FARE THEE WELL, SIR ALEX

By James Kombe

Manchester United football club confirmed on Wednesday morning that Sir Alex Ferguson is set to retire as the club’s manager at the end of the current Barclays Premier League season. The 71-year old Scottish had earlier on dropped a hint to the players, prior to the UEFA Champions League exit in February that he would retreat as head-coach, a statement that remained unconfirmed till Wednesday 8th May.

Officially announcing his decision, 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.” About the current status of the club, Sir Alex told the fans that he worked hard to leave it tough. “It was important to me to leave an organisation (Manchester United) in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so…” However, his retirement will not see him quit the club’s affairs soon. He is set to take up the roles of both the Director and Ambassador of the club.

Ferguson arrived at Old Trafford on 6th November 1986, following the sacking of Ron Atkinson as manager of Manchester United. He is the most successful manager in British football history, winning a total of 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League titles and 2 UEFA Champions League glories, during his time in charge of Manchester United.

His last trophy is the current Barclays Premier League title, whose victory was sealed on 22nd April after a Robin van Persie’s hat-trick that awarded United a 3-0 win against Aston Villa. The club’s 20th Premier league title will be lifted this Sunday, immediately after their home match again Swansea City, scheduled to kick off at 6.00PM.

David Moyes will soon be named the new club’s manager after being handpicked by Sir Alex Ferguson himself. His first choice was backed by a host of Old Trafford legends who are calling for the Everton boss to take over. Once confirmed, Moyes will be given a five-year contract to succeed Sir Alex and will include former United player Phil Neville in his staff. Moyes, 50, is Ferguson’s fellow Scot who has been in charge of the Toffees since 14th March 2002. Everton are sitting on the 6th position in the current league table and it is rumored that Wigan’s coach, Roberto Martinez, may be Moyes’ successor at Goodison Park.

On behalf of all my fellow Manchester United fans of Moi University and beyond, I take this opportunity to congratulate Sir Alex for the glory he has brought to the club in his 26-year reign as manager. “We shall miss you on the pitch Fergie. Fare thee well Sir Alex!”