Sir Alex initial years

[Tribec]

Including a certain Gary Walsh.

It was unheard of for an 18 year old keeper to get game time unless in an emergency back then, but to named first choice keeper was something else.

If it wasn't for injuries, and a fear of the ball at his feet he could've been one of the very best.

It was unheard of certainly, but if the one thing that Fergie did consistently during this time was to play the youngsters if he felt they were good enough. The highlight of which we'd seen the season prior to the FA Cup win, where just after Christmas through a injury crisis we had the first set of Fergie's Fledglings playing starting off with Beardsmore inspiring a win against Liverpool and then three FA cup games against QPR. Whilst none of that group made it, it did at least confirm that we'd see the kids given a go if needed, unlike Big Ron, who would look to buy in times of injury crisis.

 

[buchansleftleg]

What younger fans may not be as aware of was the fact that Fergie did a lot of bargain basement shopping for pretty average players and his record on big money signings like Webb was pretty poor.

His reputation in Scotland was one for being able to make average players better and create a strong team ethic.

United had just a bit more money than other teams but we had owners who wanted to keep the cash in the club rather than spending money on big signings too often.

The cup winners cup was the first real statement of intent and marked for me the beginning of Fergies dominance.

Ole is currently doing far better in terms of his hit rate in signings, but his game management lags way behind the master.

 

[Class of 63]

It was unheard of certainly, but if the one thing that Fergie did consistently during this time was to play the youngsters if he felt they were good enough. The highlight of which we'd seen the season prior to the FA Cup win, where just after Christmas through a injury crisis we had the first set of Fergie's Fledglings playing starting off with Beardsmore inspiring a win against Liverpool and then three FA cup games against QPR. Whilst none of that group made it, it did at least confirm that we'd see the kids given a go if needed, unlike Big Ron, who would look to buy in times of injury crisis.

Even though I knew he played mainly at fullback for the 'A' team and Reserves I was telling anybody that would listen on the train going back North that in Tony Gill we'd found a new Robbo after his performance in the 2-2 at Loftus Road Sadly another talented player whose career was wrecked by injury.

He liked to spend money but Big Ron wasn't scared to throw kids in.