Sir Alex Ferguson

It was a bit of a shock to see that Sir Alex Ferguson had announced his retirement this morning but I suppose it is a bit like Prince Charles being named as king…. you don’t want to believe it, but it’s going to happen one day.

Sir Alex’s longetivity, unweiding power, undying competitiveness and legendary success is unlikely to ever be matched especially in the days of player power and egotistical club owners.

Ferguson’s 26-year reign at United was incredible, but although one would think it would be the road map for other club’s to follow, we live in a time that managers are hardly at clubs long enough to set tactics let alone build a football institution like Sir Alex has done.

Sir Alex was appointed boss at Old Trafford in November 1986, just a few games after the Addicks had humbled them there 1-0. Mark Stuart stunning the Stretford End. I wonder how many of the 37,000 fans in the ground that day could imagine what was to come.

Ferguson’s retirement coincides with his confidant and CEO David Gill also moving on and despite plenty of young players within the squad, the mainstays of United’s success such as Giggs and Scholes have reached beyond the twilight of their careers, which will mean that whoever takes the reigns will need to quickly add his own stamp to the club, the club with the name of Sir Alex Ferguson emblazoned in large letters across the top of Old Trafford’s largest stand.

If I had to pick a successor, I’d go with David Moyes.