Champions League Final

Alex Massie

Wednesday, 27th May 2009

Like any sensible person, I shall be supporting Barcelona this evening, even if that does also require one to endorse the insufferable Thierry Henry. Nonetheless, give me wee Lionel Messi over Christiano Ronaldo any and every day. Alas, I fear the worst and suspect that Manchester United will prevail and that they may do so more comfortably than might be expected.

Not that I have too much against United, even if Sir Alex Ferguson did once, inexplicably, scoff at my suggestion* that he could ~~only~~ further secure "legend" status by returning to Scotland and guiding Heart of Midlothian to their first league championship since 1960.

Anyway, consider this an open thread or whatnot for your theories on the final.

*Made, if mermory serves, in Eamonn Doran's nightclub in Dublin, circa 1996. This was an evening that culminated with the discovery of George Foulkes slumped unconscious in the cloakroom. In fact, the noble lord (as he is now) had made a kind of nest for himself, using punters' jackets to cushion his comfortably-sized frame and, once awoken, needed a pair of helpers to guide him back to his hotel. Mr Foulkes had been addressing the Dubin University Soccer Appreciation Society and refreshments had been served. Before retiring to the cloakroom he had been in fine voice, belting out the Hearts song while lurching across the dance floor to the bemusement and, it must be said, amusement of all present. Unlike some of the society's guests, however, Mr Foulkes did not sleep with any of the members.

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Paul B

May 27th, 2009 4:48pm Report this comment

I have to say Alex, that out of your own words, you are condemed as not a normal person. I though, as a normal person, will be 100pc behind the Salford Rovers, because although being a lifelong Chelsea die hard, I do having a sneaking regard for the devils. I put it down to being a mere child when being taken to the Bridge by my father and seeing wee Geoegie and co in action. Georgie was and remains, despite (because of) his faults, the greatest ever player that I have seen. A sporting genius. I would go and watch him play whenever United visited London. I became a Fulham season ticket holder when he played for them. He even then,with his pace gone, had the ability to dictate and beat defenders without a care and for fun. He scored a great goal for Fulham on his debut, alongside Rodney Marsh, in front of the main terrace at Craven Cottage, packed with 30,000 fans on the day. A maestro. Married to that, there was Bobby, a true footballing great and gentlemen, an English immortal, who was the inspiration, with the other great Bobby, behind our victory in 66.

United also nutured the great but maverick talent of Cantona, one of the all time greats imo. I will never forget, him standing there in his arrogant pomp, arms wide, milking the applause of an adoring OT crowd, after scoring what is still one of the finest EPL goal. Also, who can forget his criminal, but hugely entertaining and understandable attack on the graceless Crystal Palace fan, who deserved all he got. Wonderful TV

United for me, with Ronnie & Rooney running riot and Giggs coming on to score his 100th & winning goal for United.

ben

May 27th, 2009 5:24pm Report this comment

Not through want of trying, it should be pointed out. The phrase "you're such a pretty boy, you won't tell the press, will you?" would be too much for fiction.

The Northwich Victoria football team hadn't been invited, and just happened to be there.

ndm

May 27th, 2009 5:55pm Report this comment

Alex Ferguson's greatest achievement will forever be Aberdeen's 3-2 trouncing of Bayern Munich and 2-1 destruction of Real Madrid in 1983. Well, maybe trouncing and destruction are a bit strong but we can but dream.

Of course, Ferguson himself must thank the Gods every day that St. Mirren fired him all these years ago

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