UNITED RELEASE RAVAGED SAVAGE

PAUL ASHBEE can still see the devastation in a young Robbie Savage’s face when he was told his Manchester United career was over.

Ashbee owned a high spec valeting company which kept the luxury limos of Old Trafford stars such as David Beckham, Eric Cantona and Paul Ince in sparkling condition.

Helping out for a few quid was a certain Liam Gallagher, who, through Ashbee’s contacts in the musical world, later became the frontman of supergroup Oasis.

He might not be able to put Oasis back together, but Ashbee (above) is doing a fine job when it comes to mending the broken dreams of young footballers. “I remember

Robbie Savage after being kicked out of Manchester United,” recalled Ashbee.

“I was in the car park working and he was absolutely devastated.

“I asked him, ‘What happens now?’ He didn’t know. He always felt he was going to play for United.

“Thankfully, he was able to resurrect his career at Crewe and went on to play in the Premier League.

“He got his head down and grafted, but that hasn’t always been the case for other players who have been released.

“I was seeing more and more players thrown on the scrapheap and it’s still happening now.

“I thought I could be able to help some of these kids, to give them back the buzz of playing again. It was awful to see the pain of rejection in their faces, appearing completely lost and helpless.

“But I get a buzz of seeing these lads get back on their feet.

“Anton Forrester is a prime example of a young rising star at a club like Everton destined for great things. He got a move to Blackburn, but gets kicked out.

“His mum had heard about me. Now I’ve got him ready to go again.

“We’ve got a string of players back operating at a decent level. I’m trying to put out the message that all is not lost if a young player is released.

“I enjoy it, I don’t get paid for it – it’s a labour of love.”

Young rejected players can contact him at paul.ashbee777@outlook.com