Let me start, as I certainly wont mean to go on, by stating that Sir Alex Ferguson has a record in English football second to none and when he decides to leave the game it is unlikely that any other club manager will achieve such an unprecedented level of success. That said, with criticism of this topic as mere envious vitriol hopefully deflected, it doesn’t take a seismologist to gauge his character faults as being wide enough to create a massive credibility gap when considering his ultimate legacy. The measurement of the chasm between managerial role model and mountebank grows ever-wider and even a kowtowing cabal at Old Trafford are finding it difficult to make the leap of faith required to span it.

Indeed, the old curmudgeon has positively cultivated his image to such an extent that there is now a genuine reverence shown towards an approach bordering on bullying man-management and downright manipulation of football‘s workplace confrontations. This Kray-like skewed veneration has steadily grown up around him, whether it be evidenced in a popery presence, ingrained in the compliant attitude of a [supposedly] arms length FA hierarchy, or projected by screen and word through his own ’acceptable’ Media outlets, the whole shebang provides an unhealthy backdrop to an otherwise stunning career. Just how this fiefdom has evolved into an acceptable one for the sport is anyone‘s guess, but never has the phrase ’It wouldn’t happen at Manchester United’ been so devalued as it has been during Ferguson’s dotage and never have attempts to placate him been so misguided.

Tuesday night went some way towards explanation of the stage now reached in general appeasement, following as it did his effusive praise for Mark Clattenburg’s acceptance of the Rooney ‘clip’ against Wigan which went along these lines… “The rules are clearly there. Mark Clattenburg dealt with it. The one person who comes out with great credit is the referee as he was under tremendous pressure, probably from the FA.“ In stark contrast the United boss launched into Martin Atkinson’s handling of the David Luiz ’clip’ as if it was a heinous crime, a totally different violation to Rooney’s assault and one presumably showing greater intent to harm.

Thus Ferguson flies once more in the face of sensible analysis, going on to pursue his quarry with an accusatory “The referee was right in front of it. It was clear as day and he was right in front of it. That changed the game. And he will be refereeing every week.â€â€¦doubtless he will and he will also be refereeing safe in the knowledge that the FA will yet again steer clear of any significant rebuke for criticism of him. And talking of rebuke, in December 2007 Ferguson actually received a two match touchline ban and was fined £5000 for using abusive and/or insulting words towards none other than a certain Mr Mark Clattenburg, so it would appear that one of these two parties took heed of what was said and the other didn’t, or is that being just too cynical when stating my case?

Of course, those were the days where wonders never ceased [to amaze] at the FA and Ferguson took his punishment much like he has recently taken those Premiership fines for not giving post-match interviews to the BBC - by handing the paperwork to his club so that they can settle matters themselves, thereby keeping his effrontery intact. To most right-thinking people there is clearly something wrong with these double standard shenanigans, but it all probably harps back to Ferguson’s own Govan background and political beliefs that, for many of his ilk, would preclude dubbing as a knight of the realm purely on the grounds that such deference to patronage was too abhorrent. Not so in the United manager’s case, apparently, although subsequent lack of class shown in the field for which he obtained the honour is something of a giveaway when it comes to his treatment of the football proletariat, especially when they‘re a challenge to his authority.

When all is said and done, when it comes to SirAlex, it is the insidious mix of sabre-rattling and be-my-buddy bonhomie shown towards selected rival coaches and authority targets that really grates the most. Euphemistically known as his ’Mind Games’, these obvious examples [of bringing the game into disrepute] are treated as harmless examples of his joshing around and will inevitably go into folklore as such, but in truth they are in the main humourless and crass get-under-their-skin jibes designed to gain advantage and curry favour with a compliant media. Ferguson never does self-deprecation with rival managers, preferring to bring down a perceived enemy with a lash of his tongue, or butter-up those naïve enough not to realise they are on toast today and may well be jam tomorrow.

Generating a laugh or two in Fergie’s presence, or at his expense, appears difficult enough at the best of time, but when he’s gone there might be a real marketing opportunity for the club in the form of a ‘Barmy Barometer’ based on the principle of a Fergie weatherman emerging from his dugout, suitably attired in black coat, irrespective of yet dependent on, temperature. There he’d be, trundling forth issuing a stream of effing invective on the rainy days, and when the sun was shining you’d have him skipping out, fists pumping at waist level in typical ’oh, goody-goody’ fashion, as if a goal had been scored. Ah, the memories that would jog for future generations of United fans yearning for a return to the days of power and uninterrupted influence. In the meantime…

I liked this read!

Many good points.

Only minor criticism is I believe you could say things a little easier to help the flow of reading. Not that I didnt understand anything you said, but I sometimes had to double read something if my mind wandered or eyes got lazy.

But all in all, a good read and its good to see articles like this on here.

Moral, Zola, is "Don't let your mind wander!"

Brilliant post. My only problem is choosing which bit to submit to iQuotes! And oh, how I wish the aforesaid old curmudgeon could be sent this wonderful piece of writing.

P.S. I went for this bit: "It doesn’t take a seismologist to gauge AF's character faults as being wide enough to create a massive credibility gap when considering his ultimate legacy. The measurement of the chasm between managerial role model and mountebank grows ever-wider and even a kowtowing cabal at Old Trafford are finding it difficult to make the leap of faith required to span it.:

Anybody want to choose another bit?

Edited March 3, 201115 yr by moi

Moral, Zola, is "Don't let your mind wander!"

Brilliant post. My only problem is choosing which bit to submit to iQuotes! And oh, how I wish the aforesaid old curmudgeon could be sent this wonderful piece of writing.

P.S. I went for this bit: "It doesn’t take a seismologist to gauge AF's character faults as being wide enough to create a massive credibility gap when considering his ultimate legacy. The measurement of the chasm between managerial role model and mountebank grows ever-wider and even a kowtowing cabal at Old Trafford are finding it difficult to make the leap of faith required to span it.:

Anybody want to choose another bit?

I like the word "shebang" -- you don't see it used very often. Kinda like 'akimbo', which could be used in a sentence such as "JT's had his arms akimbo when the penalty decision was given against Chelsea" (you get my drift).

Edited March 3, 201115 yr by Phillip

I like the word "shebang" -- you don't see it used very often. Kinda like 'akimbo', which could be used in a sentence such as "JT's had his arms akimbo when the penalty decision was given against Chelsea" (you get my drift).

I do indeed get your drift, but lose the 's. "JT had his arms akimbo." will be just fine!

Another good one is "askance", as in Sir Alex looked askance at the referee's decision.

So a beautiful football article has turned into Moi's english lectures?

I have always said to my United supporting friends that Sir Alex's constant ranting and whining is the only thing standing in his way of being remembered as THE best football club manager ever. He might be termed shrewd and intelligent by the media and United fans alike but the fact is he is a bitter old man who is a bad loser and throws his dignity out of the window when everything doesnt go his way.

I wish he leaves football sooner rather than later for good.

I do indeed get your drift, but lose the 's. "JT had his arms akimbo." will be just fine!

Another good one is "askance", as in Sir Alex looked askance at the referee's decision.

Thanks, Moi. The "'s" inadvertently got into my post, due to my arms being akimbo whist I was typing.

This is the closest emoticon that I could find:

Thanks, Moi. The "'s" inadvertently got into my post, due to my arms being akimbo whist I was typing.

This is the closest emoticon that I could find:

Brilliant, Phillip! Typing with arms akimbo should be turned into an Olympic sport! And excellent choice of emoticon.

Have you noticed how often big bosomed women stand with their arms akimbo?

Now that you mention it, Yes, I do.

I wonder how Val fared with her broken wrist?

Cracking read Dorset ! Especially on an afternoon where I've just watched Utd get their arses kicked (unfortunately by the dippers) it does ring true in so many ways. There are many footballing people that I'd be happy to chat with over a pint or two. Ferguson isn't one of them......

I have always said to my United supporting friends that Sir Alex's constant ranting and whining is the only thing standing in his way of being remembered as THE best football club manager ever. He might be termed shrewd and intelligent by the media and United fans alike but the fact is he is a bitter old man who is a bad loser and throws his dignity out of the window when everything doesnt go his way.

I wish he leaves football sooner rather than later for good.

After last night's result I'd love him to stay on a little longer.

Excellent article ... I sometimes wonder , why was he knighted so early in his managerial career ?

I understand that is not early but still he did not achieve immortal greatness back in 1999 and now if he got that honour , it could be deemed fit . But yeah a constant menace to the referees and opposition fans alike but nevertheless , the best club manager ever !

SAF once called me about 7 years ago (seriously), I have to say he was a decent bloke and he had his secretary really help out with something I was doing.

That being said he gets away with ridiculous comments about the refs.

SAF once called me about 7 years ago (seriously), I have to say he was a decent bloke and he had his secretary really help out with something I was doing.

I'm guessing the 'something you were doing' was sending ol Red Nose a case of scotch

I'm sure he's a nice enough fella away from football.

But in footy he is a whiney, bullying tosser when things don't go his way.

Excellent article ... I sometimes wonder , why was he knighted so early in his managerial career ?

He cosied upto Alistair Campbell and new Labour. That was his reward.

so whens this punishment going to be handed out or has everyone forgotten about it?

I think it's only fair that the FA mandate that he grow a beard.

so whens this punishment going to be handed out or has everyone forgotten about it?

I seem to remember reading somewhere its to be heard on the 25th March, though why it takes that long to do god only knows considering how quickly others get judged and banned.

5 match ban for Fergie. Seems the FA have shown some teeth at last!

5 match ban for Fergie. Seems the FA have shown some teeth at last!

*Waits for a reduction upon appeal*

If it stands, then great news!

*Waits for a reduction upon appeal*

If it stands, then great news!

Ive heard it is to be reduced to 5 minutes in the naughty corner with his face to the wall. That will show him....

I must say that I am shocked. I never thought the FA would have the balls to ban Ol' Red Nose for 5 games. Heck, I would have been surprised if he got two even.

But, there's still the appeal. Anything can happen.

If the ban stands then it will be the first time I will say "well done FA".

Dont forget that two out of the five is suspended ban from his previous rant about Riley's fitness.

Still well done FA.

Edited March 16, 201115 yr by rahul