Tony Dallas talks sport… and with more than 20 years working as a sports development officer he knows what he’s on about

Published: 16 May, 2013
by TONY DALLAS

YOU’D be forgiven for thinking that royalty was visiting the streets of Manchester on Monday.

So many people waving red flags and nestling into any vantage point they could for a glimpse of their messiah Sir Alex Ferguson.

Etched on their faces was the kind of euphoria usually reserved for rock stars and dignitaries.

One could imagine that babies being born in the coming months will be named Alex after the retirement of arguably the best manager of modern times.

The mercurial Sir Alex, love him or hate him, should be the template on how to build, sustain and replenish a community. A community that were out in tributary force to celebrate the last 26 years and United’s 20th league title.

I’m not going to list everything Sir Alex has won because supporters everywhere, other than the red half of Manchester, will cringe. His record speaks for itself.

So what about his chosen one, David Moyes?

I was at Everton’s training ground, Finch Farm, on Friday where there is genuine respect and goodwill for a man who seemingly would only have left Merseyside for the Holy Grail that is Old Trafford.

I don’t agree with the scaremongers who point to the fact that Moyes has not won anything in his 11-year tenure at Everton.
Personally, I think with the legendary status the club has, I could manage Manchester United and win trophies! Moyes deserves his chance, which came after Sir Alex sanctioned the move himself.

It doesn’t matter who you support, you should be able to give credit when it’s due. Sir Alex is a leader of men, the likes of which we may never see again – especially the way football is going now. Who else will get the chance to manage a club for as long with as much autonomy?

We should not forget, of course, that over the years, United under Sir Alex have spent their fair share in the transfer market. He’s had a few players that didn’t fit with his ideology of what a Man United player should be, therefore he quickly got rid of them. The discarded players were quickly snapped up by other clubs, but very few have gone on to do what they did under his leadership.

We’d all do very well to remember, that the key to any relationship you want to make strong and all conquering is stability.

• So, is Sir Alex a one-off, his like never to be seen again? Or are there any number of contenders in the wings just waiting to shine?

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