Sir Alex Ferguson has retired

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Im really glad he got to go out as a champion with the EPL title, he deserved to go out at the top. Thanks Fergie, greatest ever manager.
 
Hell, the day we all dreaded.
 
“The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about and one that I have not taken lightly. It is the right time.

“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.

“Our training facilities are amongst the finest in global sport and our home Old Trafford is rightfully regarded as one of the leading venues in the world.

“Going forward, I am delighted to take on the roles of both Director and Ambassador for the club. With these activities, along with my many other interests, I am looking forward to the future.

“I must pay tribute to my family, their love and support has been essential. 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.

“As for my players and staff, past and present, I would like to thank them all for a staggering level of professional conduct and dedication that has helped to deliver so many memorable triumphs. Without their contribution the history of this great club would not be as rich.

“In my early years, the backing of the board, and Sir Bobby Charlton in particular, gave me the confidence and time to build a football club, rather than just a football team.

“Over the past decade, the Glazer family have provided me with the platform to manage Manchester United to the best of my ability and I have been extremely fortunate to have worked with a talented and trustworthy Chief Executive in David Gill. I am truly grateful to all of them.

“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.”
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Holy shit. Never saw this coming. Going to change football entirely.
 
I was just about to have my morning wank but now it just doesn't feel right.
 
It has been an honor & a privalege to watch the Ferguson years - what a manager he has been for this club. This is the most important moment in the club's recent history, lets hope we can continue with the success we've had in recent years.
 
Sir Alex retires

• Thirteenth league title in 26 years will be his last
• Most successful manager in English football history to become a director of Manchester United FC

NYSE: Man Utd. Manchester, UK. Sir Alex Ferguson will retire at the end of the season, Manchester United announced today.

The most successful manager in English football history will bow out after the West Bromwich Albion game on 19 May and join the football club board.

Announcing his decision to retire, Sir Alex Ferguson said:

“The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about and one that I have not taken lightly. It is the right time.

“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.

“Our training facilities are amongst the finest in global sport and our home Old Trafford is rightfully regarded as one of the leading venues in the world.

“Going forward, I am delighted to take on the roles of both Director and Ambassador for the club. With these activities, along with my many other interests, I am looking forward to the future.

“I must pay tribute to my family, their love and support has been essential. 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.

“As for my players and staff, past and present, I would like to thank them all for a staggering level of professional conduct and dedication that has helped to deliver so many memorable triumphs. Without their contribution the history of this great club would not be as rich.

“In my early years, the backing of the board, and Sir Bobby Charlton in particular, gave me the confidence and time to build a football club, rather than just a football team.

“Over the past decade, the Glazer family have provided me with the platform to manage Manchester United to the best of my ability and I have been extremely fortunate to have worked with a talented and trustworthy Chief Executive in David Gill. I am truly grateful to all of them.

“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.”

Joel Glazer said:

“Alex has proven time and time again what a fantastic manager he is but he’s also a wonderful person. His determination to succeed and dedication to the Club have been truly remarkable. I will always cherish the wonderful memories he has given us, like that magical night in Moscow."

Avie Glazer said: “I am delighted to announce that Alex has agreed to stay with the Club as a director. His contributions to Manchester United over the last 26 years have been extraordinary and, like all United fans, I want him to be a part of its future.”

David Gill said:

“I’ve had the tremendous pleasure of working very closely with Alex for 16 unforgettable years – through the Treble, the double, countless trophy wins and numerous signings.

“We knew that his retirement would come one day and we both have been planning for it by ensuring the quality of the squad and club structures are in first class condition.

“Alex’s vision, energy and ability have built teams – both on and off the pitch – that his successor can count on as among the best and most loyal in world sport.

“The way he cares for this club, his staff and for the football family in general is something that I admire. It is a side to him that is often hidden from public view but it is something that I have been privileged to witness in the last 16 years.

“What he has done for this club and for the game in general will never be forgotten. It has been the greatest experience of my working life being alongside Alex and a great honour to be able to call him a friend.”
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Full Statement...
 
It's the day we never thought would come.

I'm actually properly welled up here. Feel ridiculous for it too.
 
Christ, I'm just sitting here lifeless at work. This is insane. 15 minutes ago I had no idea this rumour even existed.
 
Devastated. :(


Just can't imagine the club without Fergie. Greatest manager ever, end of an era and I don't think it'll ever be the same. SAF is United.
 
All seems a bit sudden. Was sure he would be here for another year or two.
 
He's going to be a director and an ambassador for the club.
 
Im not doing shit all else today, this is too much to take in.
 
dreaded for the future to be honest. Gill and Fergie provided that stability during the Glazer era, and now we'll start the next season without both of them
 
Wowser, I assumed it was bullshit last night & I wasn't expecting anything until 2.30pm today. I only opened this thread to see if there was anything else, then I saw a thread entitled SAF - retired.

So it's true then. The end of an era.

Thanks for the memories
 
fecking shit. Nooooooooooooo! It just feels so weird. Ever since I was born he has been in charge of United. Wow.
 
I'm devestated. I've never known the club without him here, he started working for the club a few days before I was born. Saying Thank You doesnt seem enough. Legend.
 
I wish the media would shut the feck about his replacement. Just concentrate on Fergie for now.
 
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