Sir Alex Ferguson Q & A for the Glasgow magazine for December 2009
What are your memories of attending Govan High?
My abiding memory, which impacted on my future, was when the head master Mr Hutchison called me into his office to tell me my grades were not good enough in Maths and English. So I had to leave and get a job.
What are the most important lesson/lessons you learnt during your time at Govan High?
I suppose, you get out of life what you put into it. I couldn’t get to grips with English and Maths and should have concentrated better.
Were you good at school?
I was in A1 to A3 so I had enough intelligence but I found it hard to be motivated.
Did you ever get into trouble when you were at the school?
Not really, not with my teachers, had quite a few fights in the playground though.
What was your favourite subject or subjects?
History, Geography, French and German to a lesser degree
Was there one teacher in particular who inspired you?
Yes, my football teacher George Symington, he was a ferociously bad loser, but we all loved him.
I believe you've been described as one of football's greatest managers? What makes you a good leader?
Many things, one of them is the last question, the ability to inspire, being decisive and loyal are also important.
Today how would you rate the young Ferguson and his Govan High team?
We had a terrific team, went one and a half years unbeaten until we lost the Scottish Shield final at Hampden Park to St Pats Dumbarton - unlucky as we lost our goal keeper
You are known for being able to get the best out of your players, would you have been able to manage the young Ferguson and get the best out of him?
I think knowing your subject is vital that way you can gauge the personality you are dealing with. I have had all sorts of personalities so I am sure I would have been able to do that.
I don’t know if you had a number on your school team shirt, if you did what was it? and also what position did you play?
No 10 was always my number, my position was inside forward and then centre forward.
I know you have said in the past that you loved playing football, but I was wondering that did your time at Govan High turn it into a passion?
Yes without question, I loved it.
My impression from reading articles about you is that you have never once forgotten where you came from, have drawn on this throughout your career and are very proud of being from Govan….is this a special Govan trait being proud of your roots?
Yes I am absolutely proud to have been brought up in an area where loyalty, hard work and determination are my key assets.
I’m intending to interview a member of today’s Govan High football team – what would your advice be to the current students at Govan High?
Well first of all just enjoy playing. If they are serious about being pro footballers then they must have a strong practise ethic, this is as good advice as you’ll ever get.
What are your hopes for Govan High as it begins it moves into its second centenary?
I hope they continue their progress. I read about in their Magazine, I am deeply impressed at what I have read and hold on to your head teacher, he is the inspiration.
