George Best

Da The Irish Independent


I'm very sorry my son but it's all for the Best

SOCCER star George Best left just a commemorative watch to his playboy son Calum in his will.

Even though the will has yet to be finalised, all the cash he had will go to his sister Barbara McNarry after debts are cleared.

Grant of probate, which was issued in London yesterday, includes publication of Best's will, but it is likely to be some time before all his affairs are tied up.

Calum, (25), is to get just the engraved 1994 Jean Lassel World Cup watch.

Best's gross estate is estimated at just over stg£500,000 (€758,000). The net sum, which will be much less once all his liabilities have been addressed, will go to Barbara.

Her Belfast-based solicitor, Paul Tweed, said yesterday: "Until the administration of the estate is finalised, my client will not know the actual net sum available for distribution. This is likely to take several weeks to be resolved."

Best died 14 months ago aged 59 after a long battle against alcoholism.

Barbara, who runs a special charity foundation in memory of the former Manchester United star, has known about her brother's will for some time, according to Mr Tweed.

He said: "However, she and her husband (Norman) have been concentrating their time and energy on their work for the foundation.

"Until the assets of the estate have been realised and the liabilities discharged, my client will not be in a position to decide, and therefore comment, on her future intentions.

"In the meantime, the George Best Foundation will remain her absolute priority."

Best had been living in a flat in Chelsea when he died at London's Cromwell Hospital in November 2005. His marriage to his wife Alex Best ended in 2004 after nine years.