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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."
Cold snap affects sporting weekend 15:45, Feb 11 2012
The cold snap continued to wreak further havoc with the sporting calendar on Saturday after the npower Championship clash between Peterborough and West Ham was postponed due to a frozen pitch along with a number of League One and League Two matches. more
Rangers ease to win at Dunfermline 15:45, Feb 11 2012
Lee McCulloch grabbed his first goal of the season as Rangers fought back from behind to claim a 4-1 win and deny Dunfermline their first home victory of the season in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League. more
Suarez a disgrace - Ferguson 15:45, Feb 11 2012
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson branded Luis Suarez a "disgrace to Liverpool Football Club" and claimed he should never play for them again following his refusal to shake Patrice Evra's hand ahead of Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash at Old Trafford. more
Rooney double overshadowed by feud 15:45, Feb 11 2012
Wayne Rooney's second-half double secured a 2-1 win for Manchester United against Liverpool and moved them to the top of the Barclays Premier League. more
Westwood takes lead in Dubai 14:45, Feb 11 2012
Rory McIlroy and Thomas Bjorn opened the door to the chasing pack at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic - and Lee Westwood was only too happy to walk in as he shot a five-under-par 67 to take a one-stroke lead into the final round. more
Weir determined to take chance 13:45, Feb 11 2012
Gallus is a fine Glaswegian word to describe Duncan Weir, who hopes to make his Scotland debut in Sunday's RBS 6 Nations clash with Wales in Cardiff. more
All or nothing for Halfpenny 13:45, Feb 11 2012
Leigh Halfpenny readily admits that goalkicking is a "hero or zero" occupation. more
Suarez and Evra handshake clash 13:45, Feb 11 2012
Liverpool striker Luis Suarez embroiled himself in another confrontation with Patrice Evra after refusing to shake the hand of the Manchester United defender prior to kick-off at Old Trafford. more
Capello: I did not 'escape' England 12:45, Feb 11 2012
Fabio Capello has denied he was "escaping" by resigning from the England manager's post and claimed "there are times in which you decide to leave". more
Redknapp 'would consider' England 12:45, Feb 11 2012
Harry Redknapp admits he would consider taking the England manager's job but insists he will not be able to combine the role with his current position as Tottenham boss. more
Suarez to start United clash 12:45, Feb 11 2012
Luis Suarez was named in the Liverpool starting line-up for today's Premier League encounter with Manchester United at Old Trafford. more
Robshaw keen to prolong captaincy 08:45, Feb 11 2012
Chris Robshaw wants to keep hold of the England captaincy on a long-term basis - and against Italy on Saturday night he will go out and prove it. more
