Tributes have flooded in for much-respected former Manchester Evening News football writer David Meek, following his death aged 88.
David had a long and distinguished career covering Manchester United for the M.E.N. for 38 years, taking over the role when his predecessor Tom Jackson was killed in the Munich air disaster.
He went on to cover United's first European Cup win on the famous night at Wembley in 1968 when the Red Devils of Bobby Charlton and George Best became the first English team to win the trophy, the club's 1974 relegation to the Second Division following Sir Matt Busby's retirement and the first decade of Sir Alex Ferguson's trophy-laden reign.
Following his retirement from the M.E.N. David, of Sale and later Milton Keynes, went on to write Fergie's programme notes, helped set up the United museum at Old Trafford and and scripted the panels for the Munich memorial tunnel at the ground.
And despite occasionally being on the receiving end of the Scot's infamous 'hair-dryer treatment' the pair became close with Fergie describing his friend as part of the 'fabric of the club'.
In a touching piece for the BBC in 2013 David described how Fergie called him at home to offer his best wishes when he was recovering from cancer.
He wrote: " A few years ago I had bowel cancer and in addition to receiving the traditional flowers, I answered the phone at home one afternoon as I recuperated from the operation to hear a voice coming down the line: "The Scottish beast is on his way."
"The manager had not forgotten his programme ghost and he came to deliver an encouraging message. "You can handle it," he said. Coming from him I found his words quite inspirational."
Manchester Evening News editor in chief Darren Thwaites led the tributes to David.
He said: "David Meek not only made an indelible contribution to the Manchester Evening News but to the whole city in his coverage of United through good times and bad.
"His longevity in such an important role speaks volumes. Hundreds of thousands of readers will remember his writing with huge affection - hanging on his every word.
"It's remarkable to think that David covered the club from the tragedy of Munich, through the European Cup triumph a decade later and on into Fergie's glory days of the 90s."
David's successor Stuart Mathieson, who spent 22 years as the M.E.N.'s chief United reporter, tweeted: "Very sad to hear that David Meek has passed away. Always available for advice when I took over in MUFC MEN role.
"Meeky tours on Champions League aways were legendary. A coffee and a cathedral visit cured many a hangover. A great man. God bless."
In a statement on the club's Twtter feed Manchester United said: "We are saddened to learn that former journalist and friend of the club, David Meek, has passed away.
"David covered United for over 50 years, was a long-time United Review columnist, and helped write Sir Alex's programme notes.
"Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this time."
Stuart Brennan, the M.E.N.'s chief Manchester City reporter, said: "His words probably inspired me more than anyone else to enter this profession, and when I later met him he was a lovely, helpful soul, a true gentleman. A sad day."
The Football Writer's Association tweeted: "The FWA is saddened to learn that David Meek, one of our life members, has passed away at the age of 88.
"David started covering Man Utd for the MEN after the 1958 Munich air crash until 1996 and was hugely respected by his peers and those in football."
Steve Bates, chief football writer of the Sunday People, tweeted: "It’s with sadness that I pass on news on behalf of the family that David Meek has passed away.
"He was 88. David had a long and distinguished career covering Man Utd from the days after the 58 Munich disaster for the MEN until his retirement from the paper in 1996. RIP."
Guardian football writer David Conn tweeted: "David Meek started covering Manchester United for the Manchester Evening News immediately after the devastating 1958 Munich air disaster; he worked a long and highly respected career, and was a very charming, generous person too. RIP."
Neil Custis, football writer for The Sun, tweeted: "David Meek was a great journalist, great company but more importantly a great friend who I will miss very much. RIP David."
Football historian and Manchester Metropolitan University lecturer Gary James tweeted: "David Meek was one of Manchester's longest serving and legendary journalists. He was an absolute gentleman and a wonderful reporter. His stories and memories of Manchester football stretching back to the air crash and before were always worth listening to"