Sir Alex honoured at Hall of Fame dinner

Sir Alex Ferguson was among a number of Scottish heroes honoured at the seventh annual Scottish Football Museum’s Hall of Fame Dinner which took place in a star-studded affair at Glasgow’s Hilton hotel on Sunday night.

Govan-born Ferguson, was joined by Billy McNeil, Walter Smith, and inductees Pat Crerand and former England captain Terry Butcher, making it a who’s-who of Scottish football.

The inductees were chosen by football fans all over the world for their contribution to Scottish football, and also included legendary Celtic goalkeeper Ronnie Simpson, and RS McColl who played for Newcastle and Rangers at the turn of the 20th century.

Richard McBrearty, curator of the museum, feels that having inaugurated the likes of Denis Law and Henrik Larsson in previous years, the event has grown in stature since it began in 2004.

“It has become one of the major after-dinner events in Scottish Football,” he said.

During the night-long proceedings, Ferguson received tributes throughout the night for his 50 years in the game and 25 years as Manchester United boss.

He was quick to praise Celtic and Manchester United star Pat Crerand, saying he held his own during a great time in Scottish football.

“He deserves it, we had some great players in the country when Paddy played,” Ferguson said. “With Law and Baxter, that group of players was fantastic and he was part of that.”

The former East Stirlingshire, St Mirren, and Aberdeen boss also joked about Crerand’s role at MUTV saying “he is the most biased commentator ever, we never do a thing wrong.”

Pat Creran and Sir Alex share a joke (The Scotsman)

Paddy Crerand was equally as complimentary about the eight-time Premier League Manager of the Year.

 “Records speak for themselves, his record is better than Sir Matt Busby, it’s incredible. He’s the best,” he said.

Iconic hard-man Terry Butcher was also delighted at being the first Englishman to be industed saying: “I felt very humbled and proud to receive my award, with so many fantastic people in front of me," he said.

Sir Alex also paid tribute to the job Craig Levein is doing as Scotland manager, despite continued criticism for often negative tactics.

“I think they have a group of very good midfield players–that’s their strength, they played very good football the other night,” he said.

The legendary manager also feels that Scotland’s current dearth of talent can be changed.

“It is possible, if you put the energy into it and the facilities. If that’s improved and money is invested then you’ve every possibility.”

There was the obligatory awkward moment when a misguided journalist asked him if he had any plans to “give back” to Scottish football in the future.

To which the terse reply was “I give my support. That’s all.”