A Great 20 Years

Last November 7, Sir Alex C Ferguson, KBE ('SAF') celebrated his 20 years at the helm of Manchester United football team from 'Big Ron'. 20 years is a long time by anyone's stardard to stay with the same job. During the same period, I finished my secondary and tertiary education, got myself a job, got married and have 2 kids. Oh..20 years ago, some of you guys were probably listening to 'Say You, Say Me'. Has it been that long?

It wasn't always rosy and shiny for SAF at Old Trafford. Not until the F.A. in 1990, MU didn't win any cup. 3 years not winning any trophies, let alone not winning in 3 games, it's unthinkable in Premier League nowadays that a manager's not sacked and eventually appeared in ESPN Footbal Focus or some footie show programme aired in ESPN for the Asian market commenting about football.

Boy, was the guys who planted the banner "Three years of excuses and it's still crap. Ta ra Fergie" and chants for his head in 1989 in for a ride. Since, then the trophies were a plenty as the list below:.

FA Premiership: (8) 1992/93, 1993/94, 1995/96, 1996/97, 1998/99, 1999/00, 2000/01, 2002/03
FA Cup: (5) 1989/90, 1993/94, 1995/96, 1998/99, 2003/04
League Cup: (2) 1991/92, 2005/06
FA Charity/Community Shield: (5) 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003
Shared: (1) 1990
UEFA Champions League: (1) 1998/1999
European Cup Winners Cup: (1) 1990/91
Intercontinental Cup: (1) 1999 (aka Toyota Cup since 1980)
UEFA Supercup: (1) 1991/92

As far as SAF's concern, he had achieved something no British manager had ever done or will likely to emulate, Manchester United were Champions of Europe, Champions of England and FA Cup winners all in 1999. Still, we probably have a couple more years of SAF's era, perhaps a lot more if he chooses to chase the ever elusive 'Holy Grail' of clubs' trophies prior to call it a night. Whatever it is..thanks you for the great 20 years and the emotions roller coaster he had brought in me over the years. Some say that he wasn't as good and tactically sound nowadays, but, in the past he has always managed to prove his critics sound. Whatever it is..thank you. Thank you...for a Great 20 Years.