SAMMI Connel had a conversation she’ll never forget when she reminisced with Sir Alex Ferguson about her late grandma – a close friend of the footballing legend.

The Dunfermline Athletic kit assistant had a chance to share a photograph from 1974 with the legendary football boss when he visited East End Park.

It was early in Sir Alex’s career and showed the then East Stirlingshire boss presenting Bonnybridge Juniors’ player of the year.

Sammi’s late grandmother, Ruby Connel, was the first woman to become a life member of the east region and Scottish Junior Football Association and was president of Bonnybridge for 32 years.

Sammi, 37, said: “My grandma Ruby became great friends with Sir Alex and his wife when they were invited to a party after the player of the year do.

“So much so that he actually wrote about her in his first autobiography.

“When I showed him the photo he recognised her immediately and couldn’t believe I was her granddaughter!

“He remembered the day fondly.

“I’m really pleased that I managed to meet him, and he told me that my grandma would have given me some stick working for the Pars when the family were Falkirk supporters!”

She caught up with the former Manchester United manager on April 28 when he visited Dunfermline to meet old friends and teammates and mark the 50th anniversary since Dunfermline won the Scottish Cup.

Sammi said that her dad and uncle, who both played for Bonnybridge, also became friendly with Sir Alex.

Ruby sadly passed away in 2009 and the football legend and his wife Cathy wrote letters throughout the whole period of her illness.

Unfortunately, they couldn’t attend her funeral because Manchester United were playing away in the Champions League at the time.

Sammi carried on her family’s love of football and plays for Kelty Hearts Ladies as well as working as a full-time police officer.

Since his visit to Dunfermline, Sir Alex has undergone emergency brain surgery and she said: “I really was shocked about was happened, especially after seeing him in such high spirits just a week before.

“I really hope he makes a speedy recovery.

“He has a phenomenal memory, just like my grandma, and before I even had a chance to explain he was telling me all about the night!

“It was a privilege to meet him and I have fond memories of just a really nice day.”