Not Goodbye but Farewell

When I started this blog it was 18 (hence the name). It's now 20. However, Man U's 20th league title is now somewhat bitter sweet. Alex Ferguson who steered Man U to 65% of their (current) league titles is retiring.
I have never known a Manchester United side he hasn't managed. I wasn't even a teenager when he became manager. A school friend sent me a  message to she was thinking of me when the news broke. She recalls me talking football in the library when I probably should have been studying.
I've never warmed to man but I love the manager. He made good signings: Eric Cantona, Ronaldo, Solskjaer, Roy Keane. He made some poor signings too: Djemba-Djemba, Bébé. Sometimes, his teams won ugly. Sometimes, they played glorious football.
I won't list the stats for trophies or games won, sticks of gum chewed, etc. They're all a matter of record now. But in the years to come I suspect the stories and mythology will obscure the facts. Fergie time will be lengthened, rants will be exaggerated, and the list of hair styling appliances used will be extended.
My favourite Fergie/Man U memories are (in no particular order):
92/93 League title
The last 3 minutes of the 1999 Champions League final
That Giggs goal against Arsenal
Causing Keegan's meltdown
The 17th and 18th League titles.

Football trophies aside Fergie will be remembered for another reason: He contributed to the modern-day lexicon with phrases like "squeaky bum time" and the invention of "Fergie time".

I am not saddened that Fergie is retiring. He's 71. He's overdue. I've been expecting it. I understand why non-Man U fans are probably happy to see him go. He was never happy. It was always someone else's fault when Man U lost. He badgered officials. He was rude, arrogant, and belligerent. However, his job was to win trophies. And he did that. Tomorrow, Man Utd. will be awarded the Premier League trophy. It'll be Sir Alex's last home game. It'll be joyful and poignant. I am thankful that the club stuck by him through his rocky start. His reign has ended with silverware. It may seem trite but I am thankful for the rollercoaster that was the last 26 years (plus) in charge. I cannot say whether I will miss him. Ask me again in 12 months or 12 years. For now, I just hope his legacy lives on.