I used to do hairdryer
practice
ALEX FERGUSON has finally revealed the sheer hard work that went
into creating the hairdryer treatment.
Mark Hughes gave the nickname to the fearsome decibel-busting
rollickings dished out by the boss over his 20 years in charge at
Manchester United. But Ferguson, 64, says it was an art honed in
his first managerial job at East Stirling 32 years ago.
Ferguson insisted: There are a lot of myths. One of the papers
once claimed that I used to go behind the stand at East
Stirlingshire and practise screaming. But theres an element of
truth in it. The hairdryer thing was started by Sparky, he owned up
to it after he left. I can understand that because of my policy in
the dressing room.
Yet Ferguson does not regret one vein-popping flip although he
admits he once feared it might cost him
his life at the hands of a Great Dane.
He said: When somebody challenges me in there, I have to go for
them. I believe you cannot avoid the confrontation. I had a bust-up
with Schmikes (Peter Schmeichel) once.
He was towering over me and the other players were almost covering
their eyes. Were eye to eye and Im looking up and thinking to
myself If he does hit me, I know Im dead.
But although Ive a quick temper, Ill get over it quickly too.If
I have an argument with a player on a match day, next day its all
forgotten. Ferguson, who is celebrating 20 years in charge, has
brought unprecedented success to United.
He added: I remember saying to the United board on my first day
Do you know what youre getting? Youre looking at my record at
Aberdeen but what I did there and at St Mirren was build a football
club.
The underlying message was that it would take time. Bobby Charlton
understood and said straight away Thats why we want you
here.
I dont think its worth over a 20-year period having a look back
and regretting it. In a period of 20 years youre bound to make
your share of bad mistakes. But there have been some fantastic
decisions Ive got right so it balances out.
Ferguson insists he wants the Old Trafford empire to get bigger -
starting with the ground. He wants 90,000 there not for him but
to see the team.
Last summer United expanded their ground in a £42million
development to get another 8,000 spectators in.
