John Giles: Rio Ferdinand’s constant self-promotion is impossible to stomach

The former Ireland player and manager believes that the best of his playing days are behind him since more than three years ago and added his behaviours during David Moyes' time in charge was "appalling".

Ferdinand's autobiography #2Sides is being serialised this week in The Sun and Giles says there is more hype than genuine substance to the former England international.

"For such a decorated individual, he has very little to offer besides self-promotion," he wrote in his column in The Herald today.

"I’ve no objection to that in itself, but when the effort to create headlines and a profile is cruel to other people, a line must be drawn and Ferdinand has been very cruel to David Moyes."

The RTE pundit belives his behaviour towards Moyes during his difficult time in charge at Old Trafford, pinpointing in particular the unhappy tweet about Moyes putting up the team sheet on a Friday is reflective of his character.

"How petty was that and how nasty? Moyes was under ferocious pressure and a senior member of his squad decides to criticise from within and does it by comparing him with the most successful manager the club or England has ever had? Unforgiveable in my eyes."

"Louis van Gaal had him out the door as fast he could and for one reason alone. He’s not very good and hasn’t been for three years – if ever."

The former West Ham United and Leeds defender struck up one of the most fearsome defensive partnerships with Nemanja Vidic, though Giles says that the fearsome Serb made the Ferdinand appear to be a better defender than he was in reality.

"Every great centre-back has a bit of Mick McCarthy in them but Ferdinand had none of this. Nemanja Vidic made him look better than he was."

"Put it this way, if you were offered two Nemanja Vidics or two Rio Ferdinands, what would you pick?"

Read John Giles' full column only in The Herald.