‘She was the boss’ - Eamonn Holmes pays tribute to wife of friend Sir Alex Ferguson who has died aged 84

Eamonn Holmes (right) has paid tribute to the wife of Sir Alex Ferguson who has died aged 84

Broadcaster Eamonn Holmes has paid tribute to Lady Cathy Ferguson, wife of legendary football manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who has died at the age of 84.

The GB News presenter sent his condolences to the Ferguson family, who confirmed Lady Cathy’s death on Friday.

Lady Cathy had been married to Sir Alex since 1966, with the couple having met while they were both working at a typewriter factory.

When he announced his retirement as United manager in 2013 after an unprecedented period of success for the Red Devils, Sir Alex said: "My wife Cathy has been the key figure throughout my career, providing a bedrock of both stability and encouragement. Words are not enough to express what this has meant to me."

In 2002, Cathy had been instrumental in convincing Ferguson to reverse his decision to retire at that point, going on to manage the club for a further 11 years before eventually calling time after the death of Cathy's sister.

Belfast-born Holmes, a huge Manchester United fan, paid tribute.

He said: “My heart goes out to Sir Alex on the passing of his wife Lady Cathy Ferguson. We have shared many happy social gatherings over the years.

“He was called ‘The Boss’ but believe me she was The Boss. It is heartbreaking for him and their whole extended family. My sincere sympathies,” he wrote on social media.

The Ferguson family confirmed Lady Cathy’s passing in a statement which read: “We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing yesterday of Lady Cathy Ferguson, survived by her husband, three sons, two sisters, 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild,

"The family asks for privacy at this time."

Holmes and Sir Alex have been close