Ferguson: Was tickled by idea, says Davies
TEAMtalk.com
Latest
Davies wanted Fergie for England
Sir Alex Ferguson was targeted on no fewer than three occasions for the England manager's job, according to former FA chief David Davies.
|
|
Davies, who spent more than a decade at the FA before leaving his post as executive director two years ago, revealed the Manchester United boss was first in the frame after Terry Venables quit in 1996.
But he says Ferguson dismissed the approach then and also after the departures of Glenn Hoddle and Kevin Keegan in 1999 and 2000, respectively.
"After Terry Venables, I wanted Fergie," Davies told the Herald. "I was absolutely clear he was the best person for the job. I was a personal friend of Sir Roland Smith, then chairman of Manchester United, and he didn't totally kick the idea into touch. I was vaguely encouraged."
But Davies added: "I don't think he ever came near becoming the England manager.
"The idea of Alex leading England out at Hampden is somewhat far-fetched. He is a very, very proud Scot. He was, I think, tickled by the idea, though.
"When I recruited Keegan, I would have loved Ferguson to become manager. But the conversations were very brief."
Davies also claims the FA wanted former Scotland boss Andy Roxburgh to revolutionise how the game was run south of the border.
According to Davies, the UEFA technical director was headhunted from 2004 into 2005 to perform a similar role for England.
"We had a lot of enthusiasm for him," said Davies. "He was held in the highest regard by the FA and seen as a man who could improve the game here at grassroots and in terms of coaching.
"He was clearly committed to what he was doing so there was no way forward."
warringtonred : "...Well well well. A European Super league. Who would have thought it eh? Only The Glazers, Hicks and Gillett, Roman, Lerner and Usmanov. They haven't taken control of some of the biggest Clubs in Europe for a hobby. Do you..." view full comment
Paper Talk: Hitman Crouch in demand
Tottenham and Sunderland are chasing Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch, while Everton are hoping to lure Paul Scholes away from Old Trafford.
More from today's press
United taking the Michael
TEAMtalk reflects on Manchester United's signing of Michael Owen - and believes few signings will raise as many eyebrows this summer.
Read today's Column
ronaldo2k8 (Manchester United) : "...I was speaking to Davide Pettruci from the Man Utd reserves last night on facebook and he slipped out that Man Utd are going to try and hijack Man Citys bid for Etoo. The Cameroon striker knows that Barcelona are trying to cash in on him because he h..." view full rumour
Related Links
Related Team Pages
Don't miss these
| LATEST PHOTOS | TT COLUMN | LIVE UPDATES |
 |
|
|
| Go to the Gallery | Owen handed one final shot at glory | Twitter explained! |
Free Bet | Casino | Poker | Bingo
More Stories
Your Comments
h1tm4n007 (Accrington Stanley fan)
"LOL oswin, I guess this is the same SAF who bought the best players and won the european title with Aberdeen right? Talk about being a FOOL!!!!"
boxxcar (Manchester United fan)
"Oswin (Liverpool fan) - Fergie's era at United didn't start in 2003. He made alot of shrewed buys when we didnt have millions to spend in the early 90s. We earnt our money unlike Chelsea, Liverpool, City etc. Do some research on that armchair of yours."
aismynick (Manchester United fan)
"he's too good for england"
toon89 (Newcastle United fan)
"I don't care how good he is, i wouldn't want a Scot in charge of England."
ObedWBC (Manchester United fan)
"You wouldnt think Fergie would walk out of Old Trafford, even if it means coaching in Heaven! He is top class and anyone would be interested in his services; from Brazil to England, Real Madrid to AC Milan or anywhere on this planet.
But with his work ethic, professionalism and talent, only one place was and will always be fit for him - Manchester United!
At United, he is not just in charge but the one in control, a previllege the Soho Square guys or anyone else on this planet can't afford to provide!"
Oswin (Liverpool fan)
"In ManU, SAF has the money to buy the best players from the world. As a England Manager, SAF will not have this luxury of doing so, he must pick from a pool of players who are willing play under him. He will not be able to throw his boots at his best players and sell him get a replacement with the money he has. Maybe under SAF, all star players will retire from international scene very soon."
bobbyno12000 (Manchester United fan)
"it would be interesting to have seen how the pre madonnas from england would have copped with the hairdryer, in saying that i think you guys have the best man for the job( i'm northern irish),he seems to be getting the results that are needed and i find it quite funny how SOME england fans still arent happy, you need to get behind your team no matter what,fans booing thee tean are as bad as the spoilt players on the pitch"
All comments on this story