Funeral held for Neville Neville, father of ex-Manchester United footballers Gary and Phil
David Beckham, Sir Alex Ferguson and Ryan Giggs joined mourners today at the funeral of Neville Neville, the father of ex-Manchester United footballers Gary and Phil.
The two brothers were among the pallbearers who carried the coffin into Bury Parish Church, followed by their tearful sister Tracey, the England netball head coach, who held the hand of her mother, Jill.
Beckham, Giggs and Sir Alex were joined by former Manchester United players Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt as well as other footballing greats for the funeral.
Mr Neville, 65, died in hospital in Sydney, Australia, on August 7 after collapsing from a heart problem.
He was travelling with daughter Tracey for the Netball World Cup when he was taken seriously ill.
Among floral tributes was one in the shape of a football from Bury FC, where Mr Neville was a former commerical manager, director and ambassador. The message simply read "From all at Bury Football Club".
A small crowd gathered outside the church and broke into applause when the hearse arrived.
Former Bolton Wanderers and West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce, Hull City boss Steve Bruce and Everton defender Phil Jagielka attended the service, along with Manchester football greats Denis Law, Mike Summerbee and Bryan Robson.
Players, management and staff from League One club Bury also joined mourners.
Mr Neville was a leading light in the Save Our Shakers appeal which helped stave off bankruptcy in 2002, while wife Jill is the club secretary at Gigg Lane.
Joining current Bury boss David Flitcroft at the service were ex-Bury managers Sam Ellis, Stan Ternent and coach Wilf McGuinness, the former Manchester United manager.
Mr Neville was said to have played a formative part in the early stages of his sons' careers and that of the other four famous members of the so-called Class of 92 which triumphed in the FA Youth Cup of that year and later won the 1999 Champions League trophy.
A number of tributes were left to him at the service.
A red and cream rose arrangement read: "In loving memory of a true gentleman and dear friend. Rest in peace Neville. Committee Members and Manchester United Supporters Club Malta"
Another said: "With sincere condolences from Lindsay and Manchester United Supporters Club Nottingham"
A white lily floral tribute read: "With deepest sympathy from Nora, Grace, Luke, Alex, Ryan"
Tracey Neville was crying again as mourners left the church while her brother Phil wiped away a tear.
The invitation-only service was to be followed by a private burial.
Hymns Abide With Me and Jerusalem were sung at the service. Poems were read by Phil Neville and Gary Neville spoke to the congregation, according to the Order of Service. A video tribute was also played.