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George Best memorabilia to go on display at £15m hotel in his name

Legendary footballer George Best in 1969. Picture from Press Association
Legendary footballer George Best in 1969. Picture from Press Association Legendary footballer George Best in 1969. Picture from Press Association

A NORTHERN Ireland football jersey signed by Sir Alex Ferguson will be among a range of George Best memorabilia to go on display at a new hotel.

The £15 million George Best Hotel Belfast opens in December.

The Manchester United legend's sister and brother-in-law Barbara and Norman McNarry agreed to lend the memorabilia.

The collection will include a bespoke painting of Best; the Northern Ireland jersey signed by Sir Alex, Eamonn Holmes, snooker champion Alex Higgins and many others; the first George Best Ulster Bank £5 note; pieces of his most famous clothing; his personal book collection; awards; diaries; trophies, and unseen photos.

The hotel's general manager Damian Gilvary who was invited by the Best family to see the treasure trove of items said: "It was a very surreal and amazing experience to see all of these incredible items that Barbara and Norman have agreed to share with the hotel and guests.

"It was overwhelming to meet the people who knew George so well and being able to discuss and touch George's personal effects, possessions, clothes and diaries.

"This just merely enhances the exciting prospect and vision of what the George Best Hotel will be, simply the best."

Mr Gilvary

"But most of all he left a legacy in football that will never be forgotten, even Pele described him as 'the greatest player in the world'."

The £15 million project is a joint venture between Lawrence and Katie Kenwright's Liverpool-based Signature Living Hotel Group and the family of George Best.