Football’s grumpy granddad
Posted on | October 28, 2009 | No Comments
Alex Ferguson has always been a blustery, grumpy and scarlet-tempered presence on my television screen. In many ways he has defined the modern English game – for as long as I have liked football, Ferguson has managed Manchester United. For as long as he has managed Manchester United, they have won things, often a lot of things. Lately it’s been so much it’s become rather boring.
Maybe he, like the rest of us, is also sick of his team winning trophies and has decided to spice things up a bit. Perhaps a weary mind is the explanation for his recent behaviour, which has been vintage Ferguson, turned up to 11.
His recent criticisms of referees have been Ferguson super-sized; his moaning has created a cartoonish, arsey Scotsman image which he presumably first used to try to influence decisions, but which he has recently used to mask his teams failings. When I think of Alex Ferguson I no longer think of silverware, of Ryan Giggs slashing in from the left, or of Solskjaer’s right foot poking home the winner in the Camp Nou.
Now I think of a bored-looking grump slumped with his head rested on one hand at his regular press conference. Of a man so narrow and childish he still practices a boycott on BBC interviews he began in 2004 after an Auntie documentary about him and his football agent son Jason.
His relentless pounding of referees is distasteful, predictable and shows an unpleasant edge. His claim Alan Wiley was not fit during the 2-2 draw with Sunderland unnecessary. His bullshit about Andre Marriner’s handling of the 2-0 loss to Liverpool tiring.
His talent as a manager will live on forever, but these days when I think of Alex Ferguson I think of grumbling. I’d imagine by now that’s even what a lot of United fans are starting to think about.
Chris Breese
Tags: alex ferguson > Andre Marriner > Manchester United > premier league > referees
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