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The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Ballon d'Or-winning Man Utd star Denis Law's will revealed after death aged 84 – with touching gift for his children
FOOTBALL legend Denis Law left a massive £2million fortune as a touching gift to his kids. The former Scotland and Manchester Utd favourite died at the age of 84 in January after a battle with ill health. Advertisement 4 Footie legend Denis Law left a massive £2million fortune to his family, it has emerged Credit: Rex 4 Denis Law at the Presentation of the trophy Glasgow Rangers v Zenit St Petersburg UEFA Cup Final Manchester in 2008 Credit: Rex 4 Denis Law arrives prior to the Premier League match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on December 5, 2021 Credit: Getty Law, who revealed in 2021 that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and vascular dementia, is immortalised in a statue at Old Trafford alongside George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton. A Ballon d'Or winner in 1964, he won the European Cup, two English titles and the FA Cup in his years at Old Trafford. Born in Aberdeen, Law began his career with Huddersfield Town, had two spells at Manchester City and also played in Italy for Torino. Probate records have revealed he had amassed an estate worth £2,035,475 which will be handed down to his family. Advertisement A will penned in 2018 ordered his wealth should be given to his wife Diana but she predeceased him. His estate will be handled by his son Andrew and daughter Diana. An earlier statement from the Law family said: "It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. "He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace. "We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently. Advertisement "We know how much people supported and loved him and that love was always appreciated and made the difference. Thank you." Sir Alex Ferguson led tributes to his fellow Scot. He said: "There is a saying in Scotland, 'who do you think you are? Denis Law?'. "He was the best Scottish player of all time. He was a fantastic player. He epitomises Scotland, fighting away, having a fight in an empty house. He was an incredible human being." Advertisement Manchester Utd issued a statement following his passing: "Everyone at Manchester United is mourning the loss of Denis Law, the King of the Stretford End, who has passed away, aged 84. "With 237 goals in 404 appearances, he will always be celebrated as one of the club's greatest and most beloved players. "The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis's family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more." Former captain Bryan Robson said: "Denis was more than just a fantastic footballer, he was a fantastic man. So generous with his time and everything delivered with that great sense of humour of his. Advertisement "He would always be in my greatest ever Manchester United XI. He was a player so many of his peers idolised and with good reason, that iconic image of him with his sleeves pulled down and the one arm salute after scoring." Two giant murals honouring Law have been painted on a high-rise block in Aberdeen. The murals in the Printfield area of the city show him playing for Scotland and Manchester Utd. He is Manchester Utd's third-highest goal scorer of all time behind Wayne Rooney and Charlton with 237 in 404 games, and Scotland's joint top scorer with 30 goals from his 55 caps. Advertisement
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Ballon d'Or-winning Man Utd star Denis Law's will revealed after death aged 84 – with touching gift for his children
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FOOTBALL legend Denis Law left a massive £2million fortune as a touching gift to his kids. The former Scotland and Manchester Utd favourite died at the age of 84 in January after a battle with ill health. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Footie legend Denis Law left a massive £2million fortune to his family, it has emerged Credit: Rex 4 Denis Law at the Presentation of the trophy Glasgow Rangers v Zenit St Petersburg UEFA Cup Final Manchester in 2008 Credit: Rex 4 Denis Law arrives prior to the Premier League match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on December 5, 2021 Credit: Getty Law, who revealed in 2021 that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and vascular dementia, is immortalised in a statue at Old Trafford alongside George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton. A Ballon d'Or winner in 1964, he won the European Cup, two English titles and the FA Cup in his years at Old Trafford. Born in Aberdeen, Law began his career with Huddersfield Town, had two spells at Manchester City and also played in Italy for Torino. Probate records have revealed he had amassed an estate worth £2,035,475 which will be handed down to his family. A will penned in 2018 ordered his wealth should be given to his wife Diana but she predeceased him. His estate will be handled by his son Andrew and daughter Diana. An earlier statement from the Law family said: "It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. "He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace. "We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently. "We know how much people supported and loved him and that love was always appreciated and made the difference. Thank you." Sir Alex Ferguson led tributes to his fellow Scot. He said: "There is a saying in Scotland, 'who do you think you are? Denis Law?'. "He was the best Scottish player of all time. He was a fantastic player. He epitomises Scotland, fighting away, having a fight in an empty house. He was an incredible human being." Manchester Utd issued a statement following his passing: "Everyone at Manchester United is mourning the loss of Denis Law, the King of the Stretford End, who has passed away, aged 84. "With 237 goals in 404 appearances, he will always be celebrated as one of the club's greatest and most beloved players. "The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis's family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more." Former captain Bryan Robson said: "Denis was more than just a fantastic footballer, he was a fantastic man. So generous with his time and everything delivered with that great sense of humour of his. "He would always be in my greatest ever Manchester United XI. He was a player so many of his peers idolised and with good reason, that iconic image of him with his sleeves pulled down and the one arm salute after scoring." Two giant murals honouring Law have been painted on a high-rise block in Aberdeen. The murals in the Printfield area of the city show him playing for Scotland and Manchester Utd. He is Manchester Utd's third-highest goal scorer of all time behind Wayne Rooney and Charlton with 237 in 404 games, and Scotland's joint top scorer with 30 goals from his 55 caps.
Daily Record
01-08-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Every Celtic Champions League playoff opponent profiled as £40m shootout beckons
The Hoops will discover their fate on Monday when the draw is made Celtic will discover who stands between them and a bumper £40million Champions League jackpot when the playoff draw is made on Monday. Brendan Rodgers' men are seeded in the final qualifying round and will face one of five possible opponents in the Champions Path. Two teams are already in the hat, while three third-round ties have still to be settled before the picture becomes clearer. It's a winner-takes-all two-legged shootout for a golden ticket to the group stages as Celts look to dine at Europe's top table for a fourth year on the bounce. Here, Record Sport gives the lowdown on who the Parkhead giants could face in the most lucrative showdown of the season. FC Basel (Switzerland) Arguably the toughest draw on paper. Basel finished top of the Swiss Super League as they wrestled back the title from Young Boys - who Celtic narrowly edged out in last year's group phase. Hoops supporters of a certain vintage will shudder at the memory of Basel dumping Martin O'Neill's star-studded side out back in 2002. Of course, Henrik Larsson and Co bounced back that season with an unforgettable run to the UEFA Cup Final in Seville. But 23 years on, it still represents a difficult tie. Last season was their first without European football in a quarter of a century, although they haven't reached the Champions League proper since 2017/18, when Man City knocked them out in the last 16. Managed by Ludovic Magnin, Basel boast a couple of familiar names - including Hoops flop Albian Ajeti and former Liverpool star Xherdan Shaqiri. The 21-time Swiss champs play at the 31,000-capacity St. Jakob-Park. Sturm Graz (Austria) They might not be a household name. But underestimate Sturm Graz at your peril. The Austrians made it back-to-back Bundesliga titles last season, pipping moneybags RB Salzburg to top spot by two points. They ended a 24-year Champions League exile by qualifying last term, finishing 30th with two wins against Girona and RB Leipzig. Scotland star Max Johnston is one of their key players and has been earning rave reviews, drawing interest from across the continent. Celtic fans could face a ticket scramble though, as their Merkur Arena only holds 16,000. Kairat (Kazakhstan)or Slovan Bratislava (Slovakia) Let's be honest, Rodgers would bite your hand off for either of these sides over Basel or Graz. Slovan are the more dangerous of the two, although Celts would have absolutely nothing to fear after gubbing the Slovakian champions 5-1 at Parkhead last September. Former Rangers favourite Vladimir Weiss would love to get one over the Hoops after taking pelters from the stands, while goal machine David Strelec could also have a point to prove after his January move to Celtic collapsed. Kairat, on the other hand, would present a logistical nightmare. The Kazakhs would mean a 7,000-mile round trip to Almaty, a far cry from a glamour tie but a tricky one given the travel. They got the job done against Slovenian side Olimpija in the previous phase, progressing 3-1 on aggregate. Kairat grounds shares with FC Kairat Almaty by playing at the 23,804-seater Central Stadium, which is also home to the Kazakhstan national team. Dynamo Kyiv (Ukraine) or Pafos (Cyprus) If Dynamo make it through, they'll be eyeing an Old Firm double after dumping Rangers out of the Champions League in last year's qualifiers. Despite Ukraine's domestic turmoil, the capital club remain seasoned European campaigners. However, they've been forced to play home games on neutral ground, which could play into Celtic's hands. Kyiv dethroned Shakhtar Donetsk to win the league but flopped in Europe, finishing 34th in the Europa League with just four points. Still, they've got some real class in their squad. Ex-West Ham and Borussia Dortmund hitman Andriy Yarmolenko is always a threat, as is homegrown hero Vladyslav Vanat. Meanwhile, Pafos would be a less daunting draw. The Cypriots only came into existence in 2014 but have been bankrolled to the summit of their domestic game. Bossed by ex-Sevilla, Arsenal and PSG assistant Juan Carlos Carcedo, they stormed to their first top-flight title last season and have some reputable names like Croatia international Mislav Orsic in their squad. They marked their debut season in Europe by reaching the last 16 of the Europa Conference League, but their lack of experience would make Celts strong favourites. Shkendija (North Macedonia) or Qarabag (Azerbaijan) Qarabag are another side that Celtic have locked horns with before and they're no pushovers. Ronny Deila's Hoops sneaked past them in the 2015 qualifiers with Dedryck Boyata scoring the only goal of the two-legged tie. The Azerbaijani champs have competed in the European group stages in each of the last 11 seasons but have only qualified for the Champions League proper once in 2017/18. They've just coasted past League of Ireland outfit Shelbourne 4-0 on aggregate and would prove an awkward opponent, especially factoring in the heat and travel to Baku. However, if there's one tie Celtic could handpick, it would be against Shkendija. Based in Tetovo, the North Macedonians have never reached a group stage and would be serious underdogs. If they can somehow stun Qarabag, Celtic will be rubbing their hands at the prospect of the most straightforward route to the money-spinning group phase.
Daily Record
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
I was in the last Rangers team who faced Panathinaikos and we brushed off their missiles by dumping them out of Europe
Steven Naismith got a taste of the cauldron of noise at the Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium during Gers run to the UEFA Cup final in 2008 THE last time Rangers faced Panathinaikos in Athens Steven Naismithhad to sprint up the tunnel to avoid being hit by coins and glass bottles. And that was just in the WARM-UP. As a wet-behind-the-ears 21-year-old, he was blown away by the atmosphere at the Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium. There were only 16,000 inside the ground that night in 2008 as Walter Smith 's side secured a 1-1 draw to progress in the UEFA Cup. It was the start of their memorable run to the final in Manchester, which ended in defeat to Zenit St Petersburg. Now, 17 years on, Gers are gearing up to take on the Greens again – this time in a crucial Champions League qualifier next month. This game will be played at the Olympic Stadium in Athens, which will house 75,000 fanatical supporters. And if the atmosphere is anything like what it's like at their home ground, Naismith says Russell Martin and his side are in for a baptism of fire. It will be the new gaffer's first competitive action since taking over at Ibrox. After a home leg in Govan, they'll attempt to reach the next Champions League qualifying round and eventually the lucrative group stage. But Naismith knows it won't be easy in the Greek heat, having experienced it himself as a player. The former Rangers forward said: 'That was one of the most hostile places ever. It was on the run to the UEFA Cup Final. 'I remember Gate 13. That is where the tunnel is and all the Ultras gather round it. Naively, I was laughing and joking coming out for the warm-up. 'But the next minute, there were glass bottles, coins, all sorts getting launched at us. Every time you went near the tunnel, you had to sprint in and sprint out. 'It was really hostile, that's my biggest memory of it. The night turned out to be really good for us, with Nacho Novo coming on and scoring to make it 1-1. It was a brilliant environment to play in but very hostile. 'When you look at the teams Rangers could have got, it's definitely the toughest opposition. On top of that, you've had a takeover, a new manager and a squad rebuild that needs to happen.' Naismith stood up to the challenge against Panathinaikos that night and helped Rangers qualify. And he says ties like these are where new boss Martin will really find out about his players' character. Naismith believes individuals can either thrive or wilt under the pressure, which is the true test of being an Old Firm player. He said: 'You can talk about an atmosphere but until you're in it and experience it, it's just words. 'When you do experience it, it's a case of what way are you going? Are you intimidated or do you think this is good? 'That's the real root of whether you're going to be a success at Rangers or Celtic. It's about mentality. Do you go into that environment in Athens and think I'm up for that, I like a bit of this? 'Or do you say, don't give me the ball because I'm scared? If it's the latter, you won't be a success. 'And that can be players with great ability. For the last 30 years, Rangers and Celtic have signed players who are brilliant in other leagues but can't hack it here. 'It's all down to mentality. That's been a problem for Rangers. To say players have hidden is unfair. They just can't hack it. 'Philippe Clement made a point of buying younger players to develop. But younger players rarely have that mentality straight away and are ready to go. 'That's where they become safe. When they're 1-0 down at home with 10 minutes to go and they don't want to make a brave pass or shoot from a tight angle. It's tough.' Martin will be under the microscope from the off as Rangers manager, with Champions League qualifiers sandwiched between Scottish Premiership games. Financially, it's vital for the club and its new American owners to be dining at Europe's top table. But Naismith insists Martin's first priority has to be the bread-and-butter domestic games – where Rangers have fallen well short in recent years. He said: 'As important as Champions League and European success is – if Rangers miss out on this one but make the next 10 – that's proper success. 'You have to understand where Rangers are at just now. I think that success domestically has to be the first aim. Of course, it's not as clear-cut as saying it's one over the other – because Rangers can have both. 'But what won't be accepted is what's happened in previous years where it has been: 'Oh we've done well in Europe but we're 10 or 15 points behind in the league'. 'That just won't what has to change. Rangers have to beat the other teams in the Scottish top flight. If you look at the points they dropped against teams from the middle to low end of the table last season, it was unacceptable. 'That's how the gap goes from being four points – where there is still pressure on the team at the top – to that big a gap where it becomes easy and the team at the top can cruise.' ● Steven Naismith was speaking courtesy of William Hill and the Warm-Up, SPFL title sponsors.
The Herald Scotland
22-06-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Naismith on Rangers' 'hostile' UCL trip and key Martin aim
A trip to face the Athens-based side was one of Naismith's most memorable as a Rangers player for all the right and wrong reasons. "That was one of the most hostile places ever," he said. "It was on the run to the UEFA Cup Final. I remember, even from the warm-up, Gate 13, where the tunnel is. That's where the Ultras are. Naively, I was laughing and joking, coming out for the warm-up. But the next minute, there were glass bottles, coins, all sorts getting launched at us. Every time you went near the tunnel, you had to sprint in and sprint out. It was really hostile, that's my biggest memory of it. The night turned out to be really good for us, with Nacho [Novo] coming on and scoring to make it 1-1. It was a brilliant environment to play in, but very hostile. Read more: "You can talk about an atmosphere but until you're in it and experience it, it's just words. When you do experience it, it's a case of what way are you going? Are you intimidated or do you think this is good? That's the real root of whether you're going to be a success at Rangers or Celtic. It's about mentality. Do you go into that environment and think I'm up for that, I like a bit of this - or do you say, don't give me the ball because I'm scared? If it's the latter, you won't be a success." In drawing Panathinaikos, Rangers missed out on facing Servette of Switzerland and Norwegian champions Brann. "When you look at the teams they could have got, it's definitely the toughest opposition," added Naismith. "On top of that, you've had a takeover, a new manager and a squad rebuild that needs to happen. But as important as Champions League and European success is, if they missed out on this one but made the next 10, that's proper success. You have to understand where Rangers are at. "It's tough for any team competing in Europe. That's the toughest part, how early it is. The Old Firm have both been put out in early rounds in the past. You can train as much as you want and have friendlies - but you can't replicate that intensity of competitive football. It's going to be really difficult." New head coach Russell Martin has yet to dip his hand in European management. His possession-based, attack-minded approach could well set the heather alight in Scotland, although in the Premier League with Southampton, it failed to bear fruit. Ange Postecoglou was criticised for his refusal to switch it up on the European scene while at Celtic and Martin might face similar reproval should he remain stubborn on the continent. Regardless, his systematic style will be beneficial for his squad, according to Naismith. "It definitely makes things easier as a player when the manager has a clear, definite way of playing. "Players want simplicity in terms of their role. The style can be complex but as long as the player can understand it simply, it makes it easier. Russ' style is one that players will enjoy. The players who will find it most challenging are defenders. Because he'll ask them to do certain things and be in certain positions that can be uncomfortable. There will be a higher risk because if you're not in the right position it can be really costly. But every other player will be rubbing their hands because it's so enjoyable. "It's the way you wanted to play football growing up. He's worked on it for five years and has been successful. At every club, he's made them a better team and improved players. The proof of that is the sale of players he's worked with. They've moved on for a profit compared to when he brought them in." As well as playing alongside Martin at Norwich City, Naismith lined up with Max Aarons, who is set to become the new gaffer's first signing, all going well. "Max has got really good attributes. He's a modern-day full-back. He's not the tallest but very comfortable on the ball, quick and dynamic both going forward and defensively. "Probably the biggest thing I remember about Max is his attitude with sport. As a young player he was so deceptive to learn and get better and be better. That's why he got into a good Norwich team in the Championship and into the Premier League and eventually Barca come and ask him for you. That tells you a lot about him. "His career has maybe stumbled recently but he's definitely somebody with a high potential. He's got good experience and he's played at a really good level against some top players. I think he'd be a good signing. I think he's somebody who would raise the quality of the squad. If we go back to the previous remit, he's probably been signing young players and developing them. I think he's somebody who comes in and challenges right away." While getting his squad in a sufficient enough state to contest crucial European qualifiers is first up on Martin's Rangers agenda, Naismith thinks getting the club back to the top of the pile in Scotland must be his overarching target. In years gone by, the Govan side's ability to stumble against Scottish Premiership cannon-fodder yet pull off shock results against European teams of a considerable pedigree has been impressive. "I think success domestically has to be the first aim," admits Naismith. "It's not as clear cut as saying it's one over the other - because Rangers can have both. "But what won't be accepted is what's happened in previous years where it's been: 'Oh we've done well in Europe but we're 10 or 15 points behind in the league'. That just won't wash. That's what has to change. Rangers have to beat the other teams in the league. If you look at the points they dropped against teams from the mid-to-low end of the table, it was unacceptable. That's how the gap goes from being four points - where there is still pressure on the team at the top - to that big a gap where it becomes easy and the team at the top can cruise."
