WHILE he may have prowled the touchlines of the world's greatest football stadiums, there is one corner of Glasgow that will forever be Sir Alex Ferguson's.
Sir Alex Ferguson Park in Govan is home to the Harmony Row Youth Club, where a young Sir Alex first pulled on his football boots.
Years later, its revamped facilities were dedicated to him after he lead a successful campaign to save the club from oblivion.
And as he turned his back on the game yesterday leaders at the community facility were among the first to pay their tributes to his unbeatable sporting legacy.
Agnes Nisbet, chairwoman of the club where Sir Alex started playing at the age of 10, said: "We were on the brink of disappearing when Sir Alex came on board and literally was our saviour.
"He became our patron and it wasn't just in name – he has been so hands on and with us every step of the way. We have gone from almost going under to having 13 teams and hundreds of players. Sir Alex is always ready to give something back to Govan and Glasgow – maybe with more time on his hands he will manage us."
Ferguson's footballing genius was recognised by his native city in 1999, when councillors granted him the Freedom of the City.
Lord Provost Sadie Docherty said: "Sir Alex is a Govan and Glasgow legend. That's precisely why he was awarded the Freedom of the City. I know all Glaswegians will join with me in wishing him a long, happy and healthy retirement. However, I am sure he will remain active in public life."
Three years ago the Scot returned home to pay tribute to his old friend Jimmy Reid, the trade unionist. Speaking at Mr Reid's funeral in 2012, he said: "Our education was football. His was Govan library. That education gave him an intellect far beyond anyone else's. I wondered what school I was at when I heard Jimmy talk."
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