Sir Alex Ferguson-signed shirt collection to go on display at GCU Anniversary Weekend as auction launches

A collection of football shirts personally signed by Sir Alex Ferguson CBE – including a shirt from Manchester United’s 1999 Treble-winning Champions League season – will go under the hammer in a silent auction as Glasgow Caledonian University celebrates its 150th Anniversary Weekend.

The 12 framed shirts, spanning Sir Alex’s early managerial career at Aberdeen FC to his most celebrated seasons at Manchester United, will carry starting bids of between £250 and £400, and go on display on Sunday 30 August during a family festival day on its Glasgow campus which is free and open to the public.

The day will include a vibrant marketplace with pop-up shops, music led by Capital Scotland’s presenters Robyn Richford and Fat Brestovci, irresistible baked goods of Crumbology and street-food favourites of Chulos, fasion showcases, exhibitions and interactive activities to keep everyone entertained.

The silent auction for the shirts signed by Sir Alex will launch on Sunday 30 August and close on Sunday 13 September. All proceeds will support Glasgow Caledonian's 150th Anniversary Campaign, which aims to fund 150 scholarships for students facing the greatest barriers to higher education, including care-experienced and estranged young people.

The shirts have been donated by GCU graduate and Entrepreneurial Ambassador Norrie Innes, from the collection of his late brother Des Innes, founder of Football v Fashion.

Norrie Innes said: “As a family, donating Des’s shirt collection felt like the right, very natural, thing to do. These specially selected framed shirts formed part of a considerable collection and now, through the continued amazing support of one of Glasgow’s Greats, Sir Alex, they can continue telling very special stories, bringing joy to football supporters and helping create opportunities for people who need them most. There is no doubt Des’s attitude to life aligned with everything the GCU Foundation stands for – good people doing good things with real purpose.”

The collection of shirts signed by Sir Alex will be on public view from 11am to 3pm, alongside Sir Alex: My Story in Objects, a display at GCU’s Archives Centre celebrating the life, career and legacy of one of football’s most iconic figures and a longstanding supporter of the University. Visitors will also be able to browse and buy retro football shirts from Street Soccer Scotland’s Kitback initiative, which uses football as a catalyst for positive social change.

As part of the University’s Anniversary Weekend, members of the public are invited onto campus from Friday 28 to Sunday 30 August for a packed programme of events as part of GCU's ongoing 150th celebrations, marking the founding of the Glasgow School of Cookery in November 1875. It will start with an anniversary afternoon tea exploring the legacy of the original Glasgow Cookery Book, followed by an Alumni and Friends Reunion Evening.

The weekend will also feature appearances by acclaimed actress Dr Blythe Duff, who will reflect on the enduring legacy of Taggart, while University Chancellor Professor Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE and internationally acclaimed author Dr Abi Daré will headline a series of short, thought-provoking talks.

Visitors can also enjoy alumni reunion events, an anniversary afternoon tea featuring Michelin-starred chef Lorna McNee, and a special Mastermind-inspired challenge celebrating the legacy of former Chancellor Magnus Magnusson KBE, and a family-friendly anniversary festival with live music, fashion showcases, food, exhibitions and interactive activities.

Professor Mairi Watson, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University, said: “Glasgow Caledonian is a university shaped by people, place and purpose. While much has changed over the past 150 years, our commitment to improving lives and benefiting the people, partners and communities we serve remains unchanged.

“Our anniversary weekend is not only a celebration of those who have helped make us who we are today, but an invitation to everyone to be part of the next chapter of our story.”

Many events are free to attend, although some require advance booking. The full programme, and details of how to bid in the silent auction, are available at: weareeventpal.com/GCUEvents2026.