Sir Alex Ferguson goes back to school as Govan High celebrate 100 years

Feb 2 2010

Sir Alex Ferguson

MANCHESTER UNITED boss Sir Alex Ferguson returned to his roots in Govan on Monday and revealed the no-nonsense education he received as a boy shaped his world-famous management style.

Sir Alex took a walk down memory lane on a visit to Govan High to help the school celebrate its centenary.

Ironically, the man who has made the "hairdryer" an everyday football term for his legendary dressing-room rollickings was on the receiving end himself - from the senior girls in the hairdressing class.

And the Old Trafford boss - who has led United to an astonishing 11 Premier League titles in the last 18 years not to mention two Champions League titles - told how the lessons he learned in Govan help him handle the idols of the modern game.

Sir Alex said: "Govan High was very strict in my day and that has definitely had an influence on how I manage my players."

Fergie met past and present pupils and teachers from the school and got a close-up look at the hairdressing skills of Govan kids Siobhan Smith, Nicola Hunter, Emma Hanley and Mairead Linning.

"I have really fond memories of my school days," the former Aberdeen and Scotland boss said. "I still keep in touch with people from the school and meet up with them whenever I can.

"For me, it's important not to lose contact with people I grew up with.

"It has been great to see how the school has progressed."

Sir Alex gave the kids a private speech in the assembly hall and received a vote of thanks from fifth-year dux David Whitten. David, 16, said later: "Meeting Sir Alex is like a dream come true. He is my hero.

"His speech really helped inspire us. It showed us that no matter what life throws at us, we can overcome the challenges.

"And despite his legendary temper, he was down to earth and friendly."

Sir Alex also visited Govan's Preschal Trust, who help victims of poverty and drug and alcohol addiction, to back their effor ts to build a new headquarters on the site.

He praised t rust founder May Nicholson, saying: "She started this project off her own determination and through her own experiences.

"You see the work that they are doing and I think that it's fantastic."