by J Mock

Created on: October 05, 2009   Last Updated: September 13, 2010

Sir Alex Ferguson is the longest-serving club manager in English Football. Since taking over the helm from Ron Atkinson in November 1986, the 67 year-old Glaswegian has clocked up well over a 1000 games in charge of Manchester United, and has earned the honor of being the most successful club manager in British football history.

After a shaky start - rumours of an imminent sacking in 1989, following a string of poor results, were overcome by an FA Cup win against Nottingham Forest and a successful cup campaign - Ferguson has amassed over 30 honours, including an unparalleled 11 Premiership titles (out a 17) , five FA Cups and two UEFA Champions League trophies.

People may question his ability to continue leading what is arguably the 'biggest football club in the world' but he has proved his ability to lead a football club to honours, steering Utd to three Premiership titles in the last four seasons.

The question of Alex Ferguson continuing in his role as manager of Manchester United has surfaced frequently in the media for the last few years. Rumours have circulated each year, commenting that the coming season will be the final swansong for the leader of the 'red devils' but yet he remains in charge.

According to a report in The Guardian, dated 27th March 2009, "Ferguson himself has already cancelled one retirement date, which was originally scheduled for the end of the 2001-02 season, and passed the normal retirement age of 65 two years ago." Had Alex Ferguson retired as originally planned, would Manchester United still have secured four league titles, one FA Cup, two League Cups, one UEFA Champions League and a World Club Championship? The answer is pure speculation, but the proof is that Ferguson has proved himself to be a quality manager.

The Guardian and The Daily Mirror have reported that his family and friends were informed by Ferguson that he would retire at the end of the 2009/10 season. Will he uphold this belief, and walk away from the hotseat? Who can tell. Players and fans would probably like to see him continue as manager, because he has brought success to the club, but he will eventually have to relinquish his status as club manager.

If asking whether he should continue, then again, the answer is subjective. Ferguson is still clearly capable of leading out United, and he still has the belief in himself to deliver. The question, perhaps, of more concern is as to who will take over, or who would want to follow. At present, Ferguson still has what it takes to manage Manchester United, regardless of his age, and will continue in his role until either himself, or the club, see fit to embark on a new era.

Ref:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/mar/27/sir-a lex-ferguson-retirement-manchester-united

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2008/04/20/si r-alex-ferguson-sets-retirement-date-98487-20389058/

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