Читать книгу Glory, Glory Man Utd - Harry Harris - Страница 11

SIR ALEX EVEN SURPRISED HIMSELF. He was taken aback as he tried to take in his own incredible milestone as he bid his third and final farewell at the end of a marathon career in management.

“Quite incredibleʼ, is how Sir Alex described his remarkable longevity at Old Trafford. The 1,500th game of his Manchester United career; a simply staggering statistic, and one the football world knows will never be repeated at this footballing institution or indeed anywhere else around the world

As he prepared for the final Premier League game of Unitedʼs championship season, effectively his third and final farewell following the Old Trafford goodbye, the victory parade and now the final farewell at The Hawthorns, he commented, “So my last game, 1,500 matches – quite incredible.” Yes, quite right. Quite remarkable.

Typically, he wasnʼt looking for yet another party, although he was going to get one whether he liked it or not, but as usual he was seeking all three points, even though his team didnʼt really need them. “I want to win this one more than last weekʼs even,” he remarked, and whoever was digesting that comment would be wondering why he was bothering. But Sir Alex always bothered, it is in his DNA, when it came to winning football matches, he took that task deadly seriously irrespective of the circumstances.

There was a sense that Sir Alex had suffered sufficient emotional highs to live with him for the full term of his retirement, and that one more would be over the top. Sir Alex said, “Sunday was amazing and the parade on Monday, it was incredible, even better than 1999. I thought the scenes after the treble in 1999 couldnʼt be beaten but I think Monday probably did. I went home that night and got 10 hours sleep for the first time in my life. It was marvellous, really good.”

Relaxed in his final press conference, the usual Friday morning before a weekend game, this meeting with the media was different, the last time under the usual circumstances, a match to preview; an uncomfortable chore usually in his lovehate relationship with the media. He used the media for his mind games, but deep down detested them for the damage that could be done when sensitive information leaked out of his dressing room, no matter how hard he tried to keep a lid on it. Now, at a time for reflection, he had a captivated audience. It was always going to be vastly different than the norm, and thatʼs precisely how it began with Sir Alex was applauded into the room and given a bottle of wine and a cake, presented by The Sunʼs Manchester based correspondent, Neil Custis, who has the distinction of being banned by Sir Alex more times than anyone else, estimated at seven times, but it had occurred so often that the reporter himself had lost count.

So, on this rare, special occasion, there was not the usual tea or coffee at the training ground for his media briefing, but wine, served in plastic cups at nine in the morning. At his previous press conference, Sir Alex poured champagne for the media to celebrate the 20th League title and then suggested the Greater Manchester Police would be waiting with breathalyzers at the end of the single – track road that leads to the Carrington training complex. Of course, he was jesting. Or was he? Sometimes you couldnʼt tell.

Neil Custis is a nice chap, one of the newspaper pack I have known for some time, and one of those I can trust, which marks him out. Presenting the cake Neil spoke for the rest of the reporters by saying, “Itʼs been a rollercoaster ride and it mirrors Manchester United for all of us. Thereʼve been highs and lows, but I think when Sir Alex has been on form with us anywhere from Carrington to Kansas, from Turin to the Temple of Doom he has brought drama heʼs brought colour to our pages. When heʼs been on form itʼs been gold. He has left us with phrases that will go down in the annals, and he has left us all with squeaky bum time on occasions! In years to come all of us will look back and feel privileged that we did this job at a time when this manager was manager of this football club, and for that, we thank him.”

Sir Alex might have some private views about the media, and their attitudes toward him and his club, and the complexities of how his views have been interpreted over the years. This was not the time nor place to express them, rather to accept the cake in the spirit it was accepted, irrespective of whether he might have wished to splash that cake in some of the assembled faces, the way some of the more unsavoury headlines had been splashed across the back, and often front pages of their newspapers.

Instead Sir Alex put the media into perspective when he said, “Dealing with the modern media is difficult for managers and Iʼve been lucky that Iʼve integrated into all the different stages in my time here. It got me in a position where sometimes I donʼt accept what you write and sometimes when you write nice things, I tend to dismiss it also. Iʼve always thought youʼve had a terrible job, a difficult job with the pressure youʼre under with modern television, the internet, Facebook and all the rest of the nonsense. But Iʼve never held grudges. Even when Iʼve banned people, I donʼt hold grudges as itʼs not my style. I react and then forget about it sometime later. Thanks for the kind words Neil, it was very good of you, and thanks for the time Iʼve had here.”

This was more a time for Sir Alex to reminisce, as he went on, ʼThirty nine years as a manager and from that day staring at East Stirling with eight players and no goalkeeper to today six ʼkeepers and about 100 players , if you count the academy. I remember the old chairman; he was a great chain – smoker. I asked him for a list of players he had and he started to shake, his cigarette was going 100 miles an hour. He gave me a list of eight players with no goalkeeper. I said: ʼYou know itʼs advisable to start with a goalkeeperʼ. That was an education that. It was fantastic. Anyone starting in management should start that kind of way but I donʼt suppose it is that way now.

“Iʼm driven to take on some challenges and some other things right away. Iʼve got the league managersʼ meeting on Monday, Newmarket Tuesday and Wednesday. Iʼm going on holiday, itʼs the Derby on 1 June, then the operation, then the recuperation, then the season starts. It canʼt be a substitution, itʼs a different life.ʼ

Following Sir Alex, and Scholes, David Beckham announced his retirement also going out on a high after his team Paris St. Germain won the Ligue 1 title becoming the first English player to win top – flight league titles in four different countries. He played 11 years for Sir Alex between 1992 and 2003 and his former Boss was eager to offer his tribute, quelling any lingering doubts about their mutual respect despite the dressing room big boot fall out. Sir Alex commented, “You talk about longevity and in many ways reinventing himself, it has been absolutely incredible. When he went to America there wasnʼt a person in this place who really thought he could have a career. Yet he went on and still played for his country, he played for AC Milan in European ties and he played for PSG in European ties, and I donʼt think anyone could have imagined that.”

Sir Alex had signed the Leytonstone youngster as an 11-year-old in 1991 as Becks graduated from the ʼClass of 92ʼ along with Giggs, Scholes, Gary Neville and Nicky Butt, making almost 400 appearances under Fergie, winning six Premier League titles, a Champions League medal and two FA Cups. After a fall – out in 2003 following an FA Cup defeat by Arsenal when Fergie kicked a boot which hit Beckham in the face and inevitably Becks moved on to Real Madrid for £24.5 million. Sir Alex added: “The one thing he always had was unbelievable stamina as a kid. He had the best stamina in the club. He could run all day, and that has allowed him to stay in the game at that kind of level, playing for his country in his mid-30s. Coming from American football to do that is quite amazing, and he is an amazing person. I think heʼs picked the right time. Heʼs won the league again with PSG and he is exactly the same as me, he has plenty of things to do. Heʼs a young man, we know that fashion will be his role I would imagine but he will have plenty of things to do.”

However the big issue in the back of everybodyʼs mind was how new manager David Moyes would fill the big boots of Sir Alex, if indeed he could and how long would the United board, which now contained Moyesʼ biggest backer, Sir Alex himself, give him? And how would Sir Alex ensure that the “Busby Factorʼ didnʼt repeat itself.

Sir Alex commented, “Sir Matt created Manchester United, he was the origin of what we are today, thereʼs no doubt about that. He had the vision to take the club into Europe, he put the emphasis on younger players, we owe all that to him. I have just tried to carry it on. Now I am in the same situation he faced 40odd years ago. Iʼve got a good record but the past is the past. The future now lies with a new manager who will get all the support he needs. This is not the end of Manchester United as far as winning titles is concerned. I donʼt see any reason why we canʼt continue this success.”

Sir Alex wisely advised going for an experienced manager, unlike, after the phenomenal Busby era, the United board chose relatively inexperienced coaches, Wilf McGuinness and Frank OʼFarrell who had managed Leicester City but was totally unprepared for the pressure of the hottest seat in world football. Sir Alex explained, “Manchester United isnʼt a job for a young man, you need something solid behind you. Iʼm sure David Moyes has the character to succeed here. Heʼs got good experience behind him, just the same as I had when I came down from Aberdeen. My eight and a half years there involved some big challenges, but we got through it because we had good people in place and we worked hard. If I hadnʼt had that experience from Aberdeen I donʼt know if Iʼd have done as well here. David has built teams at Everton, he has overcome the clubʼs financial limitations to put out sides of great character, capable of great performances. When you think what he inherited, remembering that when Walter Smith was there Everton used to sell their best players every season, that took some doing.”

Sir Alexʼs legacy is well documented and he leaves Moyes with a title – winning squad, a 76,000 – seater stadium, one of the best youth set – ups in the world and a state – of – the – art training facility, but that doesnʼt make it easy for Moyes, far from it, much harder in many respects. Sir Alex recognises the fact, “Iʼve always respected and admired the work David has done at Everton. Back in 1999 I interviewed him for the job and Iʼve watched his progress. He has a work ethic about him and heʼs a serious football man. These are the qualities heʼs going to need. Heʼs got perseverance about him. Eleven years without any tremendous financial backing but heʼs persevered with it and created some decent Everton teams. Heʼs had to deal with a lot of financial constraints yet his teams have always been successful. They are the qualities heʼs going to need at our club. The one thing you have to do is definitely sacrifice and perseverance – itʼs not always a golden path of riches. You have hard days and difficult days, especially with the losses.”

So can Sir Alex let go? He says ʼyesʼ, but it wonʼt be as easy as even he thinks. Yet, he is adamant he has learned from the post Busby failings, “Iʼm finished, done, I made the break last week. Itʼs not an issue for me, Iʼll just get on with the next stage of my life. It is important to remain active, but health permitting Iʼve got plenty of things lined up to be doing. Iʼd like to go and watch Boca Juniors play River Plate. Thatʼs one game Iʼve always wanted to go and see. Now Iʼve got a bit of time I fancy taking in the Melbourne Cup and the Kentucky Derby at some point too. Thereʼs a lot of things you can do, as long as you keep your health. The ambassador role at United takes up 20 days a year, so I should have plenty of time.”

Sir Alex is no doubt whatsoever that he is leaving the club in better shape than when he started, unarguably better than when Busby himself left the dugout. He argues, “Football is a harsher environment these days, just look at the number of sackings, with Mancini being probably the biggest example. The owners are not English anymore, they are American, Russian, Middle Eastern, and therefore remote to an extent. Itʼs a different culture. Agents are another big change since I came into the game, and Iʼm not sure for the better. I used to talk to parents, that was part of the job if you had identified a promising youngster. I donʼt even know any parents anymore. I just deal with agents all the time.”

He leaves without looking back with any regrets, not even winding up Kevin Keegan! He said, “I have always thought that mind games and my supposed part in them were completely overrated. Sometimes Iʼve said provocative things or tried to get my point of view across in advance of a game, because you try to get an edge wherever you can, but the Kevin Keegan incident was a complete accident. I was angry with the Leeds players because Howard Wilkinson was under pressure, and heʼs a mate of mine. I just made the point that Leeds should be playing as well as they played at Old Trafford all the time. I wasnʼt thinking of Newcastle at all.”

Sir Alex advised his successor to keep on top of referees, as he had done so successfully over the years, as he explained, “Thatʼs been a part of it too, the pressure you try to put on referees, but I save mind games for opponents.”

Reflecting on the next stage of the Manchester rivalry, Sir Alex reflected the stability David Moyes would inherit, in contrast to the apparent chaos down the road. “What happens at Man City wonʼt have any bearing on David. Heʼs got the structure here and heʼs got the experience. Heʼs had to handle things at Everton that are more difficult probably. I donʼt think that matters. I think the enormity of the club will be the most difficult aspect, he will soon realise that anyway. The global brand and number of sponsors we have, he has to fit into that. I donʼt think thatʼs an issue though and the most important thing is the team. Heʼs got a good squad of players and he will want to add to that. He will have his own ideas and thatʼs good. He will be fine.”

Sir Alex added: “People used to say to me ʼdo you think this one will be a manager or manage Unitedʼ about players who are not even in the job now. Football is that kind of industry. When youʼre assessing the job here you have to get somebody who has the longevity and the experience over a long time to manage this club. That is why David was above everyone else. I hope he can survive long term. Itʼs the one club he could do that at. Weʼve shown great loyalty to our managers.”

Evertonʼs American keeper Tim Howard worked with Moyes for seven years and knows that Sir Alexʼs infamous ʼhairdryerʼ temper can be replicated by his successor. Howard gave an insight to Moyes work at Goodison Park, in work each and every day and “not taking any short cuts”. Howard added, “He does not allow players to rest or slacken off. Look at a player like me, selected for damn near every game, so I think he has the utmost trust in me. But I can tell you with my hand on my heart that in training, when the goalkeepers get called over to work with the rest of the first team, I feel a bit of nerves. You might think itʼs only the training ground, but if I throw one in, itʼs not as if he looks the other way, he gives me a hammering from the touchline. After seven years youʼd think a guy like me, who he trusts would get a break, but no, he is still on at you. Thatʼs his ethos, thatʼs just how he is. He keeps you on your toes and believing you have to give more. United and Everton are in the same boat with having to replace the manager in terms of expectation and all the rest.”

And so to Sir Alexʼs last game. It was an occasion not to be missed for the dedicated foot soldiers of Unitedʼs Red Army. Most had probably seen his first game at Oxford in 1986. One fan bought 700 of West Bromʼs 20,000 special edition £4 programmes, a 144 – page special edition, the biggest ever produced for a domestic fixture, with 38 – pages devoted to the visiting manager, handing a programme seller £2,800. Another supporter bought 300 for £1,200. The programme detailed Sir Alexʼs life and time and contains a eulogy from one of Six Alexʼs greatest ever captains and players Bryan Robson ʼto the greatest club manager in the worldʼ.

Tickets for the game were in huge demand. Tickets ordered through Viagogo increased shortly after the announcement of Sir Alexʼs resignation. Many ordering for home areas were United supporters. Albion had to call a halt to the sales through the exchange service which is used by season ticket holders to sell their seat to a fellow Baggies fan if they are unable to attend themselves. With Unitedʼs help, Albion identified that the vast majority of these orders were lodged by United season ticket holders and members.

It felt like the end of an era as big names in the game hung up their boots – Jamie Carragher at Liverpool, Michael Owen at Stoke, Steve Harper at Newcastle, and Paul Scholes at United, surely glad to be out of the limelight once more. There were more managerial moves with Rafa Benitez and David Moyes managing their last games for Chelsea and Everton respectively at the Bridge and referee Mark Halsey who had battled back from cancer to enjoy a second career with the whistle.

Yet all of them were overshadowed by events at The Hawthorns. Typically, it was far from the expected as United were involved in a crazy 5 – 5 draw; one last blast of the ʼhairdryerʼ for the lapse defending, or maybe not. United raced into a 5 – 2 lead just after the hour mark, but three goals in the last 10 minutes saw Albion snatch a point in a remarkable encounter, the first ever 5 – 5 in Premier League history. Half – time substitute Romelu Lukaku scored a hat – trick, the first against United, and his personal first.

Yet the football was a mere sideshow, the players doing their best to join in the party atmosphere reflected by home and visiting supporters alike. The banners were out in force. ʼSir Alex Ferguson + Paul Scholes “Legends” Thanks For All the Memoriesʼ. Another apt placard, read, ʼFERG13” THE GR38Tʼ....ʼFor 26 years you gave us the world, thanks Fergieʼ

Sir Alex received a guard of honour and warm applause from around the Hawthorns before kick – off, shaking hands with referee Michael Oliver, who was only one year and eight months old when plain old Fergie had started his managerial reign at Old Trafford. Buttner and Lindegaard are guaranteed to feature in future pub quiz questions; name Sir Alexʼs final line up. Vidic, Ferdinand, Giggs, Evra and Scholes were on the bench, alongside 18 – year – old Belgian Adnan Junzaj with Wayne Rooney given leave to join his wife Coleen who was expecting their second child.

At the end, the crowd rose to salute the great man. Ushered forward by Ryan Giggs, Sir Alex stood alone in the penalty area facing an army of deliriously happy United fans in the Smethwick End, raised both hands, then applauded the travelling support, and mouthed “Thank You”.

With a broad smile, a final wave to his family in the main stand Regis Suite, he disappeared down the tunnel for the last time as manager, after 2,145 games that began at East Stirling in 1974, to mark, not just, an end of an era at United, but also for English football. Watching in the main stand was Ron Atkinson, his United predecessor at United, and Alex McLeish a reminder of the Aberdeen glory years, as well as England manager Roy Hodgson. Robin Van Persie scored again to finish Premier League top marksman for the second season running with 26 goals, having scored 30 the season before. Sir Alex departed with a ʼno commentʼ, explaining that he was feeling too emotional, not even a word for the in house MUTV. His sole words to the media were that was “very emotional”. He saved his words for a farewell speech to his players and staff, telling them they must look forward to the new Boss.

Sir Alex was reported to have told his players and staff, “If all that weʼve been together means anything to you, thereʼs just one thing Iʼd ask of you all. I donʼt want to hear you call me Boss ever again. Youʼll have a new boss then and heʼs the only one you should call that.”

Michael Carrick, voted player of the year by his team-mates, captained the side, and commented, “Itʼs a bit funny in the dressing room because of the situation. Weʼve thanked the manager for everything heʼs done and heʼs thanked us. Weʼre ready to move on and there are new challenges for all of us. Weʼre looking forward to it. The manager wanted to win but the job for the season is done. Iʼm sure he can retire very satisfied.” Rio remarked, “5 – 5... what a mad result! Let’s be honest the boss was never going out with a boring 0 – 0!!” Javier Hernandez said, “I canʼt remember playing in a match with 10 goals. Weʼre a little bit frustrated because we wanted to win it for the gaffer and Scholesy. The gaffer is certainly going to remember his last match in charge! He is going to remember this game. Itʼs probably the first time United have been 5 – 2 ahead and not won. The gaffer has put the club on the top and weʼre going to miss him. I am going to thank Scholesy too. Heʼs been an incredible team-mate.”

West Brom manager Steve Clarke shared a fine claret with Sir Alex and commented, “Iʼve just had a quick glass of wine with Sir Alex. Heʼs in good spirits. Itʼs a game heʼll certainly remember. Anyone who was in the stadium will remember that game for years to come. I think thatʼs a good tribute. Iʼm not sure Sir Alex would say that it was a fitting way to end. He told me itʼs the first time that any team heʼs been involved with has given away a three-goal lead, and they did it twice in one game. Thatʼs something for us to saviour. I think heʼs just ready for his retirement to be honest. He said it was a great game, he complimented us on the way we played. For Sir Alex, itʼs a great occasion, itʼs a great finale.”