The making of Alex Ferguson

Heroes & Humans of Football

Alex Ferguson, the omnipotent, omnipresent orator, is widely regarded as one of the greatest football managers of all time. This episode tracks Ferguson’s early life and career, showcasing an intricate backstory marred by violence, conviviality, and a quest for greatness.

Mehreen and Simon chronicle Ferguson’s early life, from growing up in working-class Glasgow in the 1940s and part-time pub landlord to playing ‘international’ football, and a managerial career (and firing) in Scottish clubs in the 1970s.

What attracted Manchester United to this angry Scotsman who took everything so seriously? How did Ferguson build his role as a ‘do-all’ manager that will say hello to the footballers and cleaners alike, and sit on the phone to fan club presidents for hours?

This episode is part of a two-part series on Alex Ferguson, and is defined by comradeship, collectivism, and communication. Look out for the sequel, ‘The reign of Alex Ferguson’, which tracks Ferguson’s longtime success at Manchester United.

Time stamps:

00:45: Introduction

06:47: Growing up working class in Glasgow

16:23: Violence as a lasting influence

26:17: Welcome to H&H’s new AI friend…

28:40: Career as an ‘international’ footballer and almost-emigration to Canada

34:12: A record £60,000 transfer and move to coaching

39:33: Figuring out his coaching style in Scottish clubs

46:58: Anger, alcoholics, and temperance

51:14: Religious divisions and sacking from St Mirren

56:45: Move to coaching Aberdeen

1:03:42: Assistant Manager of Scotland and the death of Jock Stein

1:07:06: On Manchester United’s radar

1:12:53: Early coaching at Manchester United

1:18:57: The angry lunatic vs. the people person at Manchester United

1:25:09: Everything starts to turn around…

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