Denis Law backs Andy Murray to provide more Scottish sporting success

AS the old saying goes, it takes one to know one.

And Denis Law is in no doubt Wimbledon champion Andy Murray is up there with our greatest sportsmen of all time.

Days after the Dunblane ace’s second SW19 triumph, Denis is still celebrating Andy’s Centre Court victory over Milos Raonic.

“To see someone from our own country do well on the world stage, being we are a smaller nation, was tremendous,” Denis enthused.

“I thought it was going to be a hard game for Andy but it didn’t turn out that way. It was great to see him win it again.

“It’s not an easy task when the likes of Federer and Djokovic are around but I think he’s young enough to win it a few more times.

“My good lady is a massive fan of tennis. I tried it once, but I’d no idea how to even get it over the net!”

The tennis ball might not be Denis’s forte, but he had no such trouble controlling a football in his trophy-laden career.

Now 76, The Lawman scored goals with ease no matter for whom he played, be it Huddersfield, Torino, Manchester United, Manchester City or Scotland.

Not only is he regarded as one of the best Man Utd forwards of all time, but one of the greatest ever Scottish footballers.

So his CBE for services to sport and charity in the New Year’s Honour’s List wasn’t before time.

“To go down to London and see how the other half live was interesting,” he laughed. “It’s a different world and I have to admit receiving such an honour is not the sort of thing you expect to happen.

“It was really nice to get the CBE, more for my family than myself.”

Denis is a devoted family man.

He and his wife, Diana, first met as teenagers in an Aberdeenshire dance hall and have five children – four sons and a daughter – but Manchester has been their home for decades.

Denis joked: “One of my sons is a City fan – he had a miserable life for many years until recently when they finally started winning things!”

Despite leaving Aberdeen to pursue his career when he was young, Denis still regards it as home.

“I go back a few times a year. It’s good to get home and experience the lovely weather – it always seems to be pouring when we go. I love everything about Scotland and still look forward to coming back.

“And I stay in touch by buying my copy of The Sunday Post from my local newsagent down here.”

Denis will be making another trip home later this month, but before he arrives in the north east he’ll stop off in Glasgow for a special show called Legends of Scottish and World Football.

It’s the first in a proposed series of legends nights put together by fellow ex-pro and Scotland cap, Jim McCalliog.

Taking place at the Clyde Auditorium, Denis will be interviewed about his life and career and then answer questions from the audience.

Joining the proceedings will be fellow football legends John Greig and Willie Henderson, both formerly of Rangers, as well as a comedian.

“It’ll be nice to see John and Willie because I haven’t caught up with them in a long time,” Denis said.

“I’m looking forward to it. I’ll be answering questions and hopefully I can remember the answers! I’m sure it’ll be a good night.”

Denis is looking forward to the new season north and south of the border after what he regarded as a disappointing European Championships.

“It wasn’t an exciting tournament,” he said. “When Scotland isn’t involved I don’t have the same ambition to watch.

“Iceland were a breath of fresh air and Wales did so well reaching the semi-final. I don’t see much of the Scottish Premiership although I’ve been to watch Aberdeen a couple of times in recent years.

“I’m an Aberdeen supporter and they’ve done well recently. They are on the up again.

“With Rangers being back in the top league it’s good for the game.

“But I think all eyes in world football are going to be on Manchester this year because of the two new managers, Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola.

“They are two very different characters who have both won everything in the game.

“It’s going to be a very interesting place.”

Legends Of Scottish & World Football, Clyde Auditorium, Glasgow, July 28