Retiring Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson received the perfect send off as he was crowned Premier League manager of the year by the League Managers Association.
Ferguson collected the award for an impressive fourth time after leading the Red Devils to a 20th league title, the 13th of his Old Trafford career.
The Scot gave a special mention to West Brom boss Steve Clarke after their final day ten-goal thriller and to United’s under-21 Premier League champions.
“It has been overwhelming,” he said of the season. “The club has been fantastic and congratulations to West Brom with the way they handled yesterday.
“In a way I am glad it is all over now – because it has been hard work. I think Steve Clarke should get an award because anyone who scores five against United deserves it.
“United always placed a great emphasis on youth long before I came – it’s always been there and I have tried to maintain that.
“It is more difficult in the present climate – you have to scout abroad now but you are still looking for young people who can do well.”
LMA chief executive Richard Bevan believes it was a fitting way for the 71-year-old to end his illustrious career, with the award voted for by Ferguson’s peers.
“It is entirely appropriate that Sir Alex should win the LMA Manager of the Year for a record fourth time following his recent retirement announcement,” he said.
“As he retires as the most successful manager in the history of the British game we congratulate him on a magnificent career spanning over 40 years and more than 2,150 matches in football management, with achievements the likes of which we will never see again.”
Image courtesy of BBCSport, via YouTube, with thanks
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