Fergie on boss idol
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Ferguson to play key role in hunt for his Manchester United successor
Sir Alex Ferguson has been asked by the Glazer family to play a central role in the appointment of his successor. With the Manchester United boss expected to stand down in two years, the Old Trafford board are gradually turning their thoughts to finding someone to replace the most successful manager in modern British football.
And on Thursday night United chief executive David Gill revealed that the club’s owners, the Glazer family, want Ferguson to be consulted during the hunt before they have the final say. Speaking in South Africa, Gill said: ‘The owners and myself and people involved will obviously get his views.
‘Somebody who has managed the club for so many years and who knows the club inside out and knows what is required would be invaluable. ‘It would be remiss of us not to have a discussion with him and involve him and get his views. He will be a key part of the process.’
United have been through the process of choosing a successor to Ferguson once before, of course, when a plc board headed by former chief executive Peter Kenyon chose Sven Goran Eriksson ahead of the Scot’s anticipated retirement in 2002. Ferguson changed his mind on that occasion but there will be no turning back this time.
With United now in private ownership, Gill has confirmed that he will take control of the interview process — starting discreetly in 2010 — before the Glazers rubber-stamp the appointment. Gill added: ‘The board will make the decision. The owners will expect me to do the work and then they would get involved in the process of choosing the right man.
'The manager is a key employee of the club and we need to get it right and therefore quite rightly the people who own the club should have the final say. ‘There are no discussions at the moment. We will address this when it comes around. ‘You have all seen Alex on this tour. He is looking pretty fit and looking forward to the new season.’
United are continuing their pursuit of Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov, despite Spurs’ criticism of the Barclays Premier League champions’ attempts to sign the Bulgaria star. The Premier League have written to United to ask their views on the subject but Gill is unconcerned.
Gill added: ‘We will look at it. Tottenham went public with their complaints and now we will see what the Premier League have to say and respond to it.’ ‘I don’t think it helps doing this through the papers but that is clearly what they (Spurs) feel comfortable doing so we will deal with it.’
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Let's all list out our FM / CM credentials.
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I'll go for Mourinho.
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Martin O'Neil
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Originally posted by itaji:
Martin O'Neil
Yea good choice.
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If age weren't a consideration, I'd think Hiddink would make a good fit, given his track record and footballing philosophy - he's pretty much over-achieved wherever he has been through playing a brand of scintillating football that fits with United's culture and tradition. That said, his age and present commitments (he has made it clear he plans to stay with Russia till 2010) would probably render the prospect unrealistic (certainly not for the long term anyway).
On a more pragmatic note, I'd like to see Mourinho take the helm some day - he's got time on his side (is of the right age and has the relevant experience) and obviously has a proven track record that speaks volumes of his credentials.
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Martin Hugh Michael O'Neill!
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Martin O'Neil is a good choice for me... He is still young, has done well with limited funds and also play attacking football...
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Originally posted by zocoss:
Martin O'Neil is a good choice for me... He is still young, has done well with limited funds and also play attacking football...
same thoughts....i prefer martin oneill....i think his style of manegment is similar to that of fregies'
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Should have gotten a protege beforehand
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Tohari Paijan
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Most importantly, Martin O'Neil's a disciplinarian.