Tributes paid to Giggs' grandfather

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Tributes paid to Giggs' grandfather - Dennis Giggs passed away on Wednesday morning shortly after Ryan had been given leave to miss Manchester United's clash with Stoke City

Tributes have been flooding in for Ryan Giggs’ grandfather, who died on Wednesday morning.

Dennis Giggs, of Fairwater in Cardiff, lost his battle with cancer just hours after the Manchester United assistant manager had been given leave to miss the club’s Premier League clash with Stoke City at Old Trafford on Tuesday night to be with his beloved grandad.

Ryan’s absence had originally prompted speculation regarding his future, with some believing that reports linking him to the manager’s job at Celtic may have been behind his absence. However, it was quickly confirmed that he had missed the game due to family illness.

Dennis remained close to Manchester United supporters in his region before his death, and the Cardiff and Vale Reds led the tributes on their Facebook page on Wednesday night.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dennis Giggs; a true gentleman who was a great friend to all...
Posted by Cardiff and Vale Reds: Official MUFC Supporters Club on Wednesday, February 3, 2016

In a 2014 interview with the BBC, Dennis spoke of his appreciation of Sir Alex Ferguson’s handling of his grandson.

He said: “He was hard on him, Mr Ferguson, over the years. But it was for his own good. He did want Ryan to go the way others have gone. I thanked him for what he’d done for Ryan but he said ‘No, it’s what he’s done for me.’ That was good respect from somebody like that.”

United say they are currently unsure whether Ryan will return to the bench for Sunday’s trip to Chelsea.