Scottish football icon Sir Alex Ferguson has backed the launch of Stirling’s new Hall of Fame. The former Manchester United and Scotland boss has close links with all five of the first inductees.
Billy Bremner, Duncan Ferguson, Alex Smith, Jimmy Bone and Jimmy Ryan are all set to be honoured this Friday evening in their home city.
Ferguson praises Stirling’s footballing legacy
Ferguson said: “There have been so many quality players coming from the Stirling area. This is a wonderful way to ensure there is a legacy that can encourage the next generation. I have got strong connections with all five of the initial inductees and I applaud the efforts of everyone involved in this project.”
As well as admiring the work of Leeds United icon Bremner and legendary St Mirren and Aberdeen manager Smith, Ferguson worked more closely with Ryan at Manchester United.
Ryan’s role in Champions League triumph
Ferguson, 84, revealed former Red Devils youth coach Ryan, credited with bringing through the famous Class of ‘92, also played a key role in the English giants’ sensational Champions League final victory over Bayern Munich in 1999.
Ferguson said: “I just loved Billy Bremner as a player and I have really happy memories of time spent with him. Indeed, I remember after the famous Leeds United-Celtic European Cup semi-final at Elland Road, Billy invited John Greig and myself back to his home after the game. It was great to spend time with him. I know Alex Smith from way back. Indeed I first met him when he had a really strong Stirling Albion side. He went on to have a fantastic coaching career and I am looking forward to having a chat with him soon.”
“What can I say about Jimmy Ryan? He’s a gentleman and was a fantastic club servant to Manchester United. What many people don’t know is he should have got far more credit for that win over Bayern Munich. As well as his other roles at the club, he was also our set piece coach and there is no doubt he played a huge role in that victory, as well as many others.”
Signings and near-misses
Ferguson also revealed he managed to sign Jimmy Bone for St Mirren in 1978 with a helping hand from Rangers stalwart Willie Waddell. The Man United great also missed out on Duncan Ferguson’s signature to Dundee United legend Jim McLean.
Ferguson said: “Jimmy Bone was a fantastic signing I made for St Mirren, where he rightly turned out to be a club legend. It might not have worked out that way as the deal was helped by Willie Waddell! Jimmy was what I needed to bring experience to a really young side. Rangers could easily have made it difficult for me, but when I explained to Willie who I was trying to sign he said, ‘Bone is a great player, we will help you get him’.”
“We got great reports about Duncan when he was a kid around the age of 13 or 14. I wanted to sign him for Manchester United, but before I could get to meet him he was snapped up by Jim McLean at Dundee United. It was a real shame as I would have loved to have worked with him. We do keep in touch and he is popping in to see me in a few weeks’ time.”
Sir Alex Ferguson was speaking to the SFSA to promote the City of Stirling Football Hall of Fame fundraising dinner, taking place at Stirling Rugby Club on Friday. The few remaining tickets are available here.
