Manchester United Football Club legend Paul Scholes has said the football themed hotel he is investing in with fellow United stars represents the chance for him to give something back to the fans who cheered him throughout his glittering 20-year career.
Scholes, Phil Neville and Nicky Butt, recently joined former teammates Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs as investors in the Hotel Football development under construction near the club's stadium in Manchester, which will also serve as the Old Trafford Supporters' Club (OTSC).
Scholes said: “When Gary and Ryan mentioned the idea of Hotel Football and Old Trafford Supporters Club I was really keen to get involved - the hotel is our chance to create something special for the fans.”
The five players, who together with David Beckham are often referred to as 'Fergie’s Fledglings', are the main backers behind the estimated £23m (US$38.7m, €28.3m) complex, due for completion in Autumn 2014.
The 8,000sq m (86,111sq ft) building – designed by AEW Architects – will incorporate a 133-bedroom hotel with public space for OTSC members and spectators, a new Café Football and a club shop.
While Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs have been involved in every aspect of the project since its inception – their company GG Hospitality is behind it – the new additions to the investment team will take on a more ambassadorial role, with at least one of three always on hand to meet and greet supporters on matchdays.
“We want The Old Trafford Supporters Club to become a place United fans can think of as their own,” Phil Neville added.
