Tribute To Sir Alex Ferguson

[machoman]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&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]

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 ). 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]

Thanks for everything, Boss.

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]

Originally Posted by mr_missile

thanks bro machoman for this thread.

i have supported united since ron atkinson was manager (yes, i am THAT ancient ). 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]

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.

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]

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

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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[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.

[mr_missile]

Originally Posted by machoman

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?