Fergie Time (is up)

Sir Alex Ferguson is to step down as Manchester United manager at the end of the season, following 26 years at the helm.

Sir Alex, who took up the Manchester side when they had not won a Premier League title for 26 years, has transformed the club into a trophy winning machine. During his time he has won an unrivaled 38 trophies including: 13 League Titles, 2 Champions League Crowns, 5 FA Cups and 4 League Cups.

Ferguson's finest hour came in 1999 when he won the treble, and masterminded the most successful season in the history of Manchester United. The treble included The Premier League, The FA Cup and the dramatic UEFA Champions League. The Reds only lost 5 games during the campaign.

Manchester United will now see a different benefit from Ferguson as a Director and Ambassador of the club, a club which is now the most valuable on the planet, consistent title winner and Champions League contender - It's safe to say that the red side of Manchester have a lot to be thankful for.

Ferguson commented, "The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about. It is the right time."

The Scot went on, "It was important to me to leave an organisation in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so. The quality of this league winning squad, and the balance of ages within it, bodes well for continued success at the highest level whilst the structure of the youth set-up will ensure that the long-term future of the club remains a bright one."

Sir Alex thanked his players and staff, highlighting their professionalism and dedication - "Without their contribution the history of this great club would not be as rich." He added, "My wife Cathy has been the key figure throughout my career, providing a bedrock of both stability and encouragement. Words are not enough to express what this has meant to me."

Ferguson thanked further, "To the fans, thank you. The support you have provided over the years has been truly humbling. It has been an honour and an enormous privilege to have had the opportunity to lead your club and I have treasured my time as manager of Manchester United."

Naturally the speculation to who will be the next manager has already begun, with David Moyes being odds on with many book makers to take the position. Jose Mourinho is also in the running, along with Jurgen Klopp of Dortmund. Coral have placed Howard Webb at 1000/1 (very good) for those who are interested!

Needless to say, whoever takes over has extremely large boots to fill - my opinion, for what it's worth, anyone other than Mourinho is a mistake.

JL