Sir Alex Ferguson is widely recognised as one of the greatest football managers of all time, having won more trophies than any manager in the game’s history. Though he is best known for managing Manchester United for a record 27 years, he also managed several Scottish sides and previously enjoyed a successful playing career.
Ferguson began playing as an amateur at Queen’s Park FC in 1957, and would remain in Scottish clubs for the entirety of his playing days. Highlights include being the 1965-66 season’s top scorer in Division One, topping Division Two with both St Johnstone and Falkirk, and setting a record for the highest transfer fee between Scottish clubs when he joined Rangers.
Ferguson’s managerial career began with stints at East Stirlingshire, St Mirren and Aberdeen. He was quickly noticed for his transformational abilities, turning St Mirren from a languishing Second Division club to First Division winners in three years, and earning multiple Scottish Premier Division and Scottish Cup titles for Aberdeen during his tenure. After standing in as the Scottish national team manager during the 1986 World Cup, he joined Manchester United where he was to remain for almost three decades. His extraordinary record there is undisputed, and includes 13 Premier League titles, 5 FA Cups, 2 UEFA Champions League trophies, and plenty of other silverware besides.
Ferguson has been inducted into the Scottish, English and European Football Halls of Fame, was 11 times named Premier League Manager of the Season, and has been awarded the FWA Tribute Award and the PFA Merit Award amongst many others. He has received numerous Honorary Degrees and Doctorates, has been awarded the Freedoms of the Cities of Aberdeen, Glasgow and Manchester, and was knighted in 1999 for services to football.