Sir Alex Ferguson: I would love to see Leeds United back in top flight

JACK Berry is synonymous throughout racing for his red shirts. He bought one at Ayr – and then rode a winner the next day. They brought him luck.
By Tom Richmond
Published 30th Aug 2014, 07:00 BST
Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson in his pomp.Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson in his pomp.
Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson in his pomp.

Yet the 76-year-old is a Leeds United fan, a point not lost on Sir Alex Ferguson, who managed the Yorkshire club’s great rivals, Manchester United, for 26 years.

“There are some people brought up the wrong way!” joked Sir Alex. “There is a great rivalry between Leeds United and Manchester United. It’s a shame that there was a lot of chippiness between the fans, but I would like to see Leeds United back in the Premier League. They are a big club and it is sad to see what is happening.”

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And Berry’s appreciation of Sir Alex? “He’d make a great racehorse trainer. He’s a stickler for detail. And he’s bloody sharp. But he’s dead fair. You see him on TV chewing gum but there’s a heart of gold.

“He loves his horses, not just for the betting, but his appreciation for the jockeys and trainers. He’s sponsored races for me at Kelso and backed Red Shirt Night at Pontefract. I don’t think racing realises the debt that it has to Sir Alex – nothing is too much for him.”

The Leger Legends Day takes place at Doncaster Racecourse on September 10. Log on at doncaster-racecourse.co.uk for further details or injuredjockeys.co.uk

Related topics:Alex FergusonManchester UnitedYorkshirePremier LeaguePontefractKelso