Sir Alex gives backing for Jim's case

Elvin King

SIR Alex Ferguson has called for managers like Ipswich Town's Jim Magilton to be shown more patience.

On the brink of an 11th Premier League championship, Ferguson's own longevity provides ample proof of what can be achieved with a stable backdrop.

He has expressed his surprise at Chelsea's decision to part company with Luis Felipe Scolari, and says that short-term fixes are not the answer.

When Ferguson talks others take notice, and referring to the Chelsea situation he said: “Their haste is a reflection of the sad way the game is going.

“Everyone from owners, board members, supporters and media are demanding instant success and showing absolutely no patience in the pursuit of their ambition.

“I would have thought it self-evident that winning prizes comes with stability and long-term planning.

“Yet so often, when a club is faced with a few problems, wisdom flies out of the window in the hope that a new man can bring about a quick fix.

“I was shocked that Chelsea should part so soon with a manager of such great experience and proven success as 'Phil' Scolari.

“I think they have played into our hands and that the title race now is going to be between ourselves and Liverpool.”

Town assistant manager John Gorman has been in charge of clubs in his time and admits that it is a sign of the times that managers are put under so much pressure with a campaign to oust Magilton mounted this week but failing to get off the ground.

“It is the name of the game these days,” he said. “And I feel for managers in the Football League who are sometimes cast aside.

“I was fearful that Paul Sturrock may have gone this week after a few poor results by Plymouth. He has done sterling work at Home Park.

“Managers in the Premier League I am not so concerned about. They are on such high money that when they go they receive an enormous pay-out and should not be pitied.”