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O'Neill salutes 'phenomenal' Ferguson
08:45, Dec 12 2009
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill believes Sir Alex Ferguson's record over more than two decades at Manchester United will "stand the test of time".
O'Neill will be hoping Villa can win at Old Trafford for the first time in 26 years in Saturday evening's Barclays Premier League clash. But, whatever the outcome, the former Celtic manager knows Ferguson's achievements with the Red Devils are unlikely to be surpassed.
"Sir Alex is at the top of the tree. He has been a brilliant manager for a long, long time and proved himself every year for 20-odd years," said O'Neill. "Anyone who has been at a club of that standing for that length of time, and been as successful as he is, is fantastic. It just couldn't be repeated."
He added: "Carlo Ancelotti mentioned he was at (AC) Milan for eight years and, in Italian terms, that really is a lifetime.
"For someone to be at a club the size of Manchester United year in year out, and be as successful, is phenomenal.
"He has built not just teams, but successful teams. Eventually you have to change teams if you are there for that amount of time. There is a certain lifespan and then you go onto develop another side.
"What has been so fantastic is Sir Alex has developed these teams and they have all been successful.
"He is now contesting Champions League finals on a more regular basis and winning championships. The record is there for everyone to see and will stand the test of time."
We won't be presumptuous - Fletcher 19:45, Mar 19 2010
Darren Fletcher is confident Manchester United will not get ahead of themselves by believing they are assured of a Champions League final berth. more
Wenger calls for domestic focus 19:45, Mar 19 2010
Arsene Wenger has called on his Arsenal players to focus on beating West Ham on Saturday to go top of the Barclays Premier League rather than be distracted by their glamour Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona. more
Moody relishing 'proudest moment' 18:45, Mar 19 2010
Lewis Moody will enjoy the proudest moment of his England career on Saturday when he captains his country against Grand Slam-chasing France in Paris. more
Gold glory for Commander 16:45, Mar 19 2010
Imperial Commander stayed on strongly up the final hill for trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies and jockey Paddy Brennan to land the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup. more
Cooke seals Wildcats switch 14:45, Mar 19 2010
Wakefield finally got their man on Friday when Hull KR's out-of-favour stand-off Paul Cooke joined them on a short-term contract. more
Moody to lead England 13:45, Mar 19 2010
Lewis Moody will captain England against France on Saturday night after Steve Borthwick was ruled out with a knee injury. more
D'Arcy fit to face Scotland 13:45, Mar 19 2010
Gordon D'Arcy has been cleared to start Ireland's RBS 6 Nations clash with Scotland at Croke Park on Saturday. more
Fulham handed Wolfsburg tie 13:45, Mar 19 2010
Fulham's reward for their stunning victory over Juventus is a Europa League quarter-final with German side Wolfsburg. more
Hamstring blow for Defoe 12:45, Mar 19 2010
England striker Jermain Defoe has been ruled out for a "few weeks" after suffering a grade-two tear to one of his hamstrings, Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp confirmed on Friday. more
Barca to face Arsenal in last eight 11:45, Mar 19 2010
Champions League holders Barcelona were handed a quarter-final tie with Arsenal in Friday's draw in Nyon. more
Fergie hits out at FA 10:45, Mar 19 2010
Sir Alex Ferguson has accused the Football Association of running a "dysfunctional" disciplinary system. more
Rafa bemoans Riera timing 10:45, Mar 19 2010
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has admitted he is "disappointed" with Albert Riera's critical comments but does not intend to allow them to become a distraction ahead of Sunday's clash against Manchester United. more
