The Legacy Of Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson hoist the Premier League Trophy in 2008.

Let me start by stating this. I do not like Sir Alex Ferguson. Not one bit. I think he’s a boorish, conceited, uncouth, ill-tempered bully who has received far too much praise, from the British press who lap up every word he says, like it’s the word of God himself. Only Ferguson can get away with skipping news conferences after defeats in the Champions League, like he did this past season, after Manchester United were eliminated by Real Madrid. If, say Jurgen Klopp or Rafa Benitez were to pull of the same shenanigans, they would be vilified and pilfered in the newspapers in Europe.

That being said, I also cannot deny the success and impact that Sir Alex has brought to English football and more specifically Manchester United. No manager has had more success than the man known as Fergie. The numbers speak for themselves. 13 Premier League titles. 5 FA Cups. 4 League Cups. 2 Champions League titles. 10 Community Shields. 1 UEFA Cup Winners Cup. 1 UEFA Super Cup. 1 International Cup. 1 FIFA World Club Cup.

What might be the most remarkable aspect of Ferguson’s success is the length of his tenure with the club. In an age where managers are discarded faster than dirty wash cloths, Ferguson has kept his position with the club for 27 years! And he left on his own terms.

Ferguson was hired by Manchester United on November 6 1986, replacing Ron Atkinson, who was sacked following a 4-1 loss to Southampton in the fourth round of the League Cup. When Ferguson was hired, United were sitting in 19th position in the League and in danger of being relegated. Ferguson’s debut wasn’t legendary at all, as United were defeated 2-0 by Oxford United at Old Trafford. But as the season wore on, United showed improvement. Sir Alex’s first notable win came on Boxing Day of that year against bitter rivals Liverpool. In those days, Liverpool were the dominant team in England, winning League titles while also relishing in European glory. But United went into Anfield, and shocked the hosts 1-0 thanks to a Norman Whiteside marker in the 78th minute. United moved up to 11th place by the end of the season, gaining respect from the rest of England.

His first trophy came in 1990, which very likely saved his job at the time. United were struggling in the league, wallowing in 13th place. However, their run in the FA Cup was remarkable, as all of their victories came away from Old Trafford. Sir Alex finally hoisted his first trophy on May 17 1990 at Wembley Stadium as United defeated Crystal Palace 1-0 as Lee Martin scored the only goal shortly before the hour mark.

The next season, United celebrated some European glory as they defeated Barcelona 2-1 in the final of the now-defunct UEFA Cup Winners Cup. Striker Mark Hughes was the hero for the Red Devils on that day, as his brace was the difference in the match.

It was in 1993 where Sir Alex and Manchester United made their mark. In the first year of the English Premier League, (replacing the old First Division) United ended their 26 year drought, by winning the League title. The most important match came on April 10 against Sheffield Wednesday. Trailing 1-0 late in the match, Steve Bruce bailed out United with a late brace, sending Old Trafford into a frenzy, and putting United top of the table. They clinched the title on May 3 with a 3-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers. The victory was redemption for Sir Alex and United who were so close in previous years, but had failed to finish the job.

United then started to dominate English football, as they went on to win 4 out of the next 6 league titles. While teams such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Liverpool were all knocking on the door, United were holding them off, keeping the door shut on their rivals title dreams.

Then came the magical season of 1998-99. No season is celebrated more in Manchester than this one. United became the first club in England to win the treble. The English Premier League, the FA Cup and the Champions League. And all three titles were won in dramatic fashion.

The Premier League came down to the final day as United and Arsenal were vying for the crown. United were hosting Tottenham Hotspurs while Arsenal hosted Aston Villa. United only needed a win to secure the title, but a loss or draw would have opened the door for the Gunners. Arsenal did their part, defeating Villa 1-0 at Highbury. It was up to United to come through. After conceding an early goal, David Beckham equalized just before the stroke of halftime. Striker Andy Cole gave United the lead just 3 minutes after the intermission. As Spurs poured on the pressure, United stood firm and held on to the final whistle. It was United’s fifth title in 7 years.

The FA Cup had its share of drama as well. In the quarterfinals against Chelsea, United and the Blues played to a goalless draw at Old Trafford, setting up a replay at Stamford Bridge. Despite being in hostile territory, United came through with one of their best performances that season, as two goals from Andy Cole sent United to the semifinals. United faced their main rivals for the Premier League crown Arsenal to see who would go to the FA Cup final. David Beckham opened the scoring in the 17th minute but Arsenal levelled the score thanks to their superstar striker Dennis Bergkamp. The game needed extra time when Ferguson’s all time favourite player, Ryan Giggs came through with the winning goal in the 109th minute.

The final against Newcastle was controlled by Ferguson’s club as goals from Teddy Sheringham and Paul Scholes helped Ferguson lift the FA Cup yet again.

But it was in Europe where Ferguson had his greatest triumph. Manchester United’s Champions League campaign began with a thrilling 3-3 draw with Barcelona at Old Trafford. Another 3-3 draw with the Catalan giants, this time at Nou Camp won many new fans for Manchester United, who started to get a global following. United finished second in Group D, and advanced to the quarterfinals. Their opponent was Inter Milan who many experts picked to win the European Cup. But United had other ideas as Dwight Yorke found the back of the net twice in the first leg, to give United the upper hand. A 1-1 draw at San Siro was good enough to see United through to the semifinals. Juventus awaited United and the first leg ended in a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. With the second leg in Turin, Juventus held the advantage of having the crucial away goal. When Filippo Inzaghi scored twice in the first 11 minutes, it looked like United were done. However, Ferguson’s troops stormed back as Roy Keane and Dwight Yorke scored to draw United level at halftime. Andy Cole won the match for United in the 84th minute sending them to the final.

Manchester United were in big trouble just before the Champions League Final against Bayern Munich. Roy Keane and Paul Scholes were both suspended leaving a gaping hole in the United midfield. Defender Henning Berg was injured and declared unfit to play. The game started on the wrong note for United as Bayern forward Mario Basler scored on a brilliant free kick that eluded keeper Peter Schmeichel. The rest of the half was controlled by Bayern as United looked out of sorts on the pitch. But Schmeichel kept them in the game by making some terrific saves to keep the scoreline at 1-0.

As the game wore on, frustration grew on the United side as Bayern’s defending stiffened. The game went into injury time and that’s when Manchester United became a legendary club. United won a corner and everyone pushed forward. David Beckham’s  delivery was poorly cleared and Teddy Sheringham potted home the equalizer giving United hope. Then two minutes later, United won another corner. Beckham’s perfectly placed corner found the foot of Norwegian striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who efficiently finished, giving United an improbable victory. It was United’s first European title since 1968, and the first European title for an English club, since they were re-admitted into European competitions following a six-year ban.

United continued their domination in the next century, winning 8 Premier League crowns and one more European title. Their second Champions League trophy came in 2008 as they defeated Chelsea on penalties. That United side is considered the best United team of all time, with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez and Edwin van der Sar leading the way.

Through all that, the one constant has been Ferguson. His “my way or the highway” approach has made him some enemies over the years, but it has also led to considerable success. Many of his former players became managers. Bryan Robson, Steve Bruce, Mark Hughes, Roy Keane, Paul Ince, Chris Casper, Darren Ferguson, Ole Gunnar Skolskjaer and Henning Berg have all spent time manning the touch-line at some level of professional football. And when Ryan Giggs retires, he will be a highly sought candidate to manage a club as well.

Manchester United are now the biggest sporting club in the world. Their name is a global phenomenon. They won over many supporters with their thrilling style and dramatic victories. Their success is unheard of in any sport. They now have surpassed Liverpool for the most League titles with 20 championships. They also restored English football to a respectable state after the hooligans and tragedies that swept English football in the 1980s.

I still won’t like Sir Alex Ferguson. And I will never be a Manchester United fan. But I must admit the sport will feel his absence next season. No matter what you think of him, you cannot deny the impact of one Sir Alex Ferguson

You can follow me on Twitter @jstar1973

Germany The New Powerhouse

Over the last several years, there has been little doubt has to who has led the way in  the sport of soccer. Since 2008, Spain has been the leader of the beautiful game at both the club and international level. The winners of Euros 2008 and 2012, along with a World Cup title in 2010, Spain has been the best in the world. At the club level, Barcelona has been spectacular, winning the Champions League in 2009 and 2011, playing eye-catching football, that has pleased even the harshest critics. However, a changing of the guard seems to be at hand.

Germany has always been a dominant force in world football. Three World Cup titles in 1954, 1974 and 1990 to go with three European crowns in 1972, 1980 and 1996 are proof that the Germans are a major power. In club football, Bayern Munich has won 4 European titles, and are one of the wealthiest clubs in the world, with a large world following. In recent times however, the Germans have seen their fortunes slip. Since winning Euro in 1996, the Germans haven’t won a trophy in International play, while Bayern Munich’s Champions League title in 2001, is the last time, a German side won Europe’s biggest club competition. There have been questions about Germany’s character in big matches over the last ten years. It should be noted that Spain has delivered crushing defeats to Germany, most notably in the 2008 Euro Final and the 2010 World Cup semifinal.

But the times are changing. While Spain have been struggling to find their form in World Cup qualifying, Germany have been cruising along, sitting atop of Group C in UEFA qualification, eight points clear of second place Austria. It is all but certain that Germany will be in Brazil for the biggest sporting event on the planet next summer.

But it is in club competition where the Germans have risen to power. Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund will meet on May 25th at London’s Wembley Stadium to decide who are the champions of Europe. Both sides have been very impressive in the Champions League, but saved their best for the semifinals.

Bayern Munich players gather to celebrate Thomas Muller’s goal vs Barcelona.

Bayern Munich demolished Barcelona by an aggregate score of 7-0, while Borussia Dortmund eliminated Real Madrid by a 4-3 aggregate score. Bayern’s destruction of Barcelona was shocking yet impressive. Bastian Schweinsteger was simply brilliant in the midfield, completely nullifying Barcelona’s tiki-taki approach. Forward Thomas Muller’s timely goals and direct attacking caused all sorts of problems. Philipp Lahm and the rest of the back four were a fortress in shutting down Lionel Messi, and the rest of Barcelona’s top scorers.

Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski celebrate a Borussia Dortmund goal against Real Madrid.

Borussia Dortmund have been the choice of soccer hipsters throughout the world. Manager Jurgen Klopp has instilled a plan of attack that has captured the hearts of many supporters. Dortmund love to push forward, and with the likes of talismanic figure Marco Reus, creative midfielder Mario Gotze, and Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, Dortmund have been glorious to watch. Holding midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is technically sound, while being a superb playmaker. Defenders Mats Hummels and Sven Bender are rocks in the back. In the first leg against Real Madrid, Lewandowski found the back of the net four times, as Dortmund tore Los Blancos apart. This is an impressive side that is looking for its first European title, since 1997.

The Bundesliga is also on the rise. Attendance is at an all time high and unlike the corporate English Premier League, the supporters have more ownership over the clubs. And it isn’t just Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund that are worth watching. Schalke 04, Borussia Monchengladbach, Hamburg SV, Bayer Leverkusen and Eintracht Frankfurt all play wonderful football to packed stadia and fanatical supporters.

It is a wonderful time for German football indeed. And with the World Cup a mere 13 months away, plus a Champions League Final featuring two top German clubs, Germany may be taking over Spain’s rightful spot, as the kings of football.

You can follow me on Twitter @jstar1973

The Curse Of Joe Carter

To say the Toronto Blue Jays had high expectations heading into the 2013 Major League Baseball season, is like saying the CN Tower is really tall. Many experts pegged the Jays to win the American League Eastern division for the first time since 1993.

However, the Jays have started slowly this season, as they sit in last place in the AL East, going 4-6 in their first 10 games. This despite the many moves the Jays made in the offseason. In a blockbuster deal that shook the baseball world, general manager Alex Anthopoulos acquired shortstop Jose Reyes, catcher John Buck, second baseman Emilo Bonifacio, and pitchers Mark Buehrle and Josh Johnson from the Miami Marlins for minor leaguers and prospects. The Jays then traded Buck, and prospects to the New York Mets for Cy Young award winner R.A. Dickey. The Jays had loaded up and were looking to challenge the mighty New York Yankees in the division.

So far it hasn’t worked out. Dickey has lost his first two starts of the season, compiling an 8.44 ERA. The knuckleballer only last 4 2/3 innings in his most recent start against Boston, giving up 7 earned runs while surrendering 2 home runs. Buehrle has yet to register a decision but has a fattening 10.24 ERA in his two starts. Johnson is 0-1 with an 11.05 ERA. The Jays are giving up more runs than Germany in the last Little League World Series.

The one bright spot has been Reyes. The Dominican Republic native was enjoying a solid start for the Jays, hitting .395 with a home run and 5 RBIs. Reyes also brought some much-needed speed to the Jays lineup as he has stolen 5 bases this season. However, Reyes suffered an ankle injury on Friday night in Kansas City while attempting to steal second base. Reyes was undecided on whether he should have slid head-first or feet-first. When Reyes eventually decided to lead with his feet, his ankle twisted with squeamish results. Reyes was carted off the field with his ankle immobilized. Anthopoulos has said Reyes will miss anywhere from 4 weeks to 3 months.

Which brings us back to 1993. Jays fans remember that year very well. One of the most famous home runs in baseball history was hit in Game 6 of the 93 World Series. Joe Carter’s three run blast off Mitch Williams in the bottom of the ninth, gave the Jays their second consecutive World Series. Since then, the Jays have been mired in mediocrity. Every team in the AL East has won the division since the Jays last AL East crown. So one must ask, did Joe Carter sell his soul so he could be the hero and now the forces of nature are paying the Jays back? How else can one explain the Jays horrific luck.

The Jays have always had to look up to the two richest teams in baseball, the Yankees and Red Sox for so long, their necks are stiff. When it would look like the Jays were ready to make their move, injuries and poor roster moves sunk them while a team like the Tampa Bay Rays, who are on a shoestring budget, are annual contenders in the division. Just look at the misfortunes the Jays have had over the years.

Trading Raul Mondesi to the New York Yankees for Scott Wiggins. Who in the world is Scott Wiggins?

Hiring Buck Martinez as manager prior to the 2001 season. Let’s just say as a manager, Buck is a decent TV announcer.

Trading Cy Young winner Roy Halladay to Philadelphia for Kyle Drabek, Michael Taylor and Travis d’Arnaud. Drabek has battled arm issues during his tenure in Toronto. Taylor and d’Arnaud are drifting aimlessly in the minors.

Using Aquilino Lopez as the closer in 2003. Lopez was the second coming of Bill Caudill, which isn’t a compliment.

The brawl between Ted Lilly and manager John Gibbons in 2006, during a game after Lilly was pulled. Don Cherry would have been proud.

The one-year wonder that was Josh Towers, who compiled 13 wins in 2005, only to see him falter in 2006, never regaining his confidence.

The criticism heaped upon the organization by Shea Hillenbrand in 2006. The former third baseman confronted Gibbons during this stretch and afterwards wrote on the billboard, “This is a sinking ship.” “Play for yourself.”

The constant arm problems of pitcher Dustin McGowan following a 12 win season in 2007.

The signing of B.J. Ryan, who turned out to be one of the biggest free agent busts in baseball history. Ryan underwent Tommy John surgery in 2007, and never fully recovered.

The acquisition of third baseman Scott Rolen in 2008. A former Gold Glove winner, Rolen spent more time on the disabled list, than on the field during his tenure with the Blue Jays.

Just last year, shortstop Yunel Escobar had anti-gay statements in Spanish, scrawled on his eye black. Escobar was suspended for three games, then subsequently released by the Jays.

What else can go wrong for the Blue Jays. If it isn’t injuries or bad roster moves, its players behaving stupidly. You have to wonder if Joe Carter cursed this organization 20 years ago, for one of the most defining moments in Canadian sports history.

You can follow me on Twitter @jstar1973