Sir Alex -- A Change at Manchester United -only after 26 years

It was a surprise shock when Sir Alex called it a day after 26 years at the Club. No one was expecting him to call it quits yet. The last time, there were discussions on this topic, was when Sir Alex indicated he would like to quit when he turned 60 years and that was at the end of the 2001 -02 season. ManU was not doing well that season and Sir Alex decided to extend his contract. He just carried on from then on having decided not to quit . It has been an incredible journey of 26 years. I says this because to stay as Manager of a Football club in Europe for one season is tough, demanding and to do this year over year for the past 26 years was fantastic.
Some facts on other clubs and their Managers will tell the story as to why this job is difficult.
        Chelsea had close to ten managers in the last ten years
        Liverpool half the number ( of Chelsea change )in the last decade
        Other clubs have had more than one or two managers in the same year.
There are of course exceptions to this, by clubs like Arsenal ( Wenger in charge from 1998 )and Everton ( David Moyes from 2002 ) who have had one man in charge for a long period of time.

So intense is the pressure on Managers to deliver. Managing the pressures , the expectations of the supporters of the club, the owners of the club, the cross cultural and super star players, the media – all these can go out of hand anytime.
What was special about Sir Alex :

Great work ethic

Creating great spirit in the club and a feeling of invincibility with his players

Clever at psychology --- prepares the mind of his players as well their bodies. ( cultivating the brain as well the brawn )—this was the one thing that enabled Man U to come back in most matches when they were down- they will find a way to score and get winners in the last minute

Never afraid to make" Big Decisions"

Willingness to Support Younger Players

Protecting Players from the pitfalls that can come with early fame and fortune

Approachability and being available to all players

Little patience with players who are booked for dissent ( because nobody is going to get a referee to change his mind )

Never heaps lavish praise – but when he says “Well Done Son” – it follows a victory and that is the most important thing and football is all about winning

Not one to dwell on sentiment and that is one thing that has ensured continued success

Putting the interest of the club in front

Stand shoulder to shoulder with his players when they have problems

Strict disciplinarian especially with younger players

Basking in glory is not his style – not looking at personal things and understanding the needs of the club is forefront .

Okay all the good things – there had to be those grey areas – he was at most times accused of intimidating the referees-- A lot of officials would be in awe of him and afraid to upset him. There was such an aura about him because he is a winner !

I have followed the fortunes of Man U for the past 17 years and it is difficult to imagine this Club without Sir Alex – reality is when the new season starts , he would be replaced by David Moyes , a Scot just as Sir Alex is . Moyes has done extremely well at Everton where he has had great results without the pressure that a Big club will create . Stepping in to Sir Alex shoes is not an easy job and the first match of the next season is going to be key to Moyes success. Of course , Sir Alex is still around to help out .

Take a bow for this Wonderful Man !

PS: In a lovely farewell at Old Trafford last Sunday , ManU were crowned Premier League Champions. Sir Alex gave a neat little farewell speech and  had earlier dropped Wayne Rooney their Superstar for the match against Swansea .( Looks like Rooney is ready to move and David Moyes has his Challenge ready) ! Even in this last match , their opponent Swansea looked like the winning team. But . but , the winner was ManU and the winning goal scored by Rio Ferdinand , a defender whose scored his last goal about five years ago. There you go for that winning spirit at ManU