Fergie finally retires.

[chrisw91]

A sad day in sport (at least in my opinion) as Sir Alex Ferguson has announced his retirement from football. Whether you love him or hate (or rather love Man U or hate them) you cannot deny that what he has achieved throughout his long, illustrious career has been nothing short of legendary. Another thing you can't deny is his loyalty. We see it very often these days, managers coming and going within their first 6 months at a club, yet Fergie has spent 27 years at Manchester United. You might say that, that is easy when the club is so successful, but I'm sure he has more than a few opportunities to join even more successful clubs (in terms of trophies) throughout Europe such as Milan or Madrid, and of course, he has had opportunities to retire while on the very top. Whatever way you look at it, I doubt we will see another character like him in the world of sport and it is a huge a loss.


Here is an article from The Sun http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4919146/Alex-Ferguson-retires-as-Manchester-United-manager.html

MANCHESTER UNITED have confirmed Alex Ferguson will retire at the end of the season after 27 years at the club.

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

[Stuart]

I have to say, its rather a pleasant change to read a story about a celebrity in their seventies in Britain without it being about child abuse.

[chrisw91]

I have to say, its rather a pleasant change to read a story about a celebrity in their seventies in Britain without it being about child abuse.

Haha I agree. Good point.

[NudistMetalHead]

I hate Manchester United in every capacity, but I do respect the career of Alex Ferguson.  I wish him well in his next endeavors.

[beachboy1]

Well, I am no expert on football, but I think 27 years at the top is impressive for anyone!

[nudetrail]

I have to say, its rather a pleasant change to read a story about a celebrity in their seventies in Britain without it being about child abuse.

  good that it is something positive and a great achievement.