SUMMARY
- St Mirren is the only club that sacked Sir Alex Ferguson.
- In the 1989-1990 season, Sir Alex Ferguson faced immense pressure at Manchester United.
In the illustrious history of soccer, Sir Alex Ferguson stands as one of the legendary figures. Etching his name in the annals of the sport. However, even the most celebrated managers face challenges. Despite his eventual success, even Sir Alex Ferguson narrowly escaped being dismissed on several occasions.
Across his 39-year spell as a manager, Sir Alex ventured several league titles and other accomplishments. But despite earning the honors, Sir Alex had some tough times as well. From a struggling start to Manchester United’s career to disputes at St. Mirren. Let’s have a look if he was ever sacked by any club in such tough times.
The only club to sack Sir Alex Ferguson
St Mirren approached Ferguson in October 1974 and offered him the manager position. From 1974 to 1978, Ferguson was the manager of St Mirren. During this time, he transformed a team in the lower half of the Second Division into First Division champions in 1977. He helped discover several talented players while playing excellent attacking football. The average age of the winning team was 19, with the captain Fitzpatrick being only 20.
St Mirren became the only club to ever sack Sir Alex Ferguson in 1978. He contested the dismissal in an industrial tribunal, claiming wrongful termination, but lost the case and was denied the right to appeal. St Mirren terminated Sir Alex’s contract in 1978, citing alleged breaches of contract.
St. Mirren are the only club to ever sack Sir Alex Ferguson. Regret.
— UpTheStakes (@UpTheStakes) April 28, 2013
Including making unauthorized payments to players. During the tribunal, St Mirren chairman Willie Todd claimed that Ferguson had “no managerial ability.” In 2008, Todd was interviewed by The Guardian. He stated that the fundamental reason for the dismissal was a breach of contract relating to Ferguson’s agreement to join Aberdeen.
Ferguson expressed that he had asked at least one member of the squad to go to Aberdeen with him. He told the St Mirren staff he was leaving. Todd expressed regret over what happened but blamed Aberdeen for not approaching his club to discuss compensation.
The moment Sir Alex was at risk of losing Manchester United job
In 1986, Ferguson was welcomed to Old Trafford with great admiration after achieving success with Aberdeen. Winning three Scottish Premier Division titles, four Scottish Cups, and the European Cup Winners’ Cup, where they beat Real Madrid in the final.
Sir Alex Ferguson was so so close to the sack going into his 3rd season as United manager in the 89/90 season. They went on a 4 game losing streak and didn’t even win a single game in the whole month of December. Boy i’m sure glad the board stuck by him. #MUFC #OGS pic.twitter.com/5FJw8MswCM
— Ole ⚽ (@HansemOle) October 27, 2021
Despite his impressive record, Ferguson could not lead the Red Devils to success in his first three seasons. During Ferguson’s fourth season, things were not looking good. Losing to their neighbours, Manchester City, and going six matches without a win. Relegation loomed over the team. The fans were already turning against Ferguson.
Manchester United got Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup. At that time, Forest away was a challenging fixture as they had finished third in the previous season and had also reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup. The word in the city was that if United lost the game, Ferguson would lose his job.
According to defender Viv Anderson, “Every day in the lead up to that game we were picking up the papers and reading that the manager was facing the sack.” Mark Robins, a Manchester-born player who had come through the Red Devils’ youth system. Robins stepped up when Ferguson’s job was in jeopardy.
Happy 82nd Birthday, Sir Alex Ferguson!
🏟 2,155 Games
✅ 1,253 Wins
🤝 490 Draws
❌ 412 Defeats
🏆 50 Trophies38 trophies – Manchester United
11 trophies – Aberdeen
1 trophy – St.MirrenThe ‘GREATEST MANAGER’ ever.
— ☈ッ (@TheFergusonWay) December 31, 2023
Robins scored the only goal of the game, heading a cross from Hughes. He had no idea how important the goal would prove to be. United went on to win the FA Cup. Winning the trophy marked the end of a five-year drought for the club and ignited a golden era.
Manchester United welcomed the Cup Winners’ Cup to their trophy cabinet. The following year, they added the league title to their collection, breaking a 26-year drought. Ferguson retired in 2013, having led the club to 25 major trophies, including 13 league titles, five FA Cups, and two Champions Leagues.