Coach's Tribute To 'Greatest Ever'

Friday 25th November 2005

George Best will be remembered as the "greatest footballer ever", FIFA and former Linfield coach Jake Gallagher said last night.

Mr Gallagher said that when he thinks of the football legend, he remembers Best in his heyday.

"I picture him in his 20s and remember the runs he made and the goals he scored. He was a great sportsman - a good lad with tremendous ability," he said.

Mr Gallagher, a former principal of Lisnasharragh High School, the Belfast school Best attended as a teenager, added: "He is an icon. How many people from the Cregagh estate become a world star? "And yet, up close, he was shy - gentle, shy and very humble. A decent lad who had time for everyone.

"And he was courageous, too - on the field and courageous to the end. He kept fighting. I imagine it was a hard battle and one he sadly lost."

Mr Gallagher, 65, said that despite Best's battle with the bottle, he was sure the former Manchester United superstar would be remembered for his ability on the football field.