Sir Alex Ferguson statue unveiled at Old Trafford

Posted on November 23, 2012 by adminsports

The Emperor of Old Trafford… Ferguson's used to silverware but here he is immortalised in bronze. And even Manchester United's fiercest critics have to admit his 9ft statue is impressive

UPDATED:

15:39 GMT, 23 November 2012

The statue of Sir Alex Ferguson has been unveiled in a ceremony to honour the Manchester United manager outside their Old Trafford home.

The nine-foot bronze statue was unveiled by Sir Alex's wife Lady Cathy Ferguson. 'He's scared of her,' said the club's chief executive David Gill.

'Normally people die before they see their statue,' said Ferguson. 'I'm outliving death.' The 70-year-old added: 'This is a really proud moment.'

New: Lady Cathy Ferguson unveiled the bronze statue of her husband Sir Alex at Old Trafford, and (below) the words on the plaque

There you go! Fergie looks on with delight as the covers come off his giant statue outside Old Trafford

New: Lady Cathy Ferguson unveiled the bronze statue of her husband Sir Alex at Old Trafford, and (below) the words on the plaque

Speaking out: Fergie gives his verdict to the crowd

Pointing the way: Ferguson with his wife Cathy

Pointing the way: Fergie gives his verdict to the crowd gathered at Old Trafford alongside his wife Cathy

Regarding his wife, Ferguson said:
'Someone has to control me and she is the only one who can. Every
Saturday morning she's said she will come down and bow to the statue.'

The United manager is the centre of attention as the club celebrate his 26 years in charge.

Eric
Cantona and Ruud van Nistelrooy were among the most notable guests
at the unveiling of a statue in honour of Ferguson. United commissioned award-winning
sculptor Philip Jackson to create the statue which has been placed outside the stand that already bears Ferguson's name.

Standing tall: The statue of Ferguson has a prime spot outside the stands named after the manager

Immortalised: The statue up close

Immortalised: The statue up close outside Old Trafford dedicated to the manager

FIFA president Sepp Blatter and former United players Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham were among those not present at the unveiling who sent a pre-recorded message.

'He is unique because he has put a high standard to his club his players and also to himself,' Blatter said. 'I was so happy that I had the opportunity to bestow him with the FIFA President's award and he was happy to receive it. I am proud and I wish him well in the future to him and his family and the club Manchester United. Thank you, Sir Alex.'

David beckham

Sir Alex Ferguson

Video message: David Beckham spoke ahead of the presentation with Ferguson (right) and former United players Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Eric Cantona (below)

Eric Cantona

Ronaldo added: 'You 100 per cent deserve this with what you have done. I wish to be there with you but my schedule is busy with games as you know. I hope to see you soon because I need to practice my English and not my Scottish. Thanks boss. All the best to you.'

Beckham added: 'Sorry I can't be there for this amazing day. My time at Manchester United was without doubt the best of my career and I cherish those moments.'

Ferguson's whopping trophy haul is this – 12 Premier League trophies, two Champions League trophies, five FA Cups and four League Cups. It is a dramatic reminder of his unrivalled success at United as he enters the finals years of his reign.

Side view: Eric Cantona and Ruud van Nistelrooy were among the most notable guests at the unveiling of a statue in honour of Ferguson

In support: United supporters braved the inclement weather at Old Trafford to see the new statue of Ferguson

Almost ready: The Sir Alex Ferguson statue was lowered into place on Thursday outside Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium

Final countdown: Fergie statue

His longevity at Old Trafford is encapsulated by the guests who were in attendance.

In addition to Cantona, who signed for United almost 20 years ago in probably the most astute transfer of Ferguson's 26-year reign, and Van Nistelrooy, who scored 150 goals in five seasons but has never been back to the club since he was sensationally jettisoned in 2006, Ferguson's first captain, Bryan Robson, was there, plus Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who scored that famous injury-time match-winner in the 1999 Champions League final.

United's entire first-team squad were also be present, as was England coach and long-time Red Devil Gary Neville.

Fergie 37… The Rest 31: How he squares up against his current Premier League rivals…

Arsene Wenger 11… Premier League (3), FA Cup (4), Community Shield (4)

Martin O’Neill 5… League Cup (2), FA Trophy (2), Football Conference (1)

Rafa Benitez 4… Champions League (1), FA Cup (1), UEFA Super Cup (1), Community Shield (1)

Roberto Mancini 3… Premier League (1), FA Cup (1), Community Shield (1)

Chris Hughton 1 (Championship)

Brian McDermott 1 (Championship)

Nigel Adkins 1 (League One)

Paul Lambert 1 (League One)

Roberto Martinez 1 (League One)

David Moyes 1 (Second Division)

Sam Allardyce 1 (Third Division)

Alan Pardew 1 (Football League Trophy)

0 Martin Jol, Brendan Rodgers, Mark Hughes, Tony Pulis, Michael Laudrup, Andre Villas-Boas, Steve Clarke

Sir Alex Ferguson, pictured below with Eric Cantona in 1996, has won 37 trophies – Premier League (12), Champions League (2), FA Cup (5), League Cup (4), Community Shield (10), UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup (1), UEFA Super Cup (1), Intercontinental Cup (1), FIFA Club World Cup (1)

Alex Ferguson and Eric Cantona in 1996

Alex Ferguson statue in place at Manchester United"s Old Trafford stadium

Posted on November 22, 2012 by adminsports

Here comes the 9ft statue of Fergie at Old Trafford… but what pose can we expect

UPDATED:

17:08 GMT, 22 November 2012

Manchester United are on the brink of unveiling their statue of Sir Alex Ferguson.

United commissioned award-winning sculptor Philip Jackson to create the 9ft bronze statue which will be placed outside Old Trafford's recently renamed North Stand. It is to celebrate 70-year-old's Ferguson's incredible career at the club.

Ferguson's pose in the statue has yet to be revealed, with United fans speculating on whether it will be a celebration, with a trophy or even tapping his watch.

Ready to go: The statue of Sir Alex Ferguson is set to be unveiled

Sir Alex Ferguson is hoisted into place

Jackson said: 'I have met Sir Alex on a number of occasions and he is a very nice chap. I took a lot of pictures of him and watched a lot film.

'You have to get to know the subject. He came down to see the clay sculpture and he seemed very pleased.'

The statue is being unveiled at 2pm on Friday, with a large crowd expected to gather at the ground. Ferguson is set to attend, along with Sir Bobby Charlton and United management.

Ahead of the unveiling, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has led the tributes to his great rival.

Fergie time: The United manager has seen his side win numerous games in injury time

Wenger has had many close duels with Ferguson during his own remarkable 16 years with the Gunners but still holds his old adversary in the highest regard and expects United to struggle to replace him.

The Frenchman said: 'I don't remember anybody else being at the top, top level for such a long time. In some ways it is scary as well because you think when this guy leaves the club, no matter of the quality of who comes in after him, it will be a huge hole.

'The club will be destabilised even if the guy who comes after him is top quality because the print of everything, the life of everything, revolves around Ferguson so much at Manchester United. He has to be immortal so the club doesn't suffer!

Trophy laden: Ferguson has led United to multiple honours during his successful reign

'His commitment is always there, you never feel that his commitment is weakened. What I admire maybe the most in him is his forward-thinking. He is always ready to move with the times and never speaks about what he has done before.

'He knows when to renew the team, when you have to make changes, and that is exceptional because you can sometimes be a little bit lazy when you have so much success.

'He's never been like that, he's always on his toes and he can renew what is needed, when it is needed.

'It is a job where you need to dedicate your life to football and Ferguson has done that and that deserves massive respect. He has won absolutely everything and, of course, that is something exceptional.'

Still going strong: Ferguson continues to have United challenging both domestically and in Europe

Ferguson won the first of his 12 Premier League titles with United in 1993 and has also overseen Champions League success twice. There have also been five FA Cup wins.

Veteran Ryan Giggs, who has been a key member of the first team for most of Ferguson's reign, has also been wholesome in his praise.

The 38-year-old said: 'He's just a great man. Even though he is managing the greatest club in the world and the biggest club in the world, he still has
time for any young player or any player with problems – both on and off the pitch.

'He's the biggest influence on my career so I can't speak highly enough about him.'

Kings of Europe: Ferguson won his second Champions League trophy in 2008

England hero David Beckham found stardom under Ferguson and was a member of six title-winning sides before leaving for Real Madrid in 2003.

Beckham may have had his differences with Ferguson at times but the pair have long since been reconciled and the respect is evident.

Beckham said: 'I think the manager has been so successful because he's passionate about Manchester United and he's a born winner.

'He knows how to win games, how to handle pressure and how to look after his team and his players. Playing under him for the years that I did, well – he was like a father figure to me.

'I moved up from London to Manchester and he always said to me, “If you've got any worries, come and knock on my door – it's always open”.

Plenty to ponder: Ferguson has faced new challenges during his reign at Old Trafford

'I was scared to go and knock on his door because of who he is but he always made me feel as if I was part of a family and that's how you feel when you're at Manchester United.'

Another influential player was defender Gary Neville, who is now on the England coaching staff and forging a promising media career.

Neville said: 'To be at this club for so long is staggering. You would never believe it could happen.

'I've said before, United had Sir Matt Busby, now they've got somebody who's replicated his longevity at the club and surpassed his success – you would just never believe it could be achieved.

'It's really not something you can put into words, what Sir Alex Ferguson has done for the club.'

Sir Alex Ferguson Old Trafford statue to be unveiled on November 23

Posted on November 6, 2012 by adminsports

Sir Alex statue to be unveiled outside Old Trafford later this month

UPDATED:

00:44 GMT, 6 November 2012

Manchester United have announced that the statue they have commissioned in honour of Sir Alex Ferguson will be unveiled outside Old Trafford later this month.

The 9ft bronze statue created by award-winning sculptor Philip Jackson will be unveiled 'in a prominent position' outside the stand named after Ferguson on Friday, November 23, at 2pm.

Honour: A statue of Sir Alex Ferguson is to be erected outside Old Trafford

The unveiling comes the day before United
welcome QPR who, coincidentally, were the same opponents Ferguson faced
in his first home game in charge on November 22, 1986.

The Scot, who has won 24 major
trophies in a quarter of a century, is the club's longest serving
manager.

United already have two permanent statues outside their famous home ground – one of legendary manager Sir Matt Busby overlooking the East Stand, and the other known as the 'the United Trinity' of George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton.

History: Sir Matt Busby and the 'United trinity' have already been celebrated

Ferguson, who is now 70 years old, has shown no signs of slowing down despite his advancing years and the increased competition, notably from rivals Manchester City.

The club will also be unveiling new artwork and installations in the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand concourses designed to illustrate the manager’s achievements throughout his United career.

Sports pictures of the day: October 24

Posted on October 24, 2012 by adminsports

Sports images of the day: Our picture editor's selection

UPDATED:

15:37 GMT, 24 October 2012

Each day, MailOnline sports picture editor Dave Muir will choose his favourite photographs from around the world in the past 24 hours.

Enjoy today's selection right here…

Usain Bolt poses with the famous Christ the Redeemer statue on a vist to Rio de Janeiro

Javier Hernandez scores as Manchester United battle back to beat Braga 3-2 at Old Trafford

Maria Sharapova returns a shot (and lets out a roar) against Sara Errani in Istanbul

St Louis Rams cheerleaders and the team mascot Rampage pose at the famous crossing on Abbey Road

CFR Cluj's Nicolas Godemeche takes a ball in the face during his side's Champions League clash with Galatasaray

Sir Alex Ferguson statue outside Old Trafford

Posted on September 14, 2012 by adminsports

United to honour legendary Sir Alex with 9ft statue outside his Old Trafford stand

UPDATED:

09:35 GMT, 14 September 2012

Sir Alex Ferguson is to be honoured with a bronze statue outside Old Trafford to celebrate his 25 years in charge of Manchester United.

The Scot, who has won 24 major trophies in a quarter of a century, is the club's longest serving manager and already has a stand named after him at the stadium.

United have asked award-winning sculptor Philip Jackson to create the 9ft bronze statue which will be placed outside the recently renamed North Stand.

Honour: A statue of Sir Alex Ferguson is to be erected outside Old Trafford

Jackson said: 'I have met Sir Alex on a number of occasions and he is a very nice chap. I took a lot of pictures of him and watched a lot film. You have to get to know the subject.

'He came down to see the clay sculpture and he seemed very pleased.'

History: Sir Matt Busby and the 'United trinity' have already been celebrated

Ferguson, who is now 70 years old, has shown no signs of slowing down despite his advancing years and the increased competition, notably from rivals Manchester City.

On Thursday night the 70-year-old's charity gala ball welcomed famous faces from football and beyond, with David Moyes and Dwight Yorke among those to attend.

Having a ball: Dwight Yorke and David Moyes were at Sir Alex Ferguson's charity event

Having a ball: Dwight Yorke and David Moyes were at Sir Alex's charity event

France v England: Fans turn out to support Roy Hodgson"s men

Posted on June 11, 2012 by adminsports

England fans paint Donetsk red and white as they show support for Hodgson's men

UPDATED:

17:02 GMT, 11 June 2012

As England's opening game of Euro 2012 got under way, the travelling army of Three Lions fans were in strong voice in and around the stadium.

The first chant of 'En-ger-land' could be heard in the city centre as hundreds gathered at a bar doing a roaring trade opposite a giant statue of Russian revolutionary Vladimir Lenin before making their way to the 50,000-seater Donbass Arena to watch England take on France.

Although the city seemed peaceful, in what is believed to have been an isolated incident, an off-duty British policeman received minor injuries when he was attacked on his way to the stadium.

Loud and proud: England's show their support ahead of kick off

PC David Heasman, 45, from Norfolk
Police, said he was punched and kicked by a group of four men who he
said claimed to be “Russian mafia”, and received a cut to the ear but
did not require hospital treatment.

A handful of British police officers
were on patrol around the bar in the city centre, while their Ukrainian
counterparts kept watch from across the road as flags of St George were
hung from a marquee.

In the Jubilee spirit: A week after The Queen's 60th celebrations fans dressed as her in Donetsk

/06/11/article-2157733-138F5868000005DC-328_634x426.jpg

Showing support: A fan bears an England tattoo on his back

Fancy dress: An England supporter before kick off with a fake knife in her head

Dex Marshall, 52, from Uckfield, East
Sussex, said: “No one is paying more than face value. There are plenty
of England fans with extra tickets that they won't be able to get rid
of.

Joss Orpin, 23, was among a group
from Leicester who arrived in Donetsk at 8am after a marathon train ride
from Kiev: “It was really hot and they didn't have any windows in the
cabins. They said there was air conditioning but it didn't work.”

France went into the match as strong
favourites after a 21-game unbeaten run, while England are missing Wayne
Rooney through suspension and have suffered a number of injuries to key
players. The weather could also be a factor, with experts predicting
maximum temperatures of 30C (86F).

Flying the flags: Despite fears of smaller numbers of England fans than normal at tournaments, the fans still made themselves seen and heard

Showing her colours: An England fan has a cross of St George pained on her cheek

Euro 2012: Giant Roy Hodgson structure unveiled to boost England

Posted on June 7, 2012 by adminsports

Roy the Redeemer: Giant image of Hodgson unveiled to watch over England at Euros

UPDATED:

10:17 GMT, 7 June 2012

England's hopes of success in Poland and Ukraine were given a boost on the eve of the tournament as a giant construction of 'Roy the Redeemer' was unveiled on the White Cliffs of Dover.

The huge image of new manager Roy Hodgson stands at an impressive 100ft tall and overlooks the English channel and over to France – England's first Group D opponents on Monday in Donetsk.

The saviour: A giant construction of Roy Hodgson is installed over the White Cliffs of Dover

The redeemer: Roy Hodgson will be looking over France when they play England on Monday

About Roy the RedeemerFloor to forehead the height of the structure is 100ftThe width is 96ftWeight – 8 tonsThe structure is made from 160 x 8ft x 4ft panels. Each panel is comprised of 22ml HDF weighing 32kg a sheetThe build involved 96 hours of continuous printing

The stunning structure is a reproduction of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue which overlooks Rio de Janeiro, but with the face of Christ replaced by England's new ‘saviour’, Roy Hodgson.

The huge image, which has taken one week to install, is the work of betting company Paddy Power who hope it will inspire the Three Lions to glory this summer.

The betting company hope the structure will bring hope to England fans after numerous setbacks to the team including the loss of key players such as Gary Cahill, Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry combined with players such as Scott Parker and Danny Welbeck who are struggling to find fitness, Paddy Power hope the statue will be a potent symbol of hope when expectations for success are at an all time low.

Huge figure: The image of Hodgson stands at over 100ft tall

Paddy Power's Ken Robertson said: 'Since Christ the Redeemer was constructed in Rio de Janeiro in 1931, Brazil has gone on to become the world’s leading footballing nation.

'We’re hoping some of that success can rub off on England in time for their Euro 2012 opener against France on Monday. Anyway, at the end of the day this is definitely the closest Roy will get to Rio this month!'

Sir Bobby Robson statue unveiled at Newcastle

Posted on May 6, 2012 by adminsports

Pride of Newcastle: Gazza joins Pardew as statue of late great Sir Bobby is unveiled

UPDATED:

10:45 GMT, 6 May 2012

Newcastle legend Paul Gascoigne and manager Alan Pardew lead the applause as the club unveiled a statue outside St James' Park in honour of late great boss Sir Bobby Robson.

Thousands of fans attended the ceremony ahead of today's Barclays Premier League clash with Manchester City as the impressive 9 ft bronze statue of their beloved former manager, who sadly passed away three years ago, was revealed.

Robson’s family, led by his wife Lady Elsie, joined Pardew, owner Mike Ashley, Gazza and some of the club’s most famous players past and present, including Lee Clark, Peter Bearsley and Bobby Moncur.

Pride of Newcastle: A statue of the late great Sir Bobby Robson was unveiled outside St James' Park

The sculpture is located at the South-West corner of the club's stadium and Newcastle's managing director Derek
Llambias told the club's official website: 'We are delighted to be able
to honour Sir Bobby Robson with this lasting tribute.

'He was a great man and ambassador for this football club and for the city.

'He achieved great success during his
time as manager of Newcastle United and this statue is a fitting way
for the Club to remember him.'

Applause: Paul Gascoigne and Newcastle manager Alan Pardew watch the Sir Bobby Robson statue being unveiled before the match against Manchester City

Robson spent five years in charge of his hometown club between 1999 and 2004, in which he twice led Newcastle into the Champions League and secured three consecutive top-five finishes.

Lady Elsie Robson, who was joined by members of her family, representatives from the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and sculptor Tom Maley, added: 'It's very fitting that there will be a tribute to Bob outside Newcastle United's ground. This is where his love of football began.

Smiles: Lady Elsie Robson was proud to see the new statue of her husband outside Newcastle's stadium

'As a boy he'd come here with his dad and he likely queued to get into the ground where the statue will be sited.

'My husband's career took him all
over the world but he was always a Newcastle fan at heart. He loved this
Club and was very proud to be its manager.'

Impressive: The sculpture of Sir Bobby is located at the South-West corner of the Club's stadium.

Sir Bobby Robson is still inspiring Newcastle

Posted on May 6, 2012 by adminsports

Sir Bobby's magic still inspiring Newcastle as statue is set to be unveiled

UPDATED:

23:11 GMT, 5 May 2012

Sir Bobby Robson’s greatest quality was the ability to inspire.

It is no coincidence so many of his young players enjoyed fantastic careers, from Malcolm Macdonald (Fulham) to Luis Figo (Sporting Lisbon) and Ruud van Nistelrooy (PSV). Even his interpreter Jose Mourinho went on to make a decent living from the game.

Now, almost three years after his death from cancer, Sir Bobby’s famous motivational presence will be felt again at his first and strongest footballing love, Newcastle United.

Legend: Sir Bobby Robson will have a statue at St James' Park

A 9 ft bronze statue of their beloved former manager will be unveiled before Sunday’s game at St James’ Park against Manchester City.

And while the Premier League title race will be uppermost in City’s minds, Newcastle fans are hoping the ‘Bobby magic’ will push them even closer to a Champions League spot, last achieved under Robson’s management in 2003.

Robson’s family, led by his wife Lady Elsie, will be joined by Newcastle manager Alan Pardew, owner Mike Ashley and some of the club’s most famous players past and present.

Among the throng will be another less recognisable but equally important face, invited especially by the Robson family.

Remembered: Sir Bobby's wife Lady Elsie at St James' Park where thousands of tributes were left following the former Newcastle manager's death in 2009

Charlie Woods was not just Robson’s player, coach, scout and general sounding board for 40 years, he was also his ‘best friend and closest confidant’, according to Mark Robson, the youngest of Sir Bobby’s three sons.

Woods first met Robson in 1969 when the aspiring young manager joined Ipswich Town, and they were inseparable from then.

‘We had a connection because we were both North-East boys in Suffolk. Bobby was always proud of his roots,’ said Woods.

‘He loved Newcastle United. His dad used to take him to St James’ Park as a boy. They’d be first in the queue at 11am.

‘The irony is Bobby never played for them, but I did, even though my career wasn’t as good as his. I remember Bobby walking in the door at Ipswich for the first time. He said a few words and you could see right away he had stature and charisma. You thought, “This is the feller”.

‘This statue is a fantastic honour for him — but he’ll want Newcastle to win on the day to cap it off.’

Rome drops out of 2020 Olympics race due to economic crisis

Posted on February 15, 2012 by adminsports

Rome pulls out of bidding to host 2020 Olympics due to economic uncertainty

Rome have dropped out of the race to host the 2020 Olympics and in doing so have given a massive boost to Qatar's hopes.

Rome had been viewed as one of the favourites but their bid was scrapped after Italian premier Mario Monti said the government could not guarantee the necessary financial backing during the economic crisis.

It leaves Tokyo, Doha, Madrid, Istanbul and Baku in the running.

Roman ruin: The Olympic rings behind a marble statue in Italy's capital

Not wanted: An anti-Olympic banner during a demonstration in Rome

Doha, who are bidding to host the Games two years before the 2022 football World Cup in Qatar, do not have the financial issues faced by some other bidders.

Spain's current economic problems also put a question mark against Madrid's bid, though bid chiefs there say hosting the Games could help the country recover from the recession which has left 25 per cent unemployment – with a youth jobless rate of 45 per cent.

Italian premier: Mario Monti

The London 2012 Olympics have cost 9.2billion and a similar sum had been estimated by Rome.

Monti told Italian media: 'We have made a unanimous decision that the Government believes it would be irresponsible to make such guarantees in Italy's current climate.

'We have looked at the plans very carefully and we do not believe it is right to commit Italy to this and risk taxpayers' money.'

Bidding cities have until Wednesday to formally submit their bid file to the International Olympic Committee which includes government financial guarantees.

The election for the 2020 host city takes place next year.

The IOC confirmed that Rome had withdrawn their bid.

An IOC spokesman said: 'We can confirm that Rome has informed the IOC that the city will no longer take part in the 2020 bidding process. We take note of and respect this decision.

'We still have a strong group of applicant cities bidding to host the Olympic Games in 2020 and the IOC looks forward to an exciting competition in the months leading to the election of the host city in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 7 September 2013.'

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Tag Archives: statue

Sir Alex Ferguson statue unveiled at Old Trafford

Alex Ferguson statue in place at Manchester United"s Old Trafford stadium

Sir Alex Ferguson Old Trafford statue to be unveiled on November 23

Sports pictures of the day: October 24

Sir Alex Ferguson statue outside Old Trafford

France v England: Fans turn out to support Roy Hodgson"s men

Euro 2012: Giant Roy Hodgson structure unveiled to boost England

Sir Bobby Robson statue unveiled at Newcastle

Sir Bobby Robson is still inspiring Newcastle

Rome drops out of 2020 Olympics race due to economic crisis