All Hail The New Champion

All of a sudden it flashed in my mind. How come I still didn't write on this arguably the best Wimbledon final in the history of Tennis? So, I am now poised to explode with my heart stopping emotions, views and reviews on Wimbledon final 08. Before jumping into detail, I desperately want to state my stance i.e " I want to see somebody (damn anybody) beating Federer".

All Fedex fans out there, you must be wondering why? This instinct has been deeply rooted for a reason. I cannot take anything against my all time Tennis hero, Pete 'The Great' Sampras. I still remember the game, where that Swiss teen defeated and dethroned the Champion, as somber Pete Sampras lingered at his changeover chair, engulfed by cheers that weren't for him. I just couldn't take that sight. I had cursed Federer then and it continued. Had that match not happened, I would have been a huge fan of Federer. However, unfortunately it happened and the rest is history.

With my knees down and arms together I admit that Federer is one of the most, if not the most, talented players I have seen. He is a classic and he is poetry in motion. A great human on and off the court. In terms of quality, I tip him over Sampras even. However, unfortunately, Mr. Roger, I didn't happen and I don't support you.

So, what next? I was looking for someone all these years to be my role model, a favorite to cheer for and most importantly, a man who would dethrone the Emperor. There were quite a few pretenders who passed by, the Roddicks, the Safins, the Djokovics and even the Tsongas. But, Fedex was matchless. His quality is way beyond their reach. However, after nearly 5 years of reign, there emerged a warrior, the Spanish Armada, Rafael Nadal. I was following him for quite sometime now. I was convinced that this lad has quality, consistency and prowess, but was still unsure whether he is the answer for Federer.

Forget about clay, Nadal is unsurmountable. Fedex's only chance to win the French is when Nadal gets injured. But, I am looking at the grass. The 7 titles that my Pete holds are at threat. I want someone to stop Roger's run. Last year's final was a cracker. So close but yet so far. But, Nadal showed this world what is he made of. And, that final gave me hope. I knew that the days of Fedex's reign were numbered.

Federer looked out of touch this year following his loss to Djokovic and ofcourse the truly one-sided Ronald Garos Final. However, when it comes to Wimbledon, his den, he is a different player who is untouchable. He has that destructive weapon, the Serve. I keep saying, if you have the serve, you are almost there. That's the reason why Ivanisevic went on the win the title though he is a mediocre game player.

I watched some of the matches of this year Wimbledon. I found new players coming in, some showed glimpses of quality, some tight matches but none really a threat to Federer. However, I watched Nadal's games and found that he is just as sublime as Federer. So, there is only one man in Federer's way now. I want them to meet. I looked at the draw at the Nadal's end. For a moment, I analyzed the players in Nadal's way. A bit worried that would any of these players pose a serious challenge. However, I felt that it is silly to worry. If Nadal struggles against anyone, then he cannot beat Federer and of course, doesn't deserve to beat him.

Both reached final with great form under their belt. Both of them were poised and determined. The 'dream' final is on. Where the number one takes on number two (mind you, I dint state who is number one and number two). There was a Asian Cup final at the same time. India taking on Srilanka. Heck, who cares about that?


I just finished off my pending jobs to get ready for the final. I was bit late though. When I switched on my TV, Nadal already broke Fedex serve in the first set. I felt happy and continued watching. Nadal took the first set without much resistance. Then, I thought, "Do I see a Federer fight back now?". I knew that he wouldn't give away easily. As I thought it happened. Federer broke Nadal early in the second. Game on. However, amazingly this lad came back strong and clinched the second too. With two sets down, I thought it will be a mountain to climb for Federer. Moreover, he wasn't in this situation before. I doubted how Federer would respond to this. Now, I was relaxed and went out for dinner as there was a short rain break.

In the third, things have changed, both played equally well, matching game to game, point to point, stroke to stroke. An array of winners that you don't often see. If one comes up with an amazing point, the other answers it with another fabulous one. Third set, thus eventually ended up in the tie-breaker. It was 50-50. Federer was serving well and took the early lead. I knew this set would go to Federer. And, it did. Now, I felt Nadal should wrap it up in the fourth else Fedex would grow in confidence and he would be unstoppable if it goes to the decider.

Nadal started well. So did Federer. It was his vicious serve that was coming in handy. Nadal looked vulnerable at times with his weak serve. However, his game is a touch more in quality that Fedex's and thus he survived. In open play, the chances of winning the point for both players were 67-33 to Nadal. Nadal threatened to break Roger's serve. However, time and again Fedex came up with a moment of magic and survived. Similar to the third, the fourth too went to a tie-breaker. I felt that this should be the decider. Nadal, if he were to win the title, he should do it now, in the fourth. If it goes to the fifth, Federer will be unsurmountable.

Nadal took the lead. Fingers crossed. Now, this tie-breaker holds a special place in the history books. To me, two of the greatest points in the history of the Wimbledon final are played. One a stunner forehand pass from Nadal. At this moment, I felt, one got to produce such moments to beat Roger and so, he would win. Finally, Nadal got the championship point on his own serve. Both players under huge pressure. God alone knows what emotions must be going on within them. Nadal severed in and approached the net. Then, the maestro, delivers a backhand pass winner that a Champion alone can, and Roger alone can. It was sheer audacity on the Championship point. He had to go for the winner. And the Champion gets the winner. Fourth set Federer. The momentum certainly swung Fedex's way. I felt, it would be a repeat of last year's final.

Federer game can be summarized by some moments of magic and some moments of madness. He can alone produce both the extremities in his pursuit to finish the point quickly. In contrast, Nadal is more consistent, has more perseverance and makes very few unforced errors. Mind you, I am only talking relatively, comparing two players with outstanding quality. The Tennis played so far is just different quality and no other player or match would even come a mile closer. I felt that the center court was in a different planet all together.

Fedex has a mighty advantage serving first in the fifth set. Thank god, no more tie-breakers. Two sets all, two game all and deuce. What a time for a rain break. I switched off my desktop and opened my laptop and connected the cable hoping for a change of fortune. The game restarted after the rain break. It's getting late. Already 4 hours of Tennis excluding the rain delays. Each player tried hard to hold on and they did. Some amazing points played. It was at 7-7 Finally Nadal broke Fedex's serve. And, he should serve out for the match, the Championship. Through those tense moments and amidst quality Nadal finally defeated the defending Champion and fell to the ground in disbelief, conquering the throne.

A sight that I haven't seen before, a refreshing sign to the world of Tennis, it heralded the emergence of a new Hero, and the beginning of a rivalry on grass. Nadal climbed on to the box and was greeted by this family. He even walked on the commentary box's roof to meet the Prince and Princess of Spain. When he lifted the trophy it was darkness and the photographers shot pics using flash lights. All in all, I felt that I have witnessed one of the best. if not the best, Wimbledon final. A match that was matchless and a match that had a two deserved winners, who are so different in style, physique, game and demeanor but yet two great champions.

P.S: India lost the Asia cup final, which was played parallel to this game, to Srilanka again. Looked silly to give away wickets cheaply to a youngster. But, heck, who cares? :-)

The Turkish revival

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UEFA EURO 2008 Group A - 15 June 2008 - Genève - Stade de Genève

TURKEY 3 - 2 CZECH REPUBLIC

Koller 34,Plašil 62
Arda Turan 75
Nihat Kahveci 87, 89
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The above details go quietly into the history books. However, there is something to share about this game that is beyond what these statistics reveal.

This is not just a football match where 22 jobless fellas run after a ball. This game should be packaged and shown as a part of crucial management training in business schools, firms and where ever required. Most management books state what to do, and some even describe how it has been done. However, this match 'shows' what is written in those management bibles. I thought of tagging this article to my 'Sports Mirror' section alone. However, it is not just about sport. There is a lot for an MBA to extract out of it. So, I tagged it to my "MBA talk" as well.

It was a crucial Group A clash between Turkey and the Czech Republic and the winner automatically reserves a berth in the last eight. With every thing to play for and a penalty shoot out on cards, this pulsating encounter started off with both the teams playing football, interfacing caution with aggression.

In football matches such as these, for that matter any sport, where I am a neutral, when not really biased towards any side, I desire that a weaker team comes from behind and wins the game. In other words, I develop favorites as the match progresses. I particularly don't have any bitter experiences with either sides and I just let the game move on.

I must say that this game is of two halves, where the Czechs dominated and the Turks looked vulnerable in the first half. To show-up for their efforts, the Czechs got their goal, thanks to Koller, The 6 foot 8 tower. I sensed that the game was turning out to be a one sided encounter and made a move to go to bed as it was 1:30 a.m already.

But hang on guys. I sensed something else too: A "Turkish revival". I just wanted to check if those Turks have that grit, that verve to make a game of it. So, I waited for the second half to start. And, I tell you, my decision not to go to bed was probably one the best decisions that I have taken for a long time. Had I slept without watching the second half, I wouldn't have witnessed and shared this remarkable come back of the Turks in the history of the European Championships.

The second half was underway. I had absolutely no idea what the Turkish coach, Fatih Terim, said to his players during, perhaps, the most crucial half time talk of his tenure. He must have hypnotized the entire contingent and fed them the elixir of "BELIEF".

They came out roaring in the second half, with delicately balancing aggression with caution. Move after move, chance after chance they pressed forward with that belief, yes the belief alone. The face of the game transformed quite amazingly. It was all Turks and the Czechs sat back on their knees praying. What a dramatic turn around.

I always love to see fight backs, come backs, twists in the tails, heroics that sport and the war alone provide. Movies do provide. However, it is unreal, a movie after all. They don't excite me. I said to myself, is this the game where I can see such a fight back? Not every game produces such thrillers as these. You must be lucky or else you would end up watching a boring one sided game.

Ok. Back to the game. I could see a goal coming sooner or later from the Turks. At least, not one from the Czechs. The Turks really pressed on and on. They showed all the quality to equalize to get on level terms. By all means they deserved an equalizer. However, chances knocked and disappeared like a playful kid troubling his neighbors. The Turks still played with loads of energy and with a level head until this happened. Just after hour mark, one move from the Czechs and Plasil darted forward and slotted the ball for a second.

This is the point and this is moment that many teams fall apart. The second goal from the Czechs virtually sealed the game off. Any other side would have given it up after this unrecoverable blow. However, now, the actual Turkish revival, the remarkable come back that I was talking about started.

With just 15 minutes to go, with exit doors opening wide and handsome, with the thousands of Czech fans already celebrating, the Turks never ever gave up. They just didn't want to quit. Here goes the famous saying "You lose only when you quit". Turks followed it and they followed it badly. Their shoulders never dropped. Though with aching bodies and draining energy, they hit back hard. They showed tremendous belief that alone won them the first opening, a goal. The much needed one from Arda Turan. With pumped confidence and punching fists Turks were on their way for a second one.

Now, just 5 minutes to go. Seconds draining like anything, Turks hit and hit. It was a delight to watch the positive body language of the Turks and the coach Terim even in those tense moments. You all must have heard this saying too: "The fortune favors the brave". I too heard it many times. However, I was not sure of relevance of this saying until Petr Cech, one of the best goal keepers in the world at the moment, spilled a cutting cross on to the brave Turkish captain Nihat and to delight of the Turkish fans he placed the ball at the back of the net.

The thousands of Turkish fans behind the Czech goal were just amazing. They pulled their team off. It is all square now. Certainly a penalty shoot seemed coming. But, I felt that Turks with this tremendous momentum could just finish the Czech off. It was all Turkey at the moment and exactly after 2 minutes of finding a unlikely equalizer, the captain courageous, Nihat, broke the off-side trap, and curled a stunner past the goal keeper on to the back of the net. The Winner it was. And one of the remarkable come backs in the history of the game was complete. Czechs, who were comfortably heading to the quarter finals just 15 minutes ago found themselves out of the tournament to their utter disbelief.

This game teaches some essential management lessons such as Team work, Leadership, Strategy etc and practically shows the applicability of these theories. The way the Turkish captain, Nihat, lead from the front and the way the team responded to him is out of the top draw. The sense of urgency and the 'never say die' attitude of the Turks are the qualities that stand out.

When the Turks got the winner, I wasn't excited. I just smiled within me as I know what was coming when a team shows such qualities. I don't know how far Turks go in this championships. But, in this game they not only showed the world what they can do, but also showed the world that one can achieve the so-called impossible with BELIEF.

It's all about Judging the flight of the ball

Why Real Madrid threw the dice with 100 million pounds for Ronaldo? How David Beckham earns a staggering 17million pounds a year? Why is Tiger Woods a 'Tiger'? Why Fedex is Unstoppable? And why Sachin is GOD? The answer is quite simple, and it is so simple that you may not accept it as the answer.

"They all judge the flight of the ball better than most"

When we look at all the intricacies of sports, people talk about class, flair, quality, and so on..One fundamental skill that is necessary and ,if I go further, sufficient to be a top top sport person is to judge the damn round one in its flight and strike it.

I find this skill common to most of the sports involving a ball, be it cricket, football, hockey, tennis, golf, TT, badminton, volleyball etc, it is down to how skillfully one hits the ball. Furthermore, how skillfully one judges its flight and gets into a perfect position to hit it.

This concept is close to the "hand-eye-coordination" often used by experts. However, hand-eye-coordination comes after the "BALL FLIGHT JUDGMENT" because it is after judging where the ball "might be", one starts to swing the object used to hit the ball (hand or leg or bat) and tries to meet it at the previously judged position.

We see sports stars good at not just one sport but also at many others. How often we find players trained, playing others sports. For eg, Indian cricket team often involves in Football and Volleyball sessions as a routine warm-up. I have seen Roger Federer hitting the cricket ball as exquisitely as any other cricketer when he was at the nets at MCG during his tour to Australian Open. Jonty Rhodes had been a member of the South African National Hockey team before he joined the National Cricket team. There are plethora of sport stars, playing multiple sports at the highest level.

All this is possible and made easy for them as they keep hitting the round one, whether it is a tennis ball, cricket ball, football etc. Once the art of judging the flight of the ball is mastered, then it narrows down to how to hit it..It can be with a bat, a hand or a leg. And the placement and power of the hit are also crucial. But these two come at a later stage and however good one is at those, it can be futile if the flight is misjudged.

It is not an innate skill that one acquires from ones ancestors. It is through practice and with an intelligent head, this skill is mastered. The complexity lies in identifying the trajectory of the ball when it is subjected to various external factors such as wind, spin on the ball, deflections etc. It is through practice and 'been there and seen that' experiences one can make calculated projections on the trajectories and meets them at the right place and at the right time, the concept popularly called "Timing".

When I was 14, I went for Clay-Court Tennis coaching for almost a year. My coach, Salem, used to insist on this concept and when I practiced it, it made wonders. It helped me perform better in other sports such as Cricket, Volleyball and Football. I must say, it had a telling impact on my catching skills, which are exceptional, especially my out field catching, and high catches were lauded by my mates. It was possible because I used to judge the flight of the ball well and would get into positions quickly that made me take some blinders with ease.

Subjective understanding of these concepts is not necessary and many who master this art are actually unaware of that fact that they have mastered it. However, understanding these concepts is useful for a novice as conscious efforts to learn can speed up the process. The skill of "ball flight judgment" is one classic example.

My 8-year wait finally comes to an end!!!!

What drama, what excitement, what a game of football. Yes, I am talking about the night in Moscow.

The Hollywood script writers were given a run for their money, as the epic battle between the two English giants scripted an incredible finish. And, to my utter delight. No, to my utter relief, my Manchester United prevailed.

It is the biggest United game in my life after I fell in love with United, almost 8 years ago, just after united did the famous treble. Additional time (famously called MUtime) goals gifted United the most prestigious trophy in World Club football. However, then, united was a stranger to me.

Since then, the trophy has been a bunch of sour grapes, as United failed to reach the summit. I tell you, to win this, it takes a lot: quality, substance, luck etc. With European giants such as the Real Madrids, Barcelonas, AC Milans competing for the title, THE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS, it is the most difficult trophy to win.

I have seen United winning the League titles (Of course, winning the league is not easy). However, that Trophy, yes, that UCL trophy is what I wanted desperately. I want to see united lift that live. And, I wanted to live for that day.

Eventually, the D-day arrived. The night of 21st of May 2008, the day I was waiting for 8 agonizing years. I was just trying to pass time as the tension is really getting on me. I want this to be over soon. Win or loss, delight or despair, I wanted that to happen soon. I chatted with some friends, online, to pass time. I was reading the build-up on bbc.com. Then, finally tuned into ten sports for the game of my life.

The ten sports facilitator and the guests were, as usual, smiling and were cracking jokes on the Russian hats and the English supporters who made themselves look like clowns with those cheap all Russian fur hats. The boring anthems, the ceremonies were underway. After the break, it's the Kick off.

I prepared myself for a defeat, as I always do, but with a ray of hope. United kicked it off. It was all united. Owen Hargo was very industrious as he usually is. Scholesy, Carrick and the others were also playing well. Ronaldo was exceptional, especially with his trickery, bemused Essien and his partnership with Evra was quite impressive.

Then the moment. An immaculate cross from Wes Brown. And Mr.United , who else, the 42 goal scoring machine, the sorcerer, rose and created an artistic header, stunning the Chelsea fans. I was excited as Ronaldo ran to celebrate.

Then, the period of play was all United with two great chances squandered. I rued on those missed chances. Because I know how important the second goal is. That would have sealed the game off. Can United do a Barcelona on Chelsea? Do they have that mettle to see this fixture off with just one goal? No is the answer. I always know that luck plays a vital role in matches like these especially in Champions league, that is why it is the most difficult trophy to win, though you are a good team. Unlucky United concede a goal. Frank it was for Chelsea. Scored off a horrendous deflection and the goal keeper slipping just at right the moment. It was all square at the Luzhniki Stadium.

Half-time was over in a flash. Second half was underway and Chelsea looked more confident and they started to get the better off united. This really scared me. Drogba and Frank hit the post and the bar respectively. The pendulum started to swing, those nervous 80s are getting closer. Rooney taken off, he hadn't had a great game though. One goal either way is enough. Ferdinand's injury was a bit of a scare. Thankfully, it was a cramp. It ended 1-1 at the end of the regulation time.

It was football of the highest order. Two teams never wanting to give up, weaving tactical patterns and canceling each other out.

Now, the extra time. I felt that United must play well. They somehow should find their feet. I relaxed down on the bed and watched the game after a drink (Rasna it was :-)). It was going down the wire. I just cannot think of penalties. I didn't want to. Because, If we lose at penalties that would be a heart break. I wanted United to finish off the game in the extra time. However, It didn't. The show went on and on. It was chances galore at both the ends. Giggs effort was fended off audaciously by Terry, what a chance. What a chance!! Thats the end of it. No change in the scoreline. A moment of madness, when Drogba slapped in the face of Vidic. Direct RED. Roman was certainly disappointed. Chelsea down to 10 men. But, there was too little time for United to capitalize on it.

YES, the two inseparable sides must be separated. And how? PENALTIES. GOD SAVE ME FROM THIS PRESSURE.

Tevez to take the first one. He came up with a curvy run up and slotted the ball home. Then Ballack scored. I knew someone would miss. I also had a feeling that it will be one from United. Ronaldo stepped up. That boy, the best in the world. When the world was watching. What he did? His tame shot was saved.The unexpected (slightly expected) happened. Now at this moment I gave up. I have really given it up and was thinking how long should I wait again for United to come this far.

However, United and chelsea slotted the remaining penalties. I haven't watched two of them as it was sheer pressure. I just couldn't watch them. Then it was the Blues Captain, Terry, to win it for Chelsea. One strike and they are Champions. I just wanted to see the ball netted and then switch my TV off as I couldn't see Chelsea celebrating and United players in despair. It was raining heavily in Moscow. Terry steps up. He slips and hits the outside of the post and he buries himself in shame. Incredible. Unbelievable. What drama at the mid night in Moscow. I stood up off my chair, totally confused with shock or joy or pressure or disbelief. I didn't know what that feeling is. It was all square again.

I couldn't watch United penalties. I didn't see Anderson and Giggs' penalties. I watched Animal planet instead of ten sports at get rid off those nerve rattling moments. Now, it was down to Chelsea. Anelka, with a short run-up. I was sensing something here. Van der Sar showing some gestures. SAVED!!! UNBELIEVABLE. I raised my arms in disbelief with my eyes watering, looking that the United players' celebrations.This is the moment I waited for. One of the best in my life. The best United moment. The release of pressure. I was not elated, I was only relieved. My nerves eased down a bit.

You cannot ask for a better script. This is the script written by god. This is the magic of sport. Where do all these moronic movies, tv shows and the junk stand before these historic classics. This is reality. And this is life.

United celebrate. Chelsea in distress. Ballack, Lampard and the rest, all those great men, crying like kids. And my dear Terry was inconsolable. This is what the greatness of the trophy is all about. They only come once in a life time. Lives dedicated entirely for these moments. And if they miss, it is a heart break..

'THE MOMENT' NOW. UNITED LIFTS THE TROPHY. The scene that was a treat to my eyes. I waited 8 years for this very moment. WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE. THE GREATEST FOOTBALL CLUB EVER. AND WE ARE MANCHESTER UNITED.

If you ask me what is passion, I would say this is passion. I watched these breadth taking moments with delight as each united player lifted and kissed the trophy. I thanked god and extended my cheers to the architect, the face of UNITED, Sir Alex, and then, I opened orkut to greet my friends on the UNITED community and read some of their reactions. Finally went to bed at 4 am with heart filled with joy, relieved off pressure and , more importantly, SATISFIED.

Why Alex is the Greatest

"If greatness is defined by what you leave behind then Sir Alex Ferguson's trophy cabinet is as good a place as any to start.

It's a long list but stick with it.

Ten Premier League titles, one Champions League trophy, one Cup Winners' Cup, five FA Cups, two League Cups, one European Super Cup, one Intercontinental Cup and seven Charity Shields.

Twenty eight trophies in a shade less than 22 years with another European Cup perhaps on the way when United meet Chelsea in the Champions League final in Moscow a week on Wednesday.

Ferguson intimated amid Sunday's title celebrations that his current team would be his finest if they bring back that cup.

Well, let's say it now. Minus conditions and without qualification.

Ferguson is the greatest-ever football manager in Britain.

Some might disagree.

Liverpool supporters, for instance, who have always bemoaned the fact that Matt Busby and Ferguson were made knights for winning the European Cup once while Bob Paisley was overlooked for the highest honour after bagging Europe's most prestigious trophy three times.

Others might point to Brian Clough's unique management style which brought back-to-back European Cups for unfashionable Nottingham Forest or Jock Stein's success at Celtic.

Those with short memories might go for the charisma of Jose Mourinho who bought back-to-back titles for Chelsea with the cash of Roman Abramovich.

Then there is Arsene Wenger, who gave birth to the Arsenal 'Invincibles,' who delivered the most eye-pleasing football the Premier League has witnessed and whose nose for a bargain is without compare.

All worthy, but none comes close to Ferguson and here's why.

Greatness cannot be measured purely by medals or by mere longevity or even by the manner in which success was achieved.

It is a mixture of all three and Ferguson, having built three great teams, scores highly on all fronts.

But it is the style with which all Ferguson teams have delivered their trophies which is so impressive.

Not as pretty as Arsenal at their most prosaic, but football is not about weaving meaningless patterns. It is about winning and not once in 22 years has Ferguson diverted from his belief that adventure, creativity and style, albeit built on solid defence, is the best way to win.

In short, he has protected the legacy handed down by Busby and the famous 'Babes' with a ferocity he also demonstrates to reporters who might cross him.

The 2007-2008 season was the perfect example of what might be termed Fergusonism - football played with pragmatic foundation but a swashbuckling nature.

Rio Ferdinand finally came of age as arguably the best defender in Europe and his partnership with Nemanja Vidic was key. So was the work of Patrice Evra, the rejuvenation of Paul Scholes and the scampering energy of Carlos Tevez.

But undoubtedly what makes Ferguson's team stand out as his best-ever is the twin menace of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Rooney should score more goals but his industry and creativity, if not his language, is an example to every schoolboy in Britain.

Then there is Ronaldo for whom every superlative has already been used but whose 41 goals this season really say it all about a wide man who is currently comfortably the world's best player.

In Ronaldo you have another of Ferguson's most accomplished managerial traits. The ability to man-manage, to polish and protect the precious jewel.

He did as much with Eric Cantona in volatile circumstances more than a decade ago. In the past two years he has done so with Ronaldo, repairing the damage caused by the Portuguese winger's part in Rooney's sending off at the World Cup in 2006.

Many predicted Ronaldo would never grace Old Trafford again after that infamous sly wink.

Ferguson dismissed the incident, if anything using it to forge an unbreakable link between his two most destructive attackers.

That is the true art of management, the ability to turn obstacles and adversity to your advantage, one which Wenger and Rafael Benitez and Avram Grant have still to master.

Ferguson is far from the warmest or most likeable of characters but when it comes to producing football teams with a musketeering mentality and a winning ethos the game has no peer.

All things considered, he is the greatest. "