My Board
Tambayan ng mga Chicx at Tsonx => Entertainment Industry => Sports => Topic started by: fayt on May 08, 2013, 09:59:14 PM
-
Manchester United have confirmed that Sir
Alex Ferguson will step down as the club’s
manager at the end of the season after 26 years
in charge at Old Trafford.
The 71-year-old is the most successful manager
in the history of English football, having won
38 trophies - including 13 Premier League titles
- since taking over from Ron Atkinson in
November 1986.
Ferguson will say his goodbyes to the Old
Trafford crowd after Sunday’s home clash
against Swansea before taking on a role as an
ambassador on the United board of directors.
In a statement on United’s official
website, Ferguson 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.
“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.”
Ferguson scheduled a meeting to break the
news to staff at the club’s Carrington training
ground at 9.30am and will hold an interview
with United’s in-house television station,
MUTV, at 10.30am.
Everton manager David Moyes has been
installed as the bookmakers’ favourite to
succeed the Scot while Real Madrid boss Jose
Mourinho is also among the favourites to take
over at Old Trafford.
The announcement of Ferguson’s decision to
retire came after intense speculation following
a golf match between United players and
coaches at Dunham Massey on Tuesday.
Ferguson has long been planning for his
succession and has consistently cited his health
as the decisive factor in the timing of his
retirement. He had a pacemaker fitted in 2004
and United confirmed last week that he would
undergo hip surgery in August.
David Gill’s decision to stand down as chief
executive this summer saw Ferguson lose a
close ally within the club and there had been
suggestions that he came close to quitting at
the end of last season losing out on the
Premier League title to rivals Manchester City.
Ferguson previously expressed his regret over
announcing his retirement before the end of the
2001-02, which he felt led to poor on-pitch
performances and resulted in a U-turn after he
had a change of heart.
credit to source
-
Ferguson's Farewell Speech
"I've got no script in my mind, I'm just going to ramble on and hope I get to the core of what this club is meant to be.
"First of all, it's a thank you to Manchester United; not just the directors, not just the medical staff, the coaching staff, the players, the supporters, it's all of you. You have been the most fantastic experience of my life. Thank you.
"I have been very fortunate. I have been able to manage some of the greatest players in the country, let alone Manchester United.
"All these players here today have represented our club in the proper way - they have won a championship in a fantastic fashion. Well done to the players.
"My retirement doesn't mean the end of my life with the club. I will now be able to enjoy watching them rather than suffer with them.
"If you think about it, those last minute goals, the comebacks - even the defeats are all part of this great football club of ours. It has been an unbelievable experience for all of us, so thank you for that.
"I'd also like to remind you that when we had bad times here the club stood by me, all my staff stood by me, the players stood by me - your job now is to stand by our new manger. That is important.
"I'd just, before I start bubbling, I just want to pay tribute to Paul Scholes who retires today. Unbelievable, one of greatest players this club has ever had or ever will have. Paul, we wish you a good retirement. I know you will be around to annoy me. Also, I would like to say a little word wishing Darren Fletcher a speedy comeback to our club.
"The players, I wish the players every success in the future. You know how good you are, you know the jersey you are wearing, you know what it means to everyone here ,
"Don't let yourselves down. The expectation is always there.
"I'm going home, I'm going inside for a while. I just want to say thank you from all the Ferguson family, they are all up there - 11 grandchildren.
"Thank you, thank you."
Respect to Sir Alex Ferguson - Manager of Manchester United
http://www.foxsportsasia.com/videos/?videoId=972433#?videoId=972433 (http://www.foxsportsasia.com/videos/?videoId=972433#?videoId=972433)