[NBC]

I sort of feel a little bit sorry for Fergie. I think that by doing what he does he is going to end up tarnishing his legacy when he eventually retires. While he should be solely remembered as the most successful Premiership manager ever, he'll also be remembered at the biggest whinging Premiership manager ever. Similar to how the late Brian Clough is viewed. He is remembered as much for his on-field successes as his conflicts with players, clubs and boardroom members. You can't separate out the two. If a movie about Fergie were to be made I believe that there would be significant emphasis on all the success and silverware, as well as all the hissy-fits, tantrums, boot-kicking episodes and his tumultuous relationship(s) with the media and FA officials.

I'm the first one to admit that I don't care for his antics, I think they take away from his on-field successes and it does nothing for the game in this country. But I don't think that much could be done. Suspensions, touch-line bans and fines (in the current structure) don't work. He'll keep on doing what he's doing until he decides to retire.

History has shown that highly successful managers can be decent people as well. One has to look no further than Alf Ramsey, Matt Busby and Bill Shankly. All were successful, all were widely respected on and off the pitch and all three have endeared themselves to legions of fans long after their retirements from football. Somehow, despite all the silverware, I don't think Fergie will ever be remembered in a similar vein. But at the end of the day he only has his self to blame for that.