Sir Alex Ferguson made a habit of looking at his watch while steering Manchester United to glory in the 1990s and 2000s and he clearly hasn’t lost his sense of timing.
The Scot, 73, had agreed to open conference side Altrincham FC’s new Community Sports Hall at the J.Davidson Stadium last month but later found out he would be elsewhere on business.
However Ferguson, who retired in May 2013 after 26 years in charge during which time he won 38 trophies with United, made sure he could make February 9 much to the cheer of Altrincham chairman Grahame Rowley.
Sir Alex Ferguson unveils the plaque at @altrinchamfc‘s new community hall @Cheshire_FA pic.twitter.com/lE9IrEZ5QI
— Football Foundation (@FootballFoundtn) February 9, 2015
“There was much debate about who should conduct the opening ceremony, but you simply cannot get a bigger name anywhere in football than Sir Alex Ferguson,” said Rowley.
“We couldn’t possibly have wished for anything or anyone better. To have someone of his standing and world renown attending The J.Davidson Stadium and opening what we believe is a very prestigious facility in the Trafford Borough is entirely fitting.
“It is the perfect culmination of so much hard work and dedication by a lot of people.”
The official unveiling of the plaque @AltyCSH #mufc #alty #altrincham pic.twitter.com/hGcsNOWmUT
— Altrincham HQ (@altrinchamhq) February 9, 2015
Rowley added that former United chief executive David Gill helped secure the services of Ferguson to open the £750,000 building, which using grants from the Premier League and contributions from individuals and businesses was helped over the finishing line.
“David was a regular visitor when United’s Reserves used to play at our ground, and he has occasionally come along to watch us, when his busy schedule has permitted. We are grateful to him, as well,” said Rowley.
Ferguson spoke highly of the community-based club and wished them well for the future.
“This new community sports hall at Altrincham F.C. is going to be an invaluable resource for the club and community for years to come.
“It will provide opportunities for children and adults to get involved in sport regardless of the weather. The hall also doubles to cater for match day hospitality, which will act as a springboard for the club to grow commercially.
“This sort of project is the perfect example of how the Football Foundation is working with its Funders to provide football clubs with facilities that get more people playing sport, support football clubs’ excellent community outreach work and create talent pathways through which promising youngsters can progress.”
Ferguson famously championed the ‘Class of ’92’ who went on to win a raft of titles at the Old Trafford club, including, most memorably, the 1999 treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.
Main image courtesy of BT Sport via YouTube, with thanks.
