Written by: Resurrection Joe

Alexander Chapman Ferguson, simply the best British manager, football has seen, arguably the best the planet has ever seen.

Anyone on Shieldhall Road, Drumoyne, Govan on New Years Eve, 1941, couldn't have known it was such a significant day. It was the day Alexander Ferguson first drew breath and since that day, Alex moved inexorably towards greatness.

In the years that would follow, he would represent Govan High School, Glasgow Schools and Scotland Schools, before starting his apprenticeship at Remington Rand, in Hillington. It was here, that he would meet his future wife Cathy, but that was the only element of his destiny that he would take from Hillington.

Alex Ferguson (front row right) Queens Park 1958/59

A young 16 year old Alex Ferguson would play as an amateur for Queens Park, and despite scoring 15 goals in 31 appearances, he couldn't command a regular first team place. In 1960, he joined St Johnstone, where he scored against Falkirk, on his debut. Again, he was unable to secure a regular first team place and regularly requested transfers. However in the 63/64 season, due to injuries and a lack of signings, he was able to start a game, against Rangers and scored a memorable hat-trick. A feat which secured him a move to Dunfirmline, in the summer of '64.

Dunfirmline challenged strongly for the Scottish Championship, missing out by a single point. They also reached the Scottish FA Cup Final, a game for which Ferguson was dropped, due to a poor performance the week before. Dunfirmline lost the game, but Ferguson never forgot the feeling, something that remains with him to this day.

Alex Ferguson playing For Boyhood Heroes Rangers FC

His performances throughout the season however, had impressed Scott Symon and David White, at his boyhood heroes, Rangers. He signed in 1967, for a Scottish record of £65,000. All did not run smoothly though, he was blamed for a goal that Rangers conceded, in the 1969 Scottish Cup Final and was dropped to the junior side. A devastated Ferguson was said to have thrown away his losers medal, in disgust.

Alex Ferguson At Falkirk

Soon after Ferguson moved on to Falkirk, where he flourished as a player/coach, only moving on to Ayr, after a falling out with new manager John Prentice.

In June 1974, Alex Ferguson was appointed manager of East Stirlingshire, at the relatively young age of 32. He earned a meagre £40 per week and no-one could have foreseen, this was the first step on a long journey, a journey that would lead him to global recognition. He quickly gained a reputation for being a disciplinarian and results improved markedly.

Ferguson's reputation spread and in a little over 3 months, he was invited to move to the 'hotseat', at Paisley's 'sleeping giant', St Mirren. Ferguson took over, after consulting with Jock Stein and constrained by a tight budget. In 1977, he managed to return 'The Buddies' to Scotland's top flight. The following year, after a disagreement with the chairman, Ferguson was unceremoniously sacked.

St Mirren's mistake, was Aberdeen's gain, as in June 1978, he took the helm of one of Scotland's better sides, although they hadn't won the title since 1955. In his first season, Ferguson reached the FA Cup semi-final, the League Cup Final and finished a respectable fourth. The following year, Aberdeen started badly, but at the turn year, their form picked up dramatically, they narrowly lost a League Cup Final, to Dundee United. A final day 5-0 victory secured Aberdeen the title, the Championship left Glasgow for the first time in 15 years. Ferguson had finally arrived!

Ferguson and his Granite City side, would not simply squeeze in, on the Old Firm act, they would brush them aside. Aberdeen would go on to win 3 titles, 4 Scottish Cups and a League Cup in 8 years.

In his time at Aberdeen, Ferguson nurtured some of Scotland's best talent, Willie Miller, Jim Leighton, Alex McLeish, Steve Archibald and Gordon Strachan and in the 1982/83 season, he achieved a feat that drew him to the attention to clubs south of the border. Having knocked out the powerful Bayern Munich en route, Aberdeen progressed to the final of the European Cup Winners Cup. In their way, stood European giants Real Madrid, Aberdeen managed to overcome the Spaniards, in the Nya Ullevi Stadium, Gothenburg, by an impressive 2-1 score line, with John Hewitt and Eric Black scoring the all important goals. Ferguson later admitted, he felt that "he'd done something worthwhile with his life". Aberdeen became only the third Scottish team to bring home a European trophy. Aberdeen was a team full of homegrown youngsters and they had managed to topple one of the great sides of Europe. The same side went on to win the European Super Cup, beating the powerful Hamburger SV, 2-0 on aggregate. In 1984, Ferguson was recognised in the New Year Honours, list receiving an OBE in recognition of his achievements.

Ferguson's Aberdeen Taste Domestic and European Glory, Ferguson Learns From The Great Jock Stein

Ferguson, had been working as an understudy to the legendary Jock Stein, when devastatingly, Jock would die in the dugout, as Scotland scored the equaliser against Wales, a goal that would take them to the World Cup Finals. Alex Ferguson would be charged with the task of leading his nation to Mexico.

Upon his return, he was appointed manager of Manchester United on November 6th 1986. It was a marriage made in heaven, but the early years were 'rocky' to say the least.

When Ferguson took over, United were an ailing giant, they were struggling in the shadow of local rivals, Kenny Dalglish's Liverpool. Ferguson was given the unenviable task of bringing back the glory days, for it had been more than 20 years since they had secured a title. Ferguson immediately began the restructuring process, in minute detail, throughout the whole club. Declaring himself "depressed" by their lack of fitness and a "drinking culture", Ferguson set about cutting out the 'deadwood'. Out would go United heroes Norman Whiteside, Paul McGrath and Gordon Strachan, as Ferguson looked to strengthen. He would bring in experience, application and hard work, as he signed Viv Anderson, Brian McClair, Jim Leighton and Steve Bruce. The re-vamped side would finish second , nine points adrift of Liverpool.

The following season, Fergie would return Mark Hughes to his spiritual home, from Munich, but their league form was disappointing, finishing a lowly 11th and losing to Brian Clough's Nottingham Forest side in the FA Cup Quarter Final.

Brian McClair, Steve Bruce, Paul Ince, Gary Pallister

Ferguson struck at the heart of the problem, signing 2 new midfielders in Paul Ince and Neil Webb, plus classy and pacey defender Gary Pallister. The season opened well, United demolished champions Arsenal 4-1, but there was trouble on the horizon. United took a 5-1 hammering, by neighbours City and went on to suffer 6 defeats and 2 draws, in a period leading up to Christmas, a time Ferguson later described as "the darkest period I had ever suffered in the game". Many of the crowd turned on Fergie, even unfurling a huge banner at Old Trafford, declaring "Three years of excuses and it's still crap. Ta ra Fergie."

Dark days indeed for Fergie, his 'shotgun wedding' was turning bad and he was staring down the barrel.

7th January 1990, was the day the journalists had singled out for Ferguson's demise, they were drawn against Brian Clough's powerful Forest side and defeat would signal the end of Alex's reign. No-one had told the Govan man, who remained true to his beliefs. As the game wore on, Fergie called on one of the first products of his youth academy. Mark Robins stepped forward and grabbed a late winner, from the bench, a theme that would serve Fergie well in later years. United were through and Ferguson breathed a sigh of relief. Manchester United went on to beat Crystal Palace and win the FA Cup, the fans were briefly placated.

Mark Robins Keeps Ferguson's Hopes Alive With A Late Goal

The FA Cup win sent Ferguson back into Europe, an arena in which he reveled. He was immensely reverential to the heritage and history of the game. Alex Ferguson knew the esteem that Sir Matt Busby was held in, at Manchester United, he was 'the godfather' of European football. Ferguson was determined to bring back the glamour that Busby had bestowed upon the club and it was through Europe, he would achieve that goal.

United progressed well through the tournament, with notable victories over Legia Warsaw and latterly Montpelier in the semi-finals. The final was in the De Kuip Stadium, Rotterdam and pundits and experts alike gave United little chance. They were pitted against Spanish aristocrats Barcelona, led by Dutch legend, Johan Cruyff. Barcelona finished 9 points clear in La Liga, but they had not considered one factor, Barcelona old boy, Mark Hughes. Hughes' immense physical presence, kept Barceona's Ronald Koeman occupied the whole game. His performance was outstanding and 2 goals sealed United's victory. It was United's first European trophy for 23 years and England's first trophy since their return after the Heysel Stadium disaster. Ferguson had once again placed United on a victorious European stage. Ferguson was only the second manager to win a European trophy with 2 different sides.

Mark Hughes Fires United To European Cup Winners Cup success

The following season, United secured their 3rd trophy in as many years, securing the League Cup, by defeating the legendary Brian Clough in his last major final.

The king was dead,

long live the new king

Ferguson's purchases were beginning to make a difference, his side were beginning to come together. He had finished second in the final League Championship, to a Leeds United side, masterminded by traditionalist Howard Wilkinson.

In 1992, The Premiership was formed, United started slowly, losing their first 2 games. Ferguson had recruited a raw Danish keeper, called Peter Schmeichel from Brondby. However, it was a chance phone call, made by Howard Wilkinson that was to change the destiny of English football. Enquiring as to the availability of Dennis Irwin, Ferguson retorted with a similar question, about French talisman, Eric Cantona. To his surprise, Wilkinson replied in the affirmative. United moved quickly and secured the Gallic maverick. Cantona had won Championship medals with Nimes and then with Leeds. He was the spark that Ferguson was looking for, the lynchpin, the 'je ne sais quois'. Cantona was an instant success as he fired United to their first title in 26 years and Eric completed his hat-trick. Ferguson became the first manager to win titles on both sides of the border.

The relief at Old Trafford was tangible. The man who had clung to the helm through the storms, had led United to the 'Promised Land' 3 seasons later. The long wait was over, as the team Ferguson had built, secured the first title at Old Trafford, since the heady days of Charlton, Best and Law. The men who had kept faith with Ferguson were rewarded.. and then some!

In 1993-94, United's momentum carried them forward, Ferguson recruited the 'heir apparent' to Bryan Robson's throne, as Britain's best midfielder, Brian Clough's legacy to football, a young lad from Cork, called Roy Keane. United cruised the Premiership, then added the FA Cup, in their first 'Double'. Cantona was outstanding with 25 goals, in all competitions, adding a remarkable 4th consecutive league title.

Ferguson Lands United's First 'Double'

The following season, was a tale of missed opportunities and disappointment. United recruited a young, sharpshooter from Newcastle called Andy Cole. Before his arrival could take effect, United were dealt a devastating blow. Cantona was always a firebrand and when he felt injustice, the demons that burned within him, were released. Sent off for an off the ball tussle against Crystal Palace, Cantona was leaving the field of play, when he snapped, under a torrent of abuse from Matthew Simmons, he leapt the advertising hoardings and started handing out the beating of young Simmons' life. The authorities took a dim view of it and Cantona was banned for 9 months. United lost the title on the last day of the season and later stumbled to a 1-0 defeat in the FA Cup Final.

Sacre Bleu, Cantona Sees Red

Ferguson reacted, as he had throughout his career, by making bold and ruthless decisions, decisions that were unpopular. Out, through the exit door, went 'The Guv'nor' Paul Ince, Andrei Kanchelskis and United warhorse, Mark Hughes. Ferguson had restructured everything at Old Trafford and the products of his Youth Academy were coming to fruition. The campaign started badly, United lost 3-1 to Aston Villa and the media swooped. Match Of The Day's Alan Hansen declared with some authority "you can't win anything with kids", but that's why he's a pundit and not a manager. Responding to the urgings of Eric Cantona, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, Gary and Phil Neville, began to galvanise the whole team. Collectively, they would become known as 'Fergie's Fledglings' and they were about to take flight. United chased down Kevin Keegan's rampant Newcastle side, memorably causing the passionate Keegan to have an 'outburst' live on Sky Sports. United spurred on by a irresistable Cantona and an unbeatable Peter Schmeichel, eased their way past Newcastle United, as they finished the season with their second 'Double' in 3 years, by beating Liverpool at Wembley. Ferguson was awarded in CBE in 1995.

Fledglings Gary Neville and Paul Scholes, Newcastle Manager Keegan, who would have "loved it", if they'd beaten United.

The end of the following season, United had secured their fourth Premiership title and Eric Cantona's 6th in 7 years.. and as suddenly as he had arrived, he had gone. Critics felt this was the beginning of the end for Ferguson. His side was built around Cantona's brilliance, without it, how would they function? The scepticism seemed well founded, when United failed to secure a trophy in 1997/98. They didn't figure on Ferguson's determination and resilience. He spent heavily in the close season and recruited Jaap Stam, Henning Berg, Jesper Blomqvist and Villa livewire, Dwight Yorke.

The season started slowly and there was no indication of what was to come, United spluttered and struggled to find form. They went 3-0 down to Middlesboro mid December and murmurings began. Some of United's newer fans were not familiar with Ferguson's steely determination. Others 'kept the faith' and that faith was rewarded. United were not to be beaten again that season, as they went on a run that would lead them to unprecedented glory. United regained the Premiership from Arsene Wenger's Arsenal, they steamrollered Newcastle in the FA Cup Final, having defeated Arsenal in the semi final, after going down to 10 men, in extra time, with Roy Keane dismissed by his old nemesis David Elleray. Ryan Giggs delivered one of the competitions most memorable goals, weaving through a veteran Arsenal defence, as though it wasn't even there.

With their third 'Double' secured, United had a date in Barcelona, in the Champions League Final. They had overcome Barcelona, Juventus, Inter Milan, they would meet German giants Bayern Munich. The game was going badly, United depleted by suspensions and injury, fell behind to an early Basler goal and never truly looked a threat. With time slowly ebbing away, the press and media were writing United's obituary, the German commentators were rejoicing and reveling, as they had once again triumphed over English foes.. but they had not considered Ferguson's passion and desire. He had one throw of the dice remaining, on went Norwegian, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the 'baby faced assassin' and in one moment, destiny was rewritten. With no time on the clock, United won a corner and up stepped Teddy Sheringham to poke home a Giggs shot, to send the game into extra time.. or so the Germans thought. Reeling and stunned, the Germans restarted and rejuvenated United sensed blood, they duly stole the ball and won another corner. Sheringham won the header and the assassin killed the game. Solskjaer steered the ball into Kahn's net and the game was over. Ferguson's United had plucked the game from the fire and completed only the fourth Treble in European football history. Ferguson had stolen the Holy Grail from right under the noses of the Munich team. Ferguson went on to defeat Palmeiras, in Tokyo, for the World Club Championship. Manchester United became the first and only English team, to ever lift the honour. Alex, became Sir Alex in recognition of his feats.

Solskjaer 'The Assassin', the Holy Grail, 'The Immortal Treble'

As the century turned, Ferguson would go on to win titles in 2000, 2001(completing a 3timer) and 2003, an FA Cup(2004) and a League Cup Title(2006).

However, the worm had turned, Ferguson's nemesis Arsene Wenger had produced an Arsenal side that proved 'Invincible' in 2004. A team that played with a new brand of technical excellence, the bar had been raised.

On the sidelines, another dark spectre cast its shadow over the Premiership. In 2003 Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich seized control of Chelsea. Where Arsenal challenged United's technical dominance, Chelsea challenged their economic dominance. Abramovich started compiling a 'fantasy football' squad and when he married this with Jose Mourinho in June 2004 and the bar was raised again. £20m and £30m players started arriving with monetary abandon and Chelsea's 'Power Game' was set to dominate The Premiership.

Disquiet grew amongst United's new following, discontent at having to accept the Premiership was not a 'given'. First Arsenal then Chelsea had knocked United off their perch. Sir Alex was referred to as a 'dinosaur', 'his time has gone', they called for new blood, the dynasty was crumbling, the empire in tatters. Three whole years had sent the fans into meltdown… "Three years of excuses and it's still crap. Ta ra Fergie." was imminent.

What was Fergie's response?

Back to the drawing board, he culled the prodigious Dutchman Ruud van Nistelrooy, who he identified as a destabilising influence, he went back to developing and nurturing talent. He focused his efforts on bright new talent, in the form of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, kept faith with his academy prospects like O'Shea and Fletcher and brought in the calming influence of Edwin van der Sar.

He met fire with fire and built again, raising a new empire from the ashes of the old.

By 2007, Chelsea brief dominance was over, Sir Alex had reclaimed that which he coveted and he was Champion again.

It is in the nature of the man to not simply rest on his laurels, having achieved a resurrection. He drove on the next season, Premierships once the pipedream of managers and fans alike, were not enough, this time he wanted to drive home his dominance.

2007/8 Saw Ferguson assemble a squad to not simply dominate England, he wanted the whole continent, nay the whole planet. Two years from being branded as 'out of touch', he secured the Premiership, having married the Argentinian terrier Carlos Tevez, to the blossoming talent of Rooney and Ronaldo… but Sir Alex wanted more. On a sultry May night in the Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Ferguson finally seized the opportunity to put the upstarts in their place. Just like '99 United looked down and out, trailing on penalties after World Player Of The Year elect Ronaldo had missed the third, all Chelsea needed was for captain and stalwart to score…. he did not. In adversity, you need strength of mind, tenacity and a belief. The most decorated man in English football, Ryan Giggs stepped up and stroked the ball home with a serene confidence and all that was left was for van der Sar to deny the Premiership's most potent striker and United were back as europe's dominant power, at Chelsea's expense.

United become European Champions

Come the Autumn, Sir Alex added another World Club Championship, beating the best that South America could muster.

Sir Alex had made Manchester United Champions of England, Champions of Europe and now, Champions of the World.

The following season he jealously wanted to defend all crowns, failing only in a Rome final, to an excellent Barcelona side, but picking up another Carling Cup along the way. In doing so, he completed a second 'three timer' and eclipsed the legendary Herbert Chapman.

Captains Robson, Bruce, Cantona, Keane

Sir Alex Ferguson built great sides around captains, captains he chose in his own image, belligerent, passionate, stubborn, aggressive and obsessive. Who could have known on New Years Eve, 1941, in Govan, a man would be born, who would go on to win 14 Championships, 9 FA Cups, 4 league Cups, 2 Champions Leagues, 2 World Club Championships, 2 European Cup Winners Cups and 2 European Super Cups..... LMA Manager of The Decade.

Manchester United Manager Alex Ferguson

What is more remarkable, is the man is building again, at Old Trafford now, he has the prodigiously talented Wayne Rooney and a whole host of young talent, ready to do it all again, 2009/10 sees him going for an unprecedented 'four timer'.

Ferguson has surpassed every British manager comprehensively, but one record still eludes him. The record for longest serving top flight manager, which is held by his mentor, Sir Matt Busby, who led Manchester United for 25 years and few would doubt Sir Alex Ferguson's credentials, for taking that crown too. 2011 would see him eclipse that record too.

The more you write him off, the stronger he gets.

Watch this space!

Sir Alex Ferguson OBE, CBE

Sir Alex Ferguson was and is, simply a phenomenon, the most successful manager these shores have ever seen and arguably...

... the Greatest Manager of All Time.