Tributes have been paid to a top doctor and member of Manchester United’s medical team credited with convincing Sir Alex Ferguson to ditch the club’s drab gray away colourism,

A specialist in vision, Professor Gail Stephenson was brought in during the Scotsman’s reign and worked with the club for nearly two decades.

She died over the weekend after a short illness, the University of Liverpool confirmed.

United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward said: "Gail was one of the leading vision scientists in the world. She understood the benefits that her specialism could bring to sport and persuaded Sir Alex Ferguson to make Manchester United the pioneers in that area.



"For nearly 20 years, she has helped the players improve their performances and provided world-class advice in a kind and sympathetic manner.

"Her expertise, positive attitude and warm personality will be sorely missed and the whole club extends its sympathies to Gail's nearest and dearest."

Her advice was also said to have played a part in Sir Alex’s infamous decision to swap shirts during a heavy defeat at Southampton in 1996, claiming the players couldn’t see each properly in their grey kit.

And tributes have begun to flood in for the scientist who is said to have played a crucial role in using her expertise to help improve player’s performance.

She spent an extended period working with Paul Scholes, when the former England midfielder was sidelined because of problems with his eyesight in 2006.

Associate Executive Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Eileen Thornton, said: “Gail was at the forefront of developing the profession of orthoptics and an expert in binocular vision and sport performance.

"She was an inspirational teacher who found new ways of making learning fun and exciting for her students.

"She will be remembered fondly by her colleagues and students at the University. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time.”

In an interview with the M.E.N in 2010, Prof Stephenson said: “In soccer, improving the way players use their eyes can improve both the quality of the information their eyes receive and the speed they process the information.

“Therefore the quicker they instigate the action, the more effective they will be during a game.”

“Approximately 80 per cent of the information we use to make any decision for an action comes from vision.

“The average person uses their eyes to only about 50% of their full potential, so exercising certain aspects of that vision can increase the percentage and, in some instances, improve an individual’s quality of life.”

United fans and others took to social media to pay tribute today.

Retro United said: “Very sorry to hear of the passing of Gail Stephenson.

“Gail’s daughter Rebecca – a friend of ours – also tragically passed away late last year.

“Our condolences and thoughts are with the Stephenson family.”

Abigail Bayes said: “So sad to hear of the passing of Prof Gail Stephenson who was such an inspiration to the profession of Orthoptics and will be greatly missed.”

As a mark of respect to Gail, United's first team will wear black armbands in the next match, Tuesday night's pre-season game against San Jose Earthquakes in California.