For once, the rumours were true. Sir Alex Ferguson is retiring at Manchester United.
If the ‘Twittersphere’ was abuzz with the rumours, it was positively in meltdown following the confirmation. Ferguson will remain a director at the club, but football in Manchester may never be the same.
Here in Australia, Socceroo stalwarts will remember when Ferguson’s Scotland side came to Australia in 1985.
Australia had a decent chance of qualifying for the World Cup in Mexico, with a squad that included the likes of Charlie Yankos and Oscar Crino, not to mention David Mitchell, Frank Farina, John Kosmina and Alan Davidson.
Under the guidance of Frank Arok, the Socceroos had lost 2-0 in the first leg in Glasgow. Needing two goals to make it a contest, the team wanted to play in Darwin, on a bumpy pitch in the December heat.
Scotland’s legendary manager Jock Stein had just tragically died from a heart attack, and a much younger Alex Ferguson took over the job.
The rest, they say, is history. Under the leadership of Arthur George, the Australian Soccer Federation was more concerned with gate takings than the preparations of the Socceroos.
Instead of subjecting the Scots too the sweltering heat of Darwin, the match was played in cool conditions at Olympic Park in Melbourne.
The Socceroos failed to score, and Alex Ferguson took Scotland to the World Cup.
Taking his country to the World Cup might have been a huge personal achievement for Ferguson, but it’s been shrouded by his later successes with Manchester United.
Sir Alex’s achievements need no repetition here. Anyone who has even a passing interest in football knows the significance of his managerial career. Respect for the Scot transcends club loyalties and national boundaries.
That his retirement has come as a shock says a lot about his presence in British football. After 26 years, during perhaps the most turbulent period in the game’s history, Sir Alex has been a figure of stability in a rapidly changing game.
Since the inception of the Premier League – what Brian Glanville once labelled ‘the greed is good league’ – football has become increasingly more rapacious, as the game has been monetised and commericalised.
In the early days, Alex Ferguson agreed with Glanville’s assessment, criticising the Premier League for selling supporters down the river.
These days, oligarchs, sheiks and money men can simply throw around their wealth, with scant regard for principles of fair play and equality.
That kind of born-to-rule mentality has taken it’s toll on the life-cycle of players, fans, and in particular, managers.
It’s an interesting contradiction, then, that Ferguson was able to remain in the top job for so long at United. Before the ‘new money’ clubs, Manchester United led the charge in the commericalisation of the English game.
It’s a testament to his charisma and to his adaptability as a tactician that he has remained on top into the new era. As The Guardian’s Jonathan Wilson points out, Ferguson is perhaps the most adaptable manager in history. It’s an important point, but one that could have only been realised with the benefit of time.
It’s hard to imagine anyone matching Ferguson’s record any time soon. And not necessarily for a lack of talent, but for a lack of faith.
The culture of the game has changed, to the point where few of the big clubs would ever have the patience to allow their coach time to continually regenerate their squads, and to grow into the job.
Here in the A-League, things are no different. Half the managers that started season eight were sacked, or quit, or moved on to ‘other departments.’
The managerial merry-go round is simply a part of a football culture which rewards short term success over commitment. There is simply no room for sentimentality in the modern game.
Which is not to suggest that Ferguson’s 26 years in the job were a result of charity. Far from it. His own personal journey as a manager illustrates his tremendous ability as both a tactician and a man manager.
Without him, English football may never have seen the genius of Eric Cantona, who he bought for a song from Leeds. Since then, there are several other tremendously talented but tempestuous players that flourished under his guidance.
But his managerial abilities are only just part of the reason we’ll miss Sir Alex. His presence at United reminded us of a different era of stability, reliability and loyalty.
It looks as if David Moyes will take over at United after his contract finished up at Everton. He’s surely on a hiding to nothing. In saying goodbye to Sir Alex, we are also saying goodbye to one of the last great clubmen.
j binnie
Guest
James - Just Google a coach,Ernst Happel and you will read of a man who was not only a better player than those being suggested as the "coach of the century". This man won "doubles",cups and leagues in 3 different countries, won 2 European Cups (before the mighty Ajax), won an inter-continental Cup,and took Holland to the World Cup Final in 1978. That was something neither Mourinho or Fergie has done and never has he,Happel,coached at any of the financial giants of these days, so he had to make do with what he had. jb
Stavros
Guest
Couldn't have said it better myself. Greg Baum wrote a great article on SAF in todays Melbourne Age. Really annoyed me the way the English media would just let him get away with all his bullying. That's what I love about Benitiez. When asked last week what he has got to say about Ferguson's great achievements, he just said 'In England'.
James Hothersall
Guest
oh the hyperbole for this man who was been able to buy 13 championships, bully refs & players and never be gracious in defeat. The greatest ever? not even in the same league. Nobody ever mentions Hugo Meisl, Jimmy Hogan, Herbert Chapman, Brian Clough or Bela Guttman anymore. Murinho has already won the two Champions League titles in half the time. United's money come from within - seriously? They floated on the stock exchange TWICE - and are now using bonds to raise funds. He would be missed If he wasn't a monster
j binnie
Guest
Careful Joe - You may tread on some toes talking about the ASF the way you do.The biggest joke of all was that not only was the game in Scotland played in the middle of their winter but was also played under floodlight ( a couple of degrees colder) and, in retaliation it WAS suggested that the return leg be played on a bumpy pitch in Darwin at "high noon", but I'll leave you to guess where that suggestion came from !!!!!!!!.Fergie was right, Jim Leighton had to play the game of his life in ideal conditions on a mild Melbourne evening, but in the end Fergie took his team to the World Cup. It should also be said he only got that job due to tragic death of Jock Stein some weeks earlier and it came as no surprise to anyone who knows Scottish football that he,Fergie, was gone as soon as Scotland exited the WC after 3 matches.The other controvesy over Fergie's tenure at that time was the number of Aberdeen and Dundee United players that were used in the games,a total of nine. Dundee United at that time were being run by a man who many consider a true genius in the coaching world , and who was also a great friend of Fergie's, a Jim McLean, who emulated Stein in taking his home grown teams to European finals. Fergie did this too of course but his Aberdeen were a much wealthier club than United.Your mate jb
Colin N
Guest
"I think what shouldn’t be forgotten is Ferguson had the best at he’s disposal all the time,I remember Ferguson individually smashed the Brittish transfer fee, five times through he’s tenure at the club." But that money has come from their own ability to make Manchester United into a global power. Unlike City or Chelsea, United's money has been come from within if you like, not a rich, external investor. (I'm not sure the Glazers particularly count having transferred millions of pounds of debt to the club) And United's foundations for success came from their class of '92, which included Beckham, Neville, Butt and Scholes, while Giggs also came through the academy. That's why I don't understand the criticisms of United in regards to their spending. Yes, they spend a lot of money but at least it's come 'properly'
agga78
Guest
On the Australia Scotland match Ferguson actually thought Australia unbelievable in Melbourne and should battered Scotland 5-0 on the day. This interview Alex talks about his mentor and biggest influence on his career Jock Stein whom he rightfully says is the greatest football manger of all time. http://sport.stv.tv/football/196751-sir-alex-ferguson-remembers-jock-stein-full-video-interview/
Ben Talintyre
Roar Rookie
Greatest manager in English football history. Will go doen in the history books. Moyes has definately got big shoes to fill and Manchester United fans must give him time
Bondy
I think what shouldn't be forgotten is Ferguson had the best at he's disposal all the time,I remember Ferguson individually smashed the Brittish transfer fee, five times through he's tenure at the club. He will be remembered by Man Utd as there single most important asset to there club and for eternity. Good luck to David Moyes "a fellow Scott" . Does anybody now of any bigger shoes to fill in pro sports globally, I don't.
Jason Cave
Guest
Irrespective of whether you liked/loved football or not, you will have the the utmost repsect for Sir Alex Ferguson and what he has done for Manchester United. Essendon supporters will probably understand what Manchester United supporters are going through right now. The Bombers went through a smilar situation when Kevin Sheedy departed Essendon after 27 years as coach including 4 AFL premierships. However, Sheedy's record is in stark contrast to Ferguson, whose CV included 13 EPL titles, 5 FA Cups, 4 League Cups, 10 Community Shields, 2 UEFA Champions League titles, 2 Cup Winners Cup, 1 UEFA Super Cup and 1 FIFA Club World Cup-all with Manchester United. A living legend. And it's good to see that Sir Alex will continue on as a Director and Ambassador for Manchester United. After all, when you think of the Red Devils, you think of one man: Sir Alex Ferguson. Enjoy retirement, Fergie!
Andy
Guest
Well-written article, Joe. Can't say I've ever been the biggest Man United fan but gotta respect SAF!