Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir Alex Ferguson was targeted on no fewer than three occasions for the England manager's job, according to former Football Association executive director David Davies.
Davies, who spent more than a decade at the FA before leaving his post two years ago, revealed the Manchester United boss was first in the frame after Terry Venables quit in 1996.
But Davies says Ferguson dismissed the approach then and also after the departures of Glenn Hoddle and Kevin Keegan in 1999 and 2000, respectively.
"After Terry Venables, I wanted Fergie," Davies told the Herald. "I was absolutely clear he was the best person for the job. I was a personal friend of Sir Roland Smith, then chairman of Manchester United, and he didn't totally kick the idea into touch. I was vaguely encouraged."
But Davies added: "I don't think he ever came near becoming the England manager.
"The idea of Alex leading England out at Hampden is somewhat far-fetched. He is a very, very proud Scot. He was, I think, tickled by the idea, though.
"When I recruited Keegan, I would have loved Ferguson to become manager. But the conversations were very brief."
Davies also claims the FA wanted former Scotland boss Andy Roxburgh to revolutionise how the game was run south of the border.
According to Davies, the Uefa technical director was headhunted from 2004 into 2005 to perform a similar role for England.
"We had a lot of enthusiasm for him," said Davies. "He was held in the highest regard by the FA and seen as a man who could improve the game here at grassroots and in terms of coaching.
"He was clearly committed to what he was doing so there was no way forward."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments