Liam Miller memorial match organiser Michael O’Flynn has said that former Ireland captain John O’Shea helped inspire the match after scheduling a meeting between him and longtime Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson.
Organisers of the event confirmed earlier this week that the memorial match between teams comprised of Manchester United and Celtic/Ireland legends would be played in front of a sold out Páirc Uí Chaoimh next month with O’Shea helping O’Flynn to get Ferguson on board behind the fundraiser.
John O’Shea teed it up for me. Obviously John has still got a connection with Sir Alex,O’Flynn told the Manchester Evening News.
I arranged to meet him in the same place, at Cheltenham, and had a chat with him and again the following day. He gave me his mobile number. He’s been in constant contact since and he was doing his homework. One of the first things Sir Alex said to me was: ‘Let’s do a match!’
Manchester United have been amazing, so facilitating – right up to Ed Woodward – and he has made a number of staff available with logistics.
Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville will play for the Manchester United Legends team during the memorial match and the Sky Sports pundit said that it was important that him and his former teammates came together to support the Miller family.
“We didn’t need to give it a moment’s thought,” Neville said.
“It’s absolutely terrible what has happened to Liam. I can’t imagine the pain and devastation that his family are feeling. He was a good man, a good player and for us it’s important that we absolutely support this game and come over and do the very best that we can.
“To be asked by Roy was an honour because we obviously hold him in the highest regard. Obviously, we have the greatest respect for him. So, when he asked we said yes straight away, we were desperate to come over.
“I’m not sure if we’re very good at playing any more – that’s the problem that we’ve got, so don’t expect too much! But we’ll do our best and make sure we give our all and make it as good and attractive a fixture and a day out as possible and do Liam justice.”
