Gill Proud Of United Role

David Gill has spoken about his successful tenure as chief executive as he prepares to step down from the role.

The FA vice-chairman was recently appointed to the UEFA Executive Committee after feeling the time was right to leave Old Trafford with Ed Woodward taking his place.

"I've had a fantastic 16 years in total, 10 as chief executive, and working with Alex [Ferguson] and all the staff at Manchester United has been a real privilege," Gill stated.

"I can't look back, I can only look forward but I've enjoyed it immensely and to go out with another Premier League title is a wonderful experience for me. I look forward to watching the team in years to come, winning more trophies, but in a slightly different guise."

One of the biggest challenges of his tenure was ending the spell of success from London duo Arsenal and Chelsea by bringing the title back to Manchester.

"I took over in 2003 and Arsenal won the league the next year," he recalled. "Then Chelsea won it for two years under Jose Mourinho. Speaking with Alex and Carlos Queiroz, they felt we needed to change the team so the 2006/2007 title was a really important moment and then, of course, we followed it up quickly in 2008.

"You can't forget the scenes in Moscow. I had to apologise to people like Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini for my celebrations after we won the game! That's the beauty of this club and it's given me so many proud moments. There are other things like the development of the stadium and redevelopment of Carrington but Manchester United is about what happens on the pitch.

"I've learnt a lot from Alex. We have a very good relationship and I had the benefit of being here since 1997 and getting to know him but not working directly for him. We want the best for the team so I always tried to work with him to deliver what he wanted. Over the years, we've developed a very good working relationship and friendship and it's something I will treasure forever."

With Woodward beginning his new role, the transfer business will be in new hands this summer as David Moyes will, no doubt, look to bring in some fresh talent.

"Ed is taking over from me and is doing an excellent job," added Gill. "I'm more than happy to give him any advice and help on that area [transfers].

"David is coming in and will work with Ed and evaluate the squad and what is needed with all the relevant people. The outlook is very positive and I'm looking forward to a very bright future."

When asked about any specific advice for his successor, Gill replied: "That's a good one. I think to try and retain the values and the spirit of Manchester United, which is about it being a family club - even though it's a huge, multi-national brand these days.

"But to have that family spirit is critical to it. Also to understand that we've got to be a successful business but we're a sport as well. Ed's been around the club for many years now so he understands all that.

"It's getting that balance between business and sport. Football is up and down. One season, you do well. The next season, you don't do so well so you've got to have an even temperament and keel throughout and make sure that you don't get too emotional with the highs and too emotional with the lows.

"I've tried to do that and also recognise that Manchester United has been around since 1878 and you're just a custodian for a period and the only thing you can do when you're involved is to leave it in good shape for your successor to take on to the next level."