Tribute To Sir Alex Ferguson

[machoman]

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ikoLWI0cWZc

Fergie, 71, walks away from Old Trafford having secured United’s 13th Premier League title.

The Scot said: “The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about and one that I have not taken lightly. It is the right time.

“It was important to me to leave an organisation in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so.

"The quality of this league-winning squad, and the balance of ages within it, bodes well for continued success at the highest level whilst the structure of the youth set-up will ensure that the long-term future of the club remains a bright one.

“Our training facilities are amongst the finest in global sport and our home Old Trafford is rightfully regarded as one of the leading venues in the world

“Going forward, I am delighted to take on the roles of both director and ambassador for the club. With these activities, along with my many other interests, I am looking forward to the future."

Ferguson added: "I must pay tribute to my family, their love and support has been essential.

"My wife Cathy has been the key figure throughout my career, providing a bedrock of both stability and encouragement. Words are not enough to express what this has meant to me.

“As for my players and staff, past and present, I would like to thank them all for a staggering level of professional conduct and dedication that has helped to deliver so many memorable triumphs.

"Without their contribution the history of this great club would not be as rich.

“In my early years, the backing of the board, and Sir Bobby Charlton in particular, gave me the confidence and time to build a football club, rather than just a football team.

“Over the past decade, the Glazer family have provided me with the platform to manage Manchester United to the best of my ability and I have been extremely fortunate to have worked with a talented and trustworthy chief executive in David Gill. I am truly grateful to all of them.

“To the fans, thank you. The support you have provided over the years has been truly humbling.

"It has been an honour and an enormous privilege to have had the opportunity to lead your club and I have treasured my time as manager of Manchester United.”

Along with 13 league titles, Ferguson also guided United to two European Cups, five FA Cups and four League Cup triumphs.

His last last game in charge will be at West Brom on May 19.

[machoman]

http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01667/DAVID620_1667438a.jpg

I've just seen the news on Sir Alex. As I have said many times before the boss wasn't just the greatest and best manager I ever played under he was also a father figure to me from the moment I arrived at the club at the age of 11 until the day I left.

Without him I would never have achieved what I have done in my career. He understood how important it was to play for your country and he knew how much it meant to me.

After '98 without the manager I would have found it virtually impossible to cope with the attention I was getting on and off the field and for this I will always be grateful to him for his support and protection.

I am truly honoured to have been guided by the greatest manager in football and to have had the career that I had under him.

Thank you boss and enjoy the rest!

[mr_missile]

thanks bro machoman for this thread.

i have supported united since ron atkinson was manager (yes, i am THAT ancient :p). most of my schoolmates were pool fans as they were then kings of the old english div 1. but i chose to support united because of their history (munich air crash and sir matt busby etc) and the attacking style in their games.

then sir alex came in and awakened the sleeping giant. we are now not just a football club, but an institution mainly due to sir alex's contributions over the past 26 years.

thank you sir!

[machoman]

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02403/Cristiano-Ronaldo__2403317b.jpg

Thanks for everything, Boss.

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQuPCVtNIHFKudOxfZhAgXYqWqUJN26m miKVJbDf9Ypv0YXUhTW

It's just not sinking in! Manchester United with no Sir Alex just doesn't feel right. What a man and great that it has ended on his terms.

What a privilege to have played under arguably the best manager the world has ever seen.

His record will surely never be eclipsed. Simply astonishing to read through his managerial record of achievements.

[machoman]

thanks bro machoman for this thread.

i have supported united since ron atkinson was manager (yes, i am THAT ancient :p). most of my schoolmates were pool fans as they were then kings of the old english div 1. but i chose to support united because of their history (munich air crash and sir matt busby etc) and the attacking style in their games.

then sir alex came in and awakened the sleeping giant. we are now not just a football club, but an institution mainly due to sir alex's contributions over the past 26 years.

thank you sir!

I have supported Man Utd since mid 70's when Liverpool were top dogs. :)

[machoman]

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He's been such a focal point at the football club. He's taken Manchester United to the level they are at right now

It's a shock to the system because he's been there every day. He's the one person when you go into the football club he's always there. For him not to be there from the start of next season, it's not going to be right around the football club and it will take some getting used to.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-obSER7h4lkg/T9JLc_BgnjI/AAAAAAAAAJc/sBd2P1hqpy0/s1600/Ince.jpg

You will never see anyone of his kind again. It's come as a massive, massive shock to hear the news that he will retire at the end of the season.

I was one of the fortunate ones, I spent six fantastic years at United. The first time I joined United I failed my medical and I thought my move was about to collapse. But he treated me as a son.

He was was so demanding, his standards were so high. He had ups and downs with all the players, but the man was immense and he got the best out of me that's for sure.

[machoman]

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Sir Alex, one of the best managers of all time. After 26 years of success in the game, we all owe him a tribute.


http://arsenalarsenal.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/patrick-vieira.jpg

It is the end of an era for a truly great ambassador, not only for the Premier League but for football overall. Best of luck to Sir Alex.

[machoman]

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[machoman]

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[machoman]

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[machoman]

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http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/audio/video/2013/5/8/1368017495203/Alex-Ferguson-retires-the-016.jpg

[machoman]

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[machoman]

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[VoltaRedonda]

Thanks Bro Machoman for this thread, I supported Manchester United since 1996 so the news is still hard to sink in :( . Hopefully Sir Alex can guide David Moyes as he is now the director of football at Man United.:D

[mr_missile]

I have supported Man Utd since mid 70's when Liverpool were top dogs. :)

so you are at least as ancient as me lor! days of sammy mcllroy, lou macari, joe jordon, gordon mcqueen and gary bailey? :)

[machoman]

so you are at least as ancient as me lor! days of sammy mcllroy, lou macari, joe jordon, gordon mcqueen and gary bailey? :)

Yup. :eek:

Going to miss the old hairdryer. :D

http://www.joe.ie/uploads/s/37/580//Fergie.jpg


"The "hairdryer treatment" name came from Mark Hughes, nickname: Sparky. Mark Hughes, former United striker and now Wales manager, said: "He would stand nose-to-nose with you and just shout and bawl, and you would end up with your hair behind your head."

Mark Hughes gave the nickname to the fearsome decibel-busting rollickings dished out by the boss over his 20 years in charge at Manchester United.

[machoman]

Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement has given us a good reason to cast our minds back over his 26 year tenure and pick what we think is his strongest team from all those years in charge at the Theatre of Dreams.

Each and every one of the following players will have experienced the great man's infamous hairdryer treatment at some stage, and some certainly left Old Trafford not on the best of terms with their gaffer.

Here's who we picked, with the reasons why - but as ever with these lists, it's only one opinion and we would welcome your views to the contrary.


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Peter Schmeichel - Quite simply the best. The Great Dane was an absolute colossus in his eight years between the sticks, culminating in him being captain of the team that won the treble in 1999. Voted the world's best keeper in 1992 and 1993. Oh, and who can forget his legendary tussles with Ian Wright...

Gary Neville - One of Fergie's fledglings, and another who went on to skipper the side with distinction, Neville was a one-club man who is still England's most capped right-back. His hatred of Liverpool was legendary, but with eight league titles to his name, not to mention countless other trophies, Phil's big brother was certainly Mr Consistent.

Jaap Stam - One of those who Fergie fell out with due to comments in his autobiography, and which hastened his departure from Manchester, the giant Dutchman formed a brilliant partnership with Ronnie Johnsen. Equally adept in the air and with his feet, he surprisingly only spent three seasons at Old Trafford.

Nemanja Vidic - The Serbian gets the nod over Pallister/Bruce/Ferdinand due to his powerful and consistent performances. Another one to skipper the side in recent seasons, and has survived Fergie at Old Trafford, although injuries are starting to affect his career.

Denis Irwin - Undoubtedly one of, if not the best left-back to play in the Premier League. Lighting pace down the left made him a real handful going forward, and he was a brilliant free-kick taker that got him more than his fair share of goals.

Cristiano Ronaldo - For many, arguably already one of the all-time greats of the world game, despite being only 28. Enjoyed a close relationship with Sir Alex and still does to this day. Pace, trickery, great in the air and a mean free-kick artist. Ronaldo has it all - except perhaps for humility, and the ability to know when enough is enough with the hair gel.

Roy Keane - Like Stam, his United exodus was far from cordial, but his fiery character and unflinching commitment to the cause made him the player he was. Remembered particularly for his battles with Patrick Vieira at Arsenal, Keane was a United captain who demanded everything from his troops. His selfless display in the 1999 Champions League semi-final resulted in a card that saw him banned for the final - the Irishman thoroughly merited his place on the greatest stage of all.

Paul Scholes - Like Fergie, announced his retirement only to find the pull of Old Trafford too much to resist. Lauded by the likes of Zidane and Gerrard as the greatest midfielder they ever played against, the 'ginger ninja's' incredible passing and powerful shot won many a game. Rarely had a poor game, and is set to call it a day at the end of this campaign.

Ryan Giggs - United's longest serving player, and another Fergie fledgling like Neville and Scholes. The boss said his mazy runs gave defenders "twisted blood", and who would argue? Still playing in his 40th year and set for at least one more season, the Welshman is United's most decorated player of all time. And don't forget his goal to knock Arsenal out of the FA Cup in their 1999 semi-final replay - wow.

Eric Cantona - The Frenchman is often hailed as being the key to United's renaissance. Like Keane, he had a fiery temperament and was never far from controversy. Blessed with a touch of genius, King Eric could do things that most fellow professionals could only dream about. The swagger and puffed out chest marked him out as a firm fan favourite - the United faithful still sing his name at every home game.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy - The Dutchman was another to fall out with Fergie before leaving for Real Madrid, but having waited to sign him after a career-threatening injury, United got more than their money's worth. Didn't score too many from outside the box, but what a finisher.

SUBS

Edwin Van der Sar - Fergie always said he regretted not signing the Dutchman earlier in his career - unlucky to miss out but a more than able deputy to Schmeichel.

Gary Pallister - Part of the famed partnership with Steve Bruce, Pallister's aerial ability marked him out as a defensive rock.

Bryan Robson - Fergie's Captain Marvel - another midfield dynamo that got goals as well. The former England captain is unlucky to miss out to Keane, but injuries affected his time under Fergie.

Andrei Kanchelskis - Phenomenal pace and skill, the Russian's inclusion might surprise a few, but was a great watch for this observer.

David Beckham - Wore the number seven shirt prior to Ronaldo's arrival and another quite brilliant talent. Only misses out because of the Portuguese's exceptional ability.

Mark Hughes - The powerful Welshman made scoring look easy - from both inside and outside the box.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - The Norwegian is the original United 'supersub' - could always be relied on to come on and score.

[machoman]

Guard Of Honour For Sir Alex Ferguson




http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=G473UuSghuU

[machoman]

http://img2.uploadhouse.com/fileuploads/17697/17697086281670ffdaa4b937084f76472a25e280.jpg

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 12: Manchester United Manager Sir Alex Ferguson lifts the Premier League trophy following the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Swansea City at Old Trafford on May 12, 2013 in Manchester, England

[machoman]

Haircryer: For 47yrs my Cathy sacrificed for me...so I think I owe her time now

- Tears at Fergie's emotional final game

By RICHARD MORIARTY at Old Trafford


SIR Alex Ferguson yesterday revealed he decided to retire so he could devote time to grieving wife Cathy.

The Manchester United legend said he started planning to step down around Christmas when Cathy was coming to terms with the October death of her sister Bridget.

Fergie, 71 — speaking after an amazing emotional farewell to a 76,000 crowd at Old Trafford — said: “Things changed when Cathy’s sister died. She’s isolated a lot now and I think I owe her a lot of my own time.

“For 47 years she’s been the leader of the family, looked after three sons and sacrificed for me.

“I think she’s lost her best friend, her sister Bridget, so I think I owe her time, that was important.”

A source said: “Alex has quit for Cathy and that shows the kind of man he is. He could have gone on another couple of years but but his wife — and looking after her — is more important.”

Sir Alex said that once he had made up his mind to go he was determined to end his 27-year Manchester United reign on a high — and did so by winning his 13th Premier League title at a canter.

He added: “I wanted to go out a winner, that’s really important.”

Fergie said he kept his retirement plans a closely-guarded secret.

He admitted he did not tell his three sons until March — and only broke the news to his brother when it started to leak out on Tuesday.

Sir Alex said: “It was very difficult, there were some times when I nearly blurted it out to the family, you know, the grandchildren.

“I told my sons round about March and my brother didn’t even know until Tuesday night because I wanted to tell the players first really, the players and my staff.”

Fergie also said he had to keep his emotions from bubbling over yesterday as he made a moving farewell speech to fans.

He said: “I’ve had a few days of sort of wobbling a bit but you just have to gather yourself a wee bit, I had to do that today.

“I was ready for bubbly there for a bit — I mean the staff and all those flags. The atmosphere today was unbelievable.”


Sir Alex also confirmed Wayne Rooney had asked for a transfer. Rooney was not in United’s line-up yesterday but joined in the celebrations with the other United stars and their families.

He said: “I don’t think Wayne was keen to play simply because he has asked for a transfer.

“I think he wants to think things through, I think that’s a good idea. We’re not going to let him go.”

Sir Alex was speaking after his 723rd and final match in charge at Old Trafford was transformed into a joyous celebration of his astonishing managerial career.

At the end of United’s 2-1 victory over Swansea Fergie was joined on the pitch by his family, players and staff.

As delirious fans cheered and waved banners, a beaming Fergie hugged his 11 grandchildren.


Each of the children wore a United shirt with the message “Grandad 20” — marking the 2013 Premier League title, his 38th top-flight trophy.

Fergie said farewell to the 76,000 fans who had packed into the Theatre of Dreams in a four-minute speech. He said: “I’ve got no script in my mind. I’m just going to ramble on and hope I get to the core of what this club is meant to be.

“You have been the most fantastic experience of my life.

“My retirement doesn’t mean the end of life with the club. I’ll now be able to enjoy watching them rather than suffer with them.”

Sir Alex ended with a call for the fans to rally behind his chosen successor, Everton boss David Moyes. And he also paid tribute to United’s midfield marvel Paul Scholes, who also said farewell to Old Trafford as a player yesterday.

Fergie said: “Your job now is to stand by our new manger. That is important. Before I start bubbling, I just want to pay tribute to Paul Scholes who retires today.

“Unbelievable, one of greatest players this club has ever had or ever will have.”

Fans and former players were visibly moved by Fergie’s farewell.Former United keeper Peter Schmeichel said the electric atmosphere gave him “goosebumps”.

He said he had never seen his former boss so emotional before, adding: “His voice was breaking.”

Supporter Chris Hicks, 49, said: “I’m sad to see Sir Alex go. I had a tear in my eye when he led the players on their lap of honour.”

Otis Williams, 36, added: “What an amazing celebration of everything Fergie has achieved.”

Cathy’s sister Bridget Robertson, 77, died of cancer in a Glasgow hospice in October.

She and husband John used to holiday with Sir Alex and Cathy.

A source said: “Sir Alex visited the hospice and he and Cathy would often just sit with Bridget for the entire day.

“Cathy and Bridget were like twins and did everything together.”

[machoman]

Good Knight From Me

http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01727/alextrophy_1727328a.jpg

JUST CHAMPION ... Alex Ferguson holds aloft his 13th Premier League trophy

ALEX FERGUSON choked back the tears and thanked Manchester United for “the most fantastic experience of my life.”

Sir Alex bowed out after 26½ years as Old Trafford boss — and United fittingly beat Swansea 2-1 with a late goal.

He told the crowd: “You have given me the most fantastic experience of my life. A lot of the players here have represented this club in the proper way and won the championship in fantastic fashion.”

An emotional Ferguson, who did two laps of honour — the second with all his grandchildren — was handed the microphone during the farewell celebrations to give his own personal message.

And he admitted he would have killed the fourth official if there had been too much Fergie time.

[machoman]

His United sides have famously won so many trophies thanks to crucial last-gasp goals — most notably the one which landed the 1999 Champions League and sealed the Treble.

After being given a real run for their money by the Swans yesterday, Ferguson added: “I love those last-minute goals. I must tell you, I love them.

“But if the fourth official put up seven minutes I would have killed him!”

Old Trafford was awash with a mixture of tears and a party atmosphere as Fergie said: “I will just ramble on and hopefully get to the core of what this football club has meant to me.

“Thank you to Manchester United not just the directors, medical staff, coaching staff and players... it is all of you.

“I have been fortunate to be able to manage some of the greatest players in the country let alone Manchester United.

“My retirement doesn’t mean the end of my life with the club. I’ll be able to enjoy watching them rather than suffer with them.

“All those last-minute goals, comebacks and defeats, they have all been part of this club of ours and it has been an unbelievable experience for all of us.”

Ferguson then left the arena with his players before the Premier League trophy was brought out by Steve Bruce and Bryan Robson — who lifted the first of his 13 titles.

After each player was awarded his medal, Ferguson lifted the trophy for the last time as fireworks went off from the top of the stand named in his honour.

[mr_missile]

Ferguson's speech in full:

"I've got no script in my mind, I'm just going to ramble on and hope I get to the core of what this club is meant to be.

"First of all, it's a thank you to Manchester United; not just the directors, not just the medical staff, the coaching staff, the players, the supporters, it's all of you. You have been the most fantastic experience of my life. Thank you.

"I have been very fortunate. I have been able to manage some of the greatest players in the country, let alone Manchester United.

"All these players here today have represented our club in the proper way - they have won a championship in a fantastic fashion. Well done to the players.

"My retirement doesn't mean the end of my life with the club. I will now be able to enjoy watching them rather than suffer with them.

"If you think about it, those last minute goals, the comebacks - even the defeats are all part of this great football club of ours. It has been an unbelievable experience for all of us, so thank you for that.

"I'd also like to remind you that when we had bad times here the club stood by me, all my staff stood by me, the players stood by me - your job now is to stand by our new manger. That is important.

"I'd just, before I start bubbling, I just want to pay tribute to Paul Scholes who retires today. Unbelievable, one of greatest players this club has ever had or ever will have. Paul, we wish you a good retirement. I know you will be around to annoy me. Also, I would like to say a little word wishing Darren Fletcher a speedy comeback to our club.

"The players, I wish the players every success in the future. You know how good you are, you know the jersey you are wearing, you know what it means to everyone here ,

"Don't let yourselves down. The expectation is always there.

"I'm going home, I'm going inside for a while. I just want to say thank you from all the Ferguson family, they are all up there - 11 grandchildren.

"Thank you, thank you."

[Castrol]

i have always wished he would stop managing man utd.
why? man utd have been kicking ass when he's around, including my beloved spurs'... :D

but sir alex has no equal, and this day i put my humble hands together in respect for the man's winning ways in his beautiful game of attacking football.

salute to the greatest football manager i have ever seen.

[mr_missile]

i have always wished he would stop managing man utd.
why? man utd have been kicking ass when he's around, including my beloved spurs'... :D

but sir alex has no equal, and this day i put my humble hands together in respect for the man's winning ways in his beautiful game of attacking football.

salute to the greatest football manager i have ever seen.

well said bro. you a truly a football fan.

wishing you and your beloved spurs all the best in your quest for a top 4 place. :)

[Castrol]

well said bro. you a truly a football fan.

wishing you and your beloved spurs all the best in your quest for a top 4 place. :)

cheers bro! my happiness rest with wigan! :D

[PowerTAN_P_W]

u all can also pay tribute to my 5 star threads here. ;)

http://www.sammyboyforum.com/showthread.php?t=366595

Rgds,
Ah Wee

[Iluminati]

Thank you for everything Sir Alex Ferguson! :)