Thoughts on Sir Alex / SAF/ Fergie / The Boss

28 YEARS AGO I was a season ticket holder at Aberdeen as Fergie let his all-conquering team past Bayern Munich (3-2 at Pittodrie with two goals in the last 15 minutes -- still the best game I have ever been to) in the quarters of the Cup Winner's Cup, past Waterschei 5-2 on aggregate and then of course Real Madrid 2-1 in a rain-soaked Ullevi stadium in Gothenburg.  Twenty Eight years ago!  Fu*k. What the Fu*k? Fu*k. 

A young team taken up through the ranks with a few purchases - Weir, McGee, Strachan - to help them along.   A team that attacked, attacked, attacked.  Didn't know when to be beat.  Kept playing until the very last minute.  Went to Ibrox and Parkhead and just loved to win.  Never forget Doug Rougvie warming up in the hot sun right in front of the Celtic fans purely to wind them up.  It was Fergie through and through --- We're Aberdeen, and we'll do what we want!  LOL.

28 YEARS LATER and it really is unreal when you think that he is still at it.  He may be almost 70, but nothing has been lost.  He has gathered experience and presence, but he is still following the ideals that served him so well at Aberdeen.  Youth is still key.  Attack is the prefered option.  Never say die.  United against the world.  The drive to win, but to win well!

A few things have stood out for me recently:

• In the last two games, SAF has brought on Chico and Nani for Evra and Rafa respectively.  No other manager would even think of it, never mind have the balls to make the change.  Masterstroke in both games, with Tony V looking right at place at right back.
• Team selection against Arsenal was right out of the "what the fu*k" book.  When I saw the team my first thought was that the FA Cup was being sacrificed.  After 28 years I should have known better.  The Brazilian twins were immense in midfield and Arsenal clueless.
• By commenting on Lee Mason and the rumour that he was pressurized by the FA to make a report on Rooney, saying he feels sorry for him, he has very successfully just re-enforced the fact that any player caught swearing on camera and not punished will correctly lead to pressure on the ref and the FA as to why the fu*k not.
• Loved the reaction to the fans after the game on Wed (photo above).  "Its us against them" was the message "we're United and we'll do what we want!"

Who knows how long Sir Alex will remain as manager, but as an Aberdeen fan who saw him leave in 1986 (ok so I then followed him to Old Trafford), all I can say is savour every minute!  He will be sadly sadly missed when he does step down, but without doubt he will leave an immense platform behind and we all know that it will be a roller coaster ride until that day.   Buckle up and enjoy the ride!!

Would love to hear your comments .........