Fergie apologizes to Newcastle – Well, sort of

After last week calling Newcastle United – one of the biggest clubs in the world – a “wee club” in the Northeast, Sir Alex Ferguson, manager of self-professed biggest club in the world, tried to mend some bridges and had this to say.

“It was never my intention to belittle Newcastle fans. I want to clear up any misunderstanding that may have arisen over what I said. I have nothing but the highest regard for Newcastle fans and I always have had. They are up there with the best supporters in the game.”

“Their passion, commitment and fervour have never wavered, even though they have had little to celebrate. They have turned up in numbers to get behind their team wherever and whenever the games have been played.”

“When I take a team to St James’ Park, I have stressed to the players that not only have they got to beat the opposition on the field, just as important is coping with the atmosphere created by the fans.”

“Sadly, results have not matched their loyalty. If Newcastle’s achievements had matched the support of the people who pay to watch them play, the club would be among the game’s giants. It’s tragic that they haven’t been able to win a league title for over eighty years.”

As a Newcastle supporter, I appreciate the fact that Fergie acknowledges his mistake and has come out and said so, but to me it seems awfully convenient to have a dig, make a point and a week or so later come out with a half-baked apology. You also expect a little better from a person who has been a Manager with a top club for many a year, won multiple titles and has been knighted for what he has done for football.

In addition, if you read carefully, there is a slight dig at the Newcastle owners. That may or may not be true but it certainly is not the business of any other club’s Manager. If we have any problems, we will deal them in-house.

I hope people who are supposed role models do behave a bit better and do respect other people and what they have to go through.

I must be honest and say that this has left a sour taste in my mouth and I have only a little bit of respect left for Fergie, a man who I previously referred to as Sir, and his explanation means nothing to me.