FOOTBALL legend Sir Alex Ferguson has backed a plan to rejuvenate a historic dry dock in his home city of Glasgow.

The A-listed Govan Graving Dock is to undergo a £500,000 restoration programme.

And Manchester United manager Sir Alex - who is originally from Govan - has spoken in support of the plans. 

The 19th-century dock has been closed for decades and, once regenerated, will be used to maintain and refurbish ships such as the TS Queen Mary and the Paddle Steamer Waverley.

He told the Scottish Sun on Sunday: “I am pleased to lend my support to the project to reopen Govan Dry Dock. I remember the docks well, as I grew up just a short distance away.

“It will be great to see ships back in Govan, especially Glasgow’s historic ships like TS Queen Mary and Paddle Steamer Waverley.

“By supporting jobs and skills in Govan, the project will also bring a much-needed boost to the regeneration of the area.

“I am delighted that the Charity has completed its feasibility study for the dry dock and has secured £350,000 of the half-million target, through corporate in-kind support.”

Glasgow Times:

Sir Alex, 80, urged others to back the project.

READ MORE: Plan to bring Govan graving dock back into active use

He added: “I very much hope that businesses and people across Glasgow can help the Charity raise the remaining cash it needs, so that the dock can finally re-open after almost 40 years.”

Eric Smith, chairman of the Docks and Piers Trust said: “I am delighted that Sir Alex is backing the charity’s project to reopen Glasgow’s iconic dry dock.

"To have the support of Govan’s most famous son has given us a massive boost.

"I hope that when the work is complete, Sir Alex will be able to visit and cut the ribbon.”