Ferguson laments departure of United chief executive Gill

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to club chief executive David Gill, who will be standing down from the position this summer.

Gill is to leave his post on June 30, with his duties being taken on by executive vice chairman Ed Woodward.

Gill, inset left, who joined the Red Devils as their finance director in February 1997 and assumed the role of chief executive in September 2003, is to remain as a club director.

Ferguson said: “Him stepping down is a big loss to me but the fact that he is staying on the board encourages me that the reason for his departure is heartfelt, [and] that he believes it is time for the club to move on.”

Gill stressed his belief that “all businesses need to refresh themselves with new management and ideas”. The 55-year-old — who was appointed vice-chairman of the Football Association last October and is their nominee for the UEFA Executive Committee elections in May — said: “It has been the greatest privilege to serve Manchester United for 16 wonderful years.”