Axed but Eric believed in me

TWO letters, which I’ve kept to this day in my scrapbook, from two people who believed in me remain massive influences in my life.

One was from my father, on the day I left home to join Manchester United’s Class of 92, telling me how proud he was of me.

The other was from United youth team coach Eric Harrison (below), the starmaker who passed away earlier this week.

After I had been released by the club, Eric wrote saying he believed I was good enough to make the grade.

My dad was my inspiration, and Eric was the man who gave me the belief to sustain a career in professional football.

Cruelly, both were cut down by dementia, but their stars will always shine brightly in my life. Eric’s influence was not limited to the technical side of coaching.

He taught us life skills, he taught us to be humble, he taught us to respect each other and the value of teamwork.

There are so many players who have worn the red shirt of Manchester United who have so many reasons to be thankful for Eric Harrison.

You only have to look at the range of tributes, from the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, David Beckham and Gary Neville, to see how highly regarded he was at Old Trafford.

In my case, he was the man who gave me the drive and the determination never to give up when I didn’t make the cut for a professional contract.