly he’s got to have the requisite football experience in terms of domestic and European experience.”

The new CEO of Manchester United PLC (NYSE:MANU) will have his hands full from the moment he takes on the job. He’s just lost a coach that can be mentioned in the same sentence as Red Auerbach or Vince Lombardi. He will also be forced to deal with the ever impetuous “Shrek” (Wayne Rooney) who has demanded a transfer the team says it will not honor.

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