Sir Alex Retiring within 3 Years

[Sapphire]

I didn't see this posted anywhere, even though we're talking about life after Fergie other places. I think this merits its own thread.

"I won't be managing here any more than three years at the very, very most," the 66-year-old Ferguson was quoted in the Mail on Sunday newspaper. "Without question. I can assure you of that."
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1021696/After-22-years-charge-Sir-Alex-Ferguson-admits-hard-work-Old-Trafford-.html

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/SPORT/football/05/24/ferguson.ap/index.html

:(:(:(

[Red Jeph]

That makes me sad but at the same time, I'm just gonna savor however long he stays.

I imagine he really wants to get to 19, so I bet we'll see him through that.

[LA. MAN UNITED]

Depends on who is sitting on the f*****g perch in 2011

[MUFC_BARLOW]

We all knew Sir Alex wouldnt be here longer than 3 years, so it is somewhat expcted. The thing that makes it sad is that he has finaly confirmed it.

[sdotsom]

Just saw that this morning.

Sad, but not unexpected, it's kind of what I'd suggest. Interesting for me is that it's also when he said Ronaldo would be reaching that crossroads in his infamous press conference. So it might be a new manager that has to persuade him to stay.

[Sapphire]

Interesting for me is that it's also when he said Ronaldo would be reaching that crossroads in his infamous press conference. So it might be a new manager that has to persuade him to stay.Yeah, it seems like he has a 3-year plan for himself and the club. He seems adamant about leaving, so I absolutely believe he intends to leave this time.

He's also bolstering Quieroz in this interview, so that may be telling as well.

[SirManchester]

It'll be an end of an era. Things WILL be different without him. Ferguson has such a fantastic relationship with the rest of the managment and because of the respect he's earned over the years, the same applies with the rest of the club - something no new manager gets and still very rare that settled managers receive.

It's a depressing thought but I have to mentally prepare myself for this over the next three seasons. Unless something drastic happens Quieroz will most likely take charge. We have no evidence of how he'll do on his own without Ferguson's guidance - I'm not sure I like this idea but if he'll still be there when Ferguson retires, he'll take over. My only concern is how our transfers will be affected and how newer and young players will be brought in and handled without Ferguson.

[sdotsom]

I think it'll be Quieroz as well - I just wonder what his personality is like when it's alone - I'm sure he gels well as an addition to Fergie, but on his own he's got to be a bigger guy.

It's interesting, one of Ronaldo's interviews today had him saying "I hardly know [Ferguson]" which I found to be a very strange statement - he went on to praise Quieroz for doing important work.

[iCEMANGSCCC]

I don't like Fergie but I respect the hell out of him and what he's done for all this years for Utd. and football in general. Will hate as a football fan but love as a liverpool supporter to see him go. Best wishes to him afterwards, hope he stays in football somehow.

[pgr17]

I'll still rue losing Gazza when I quit in two years, says Fergie
Sir Alex Ferguson will quit as Manchester United manager in two years and walk away from Old Trafford for good.

In a television interview to be screened tonight, the 66-year-old reveals his retirement plans and dismisses the widely held view that he may stay on in an advisory capacity.

Sir Alex: The Frost Interview, tonight at 8pm & 10.30pm on Sky Sports 1.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1023746/Ill-rue-losing-Gazza-I-quit-years-says-Fergie.html

i hope someone is able to capture this... i would love to see this interview. SAF walking away in two to three years time though makes me sad even though i understand why.

[Stud83]

Didn't he plan to retire after 2002 season? I think he'll retire once we get past Liverpool in terms of trophies, whenever that might be.

[RonRon7]

IT will take alot of getting used to not having Fergie at the helm. It will be just as weird when Giggsy hangs up the boots as well. They should give the game up together. That would be pretty sweet.

Alas, will saviour every game that he is still in charge of!!

[pgr17]

more good info: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11096_3641568,00.html

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_3643221,00.html

[sdotsom]

I hope somebody caps the Fergie interview on Sky.

[Republic of Mancunia]

Nice one, had forgotten that was on tonight. Thanks for the reminder. :)

Haha, like the way they make a point of emphasizing it's his first full length interview for ten years whatever that constitutes. Trying to get one over on Setanta perhaps who had a half hour one with Des Lynam posing the questions a while back?

[sdotsom]

Guess so - probably gonna let him slide in a comment or 2 about the Beeb as well ;)

[Republic of Mancunia]

Guess so - probably gonna let him slide in a comment or 2 about the Beeb as well ;)

Thought you were psychic for a second just then when he had a pop at them and Lineker. Then I saw this. (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/2067499/Sir-Alex-Ferguson-Match-of-the-Day-presenter-Gary-Lineker-is-childish.html)

[sdotsom]

Fergie's interview is pretty good. Here's a torrent link.

http://rapidshare.com/files/119878099/Sir.Alex-The.Frost.Interview.08.06.03.ws.pdtv.xvid.rar.html

Some funny stuff, Fergie talking about trying to play the piano, politics, etc.

edit: Although his interviewer keeps calling the club "Man U" - fookin annoying.

[JumpinJackFlash]

It was a good interview but I'm surprised he didn't name Peter Schmeichel when asked about the top 5 most significant players of his managing period. Think he named only 3 and said.

1. Robson
2. Cantona
3. Keane

[sdotsom]

Yeah, he kinda snuck out of that question. Not like it was a hard hitting interview or anything, with all due respect his interviewer looked like he was barely going on.