Fergie lays into the pundits and refuses to retire as Manchester United boss to join Shearer &

19 March 2009 10:12
Sir Alex Ferguson has laid into former players and failed managers who have become media pundits.[LNB]Sofa so good: Newcastle legend turned BBC pundit Alan Shearer[LNB]The Manchester United [LNB]boss revealed the depth of his disdain for journalists and in particular the sofa darlings such as Alan Shearer, Alan Hansen, Mark Lawrenson, Andy Gray and the other ex-stars who turned to commentary instead of following him into management.[LNB]Asked if he would turn his hand to punditry when he finally retires, Ferguson told the New Statesman: 'Not a chance, some of the ex-player, ex-manager pundits are the worst.[LNB]'It's a disgrace the way they sit there criticising guys they used to play with, just to make a bit of an impact. I couldn't do that.'[LNB]Ferguson, who rarely gives interviews, admitted he disliked dealing with the media but was forced to give press conferences. He showed the depth of his paranoia by urging the govenrment to have tighter controls of the press.[LNB]So, media work is off the agenda for his twilight years, but the 67-year-old is in no mood to retire just yet in any case. [LNB]The former Aberdeen boss said he was still healthy, hungry for success, and a man who gets a kick from bringing new players through the ranks.[LNB]'I still get a tingle of excitement when the team bus draws up at an away ground before a big match,' he said. 'Or I see some of the young kids coming through, like the young Brazilian twins (18-year-olds Fabio and Rafael da Silva). They are something else.'[LNB] Fergie's domain: The Manchester United boss watches over training[LNB]The former Aberdeen boss admitted he was likely to stick around at Old Trafford once his management days are over, despite the fears of observers who felt Sir Matt Busby's presence at United after his reign ended cast a shadow over his successors.[LNB]Busby led United to their first European Cup victory in 1968, but after the Scot retired the club lost their winning touch and went 26 years without winning the League title until Ferguson claimed the inaugural Premier League crown in 1993.[LNB]Busby stuck around after handing over the reins, becoming a club director and eventually president at United.[LNB]Ferguson said: 'United are a family club and I know they will want me to stay involved as an ambassador of some sort. If I'm asked my view I'll give it, but I won't be a back-seat driver.'[LNB] It's too tough a call: United won't win all five trophies, admits Ferguson[LNB]Tevez will be forced to quit United unless Fergie stumps up £32m to sign the Argentina ace[LNB]Martin Samuel Part I: Why Moyes is not the right man to boss United[LNB]MANCHESTER UNITED FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB][LNB]  

Source: Daily_Mail