New Contract Signed
”We’ve had a few derailments along the way. The Rio Ferdinand situation meant that Maurice Watkins was very busy. But, also, the important thing was the details of the contract. When Peter [Kenyon] first raised the subject in America, the thing that concerned me most was if we announce a one-contract, people would wonder if that was my retirement date. I wanted to get rid of that. The rolling contract was the best way to do that.
Fergie´s Future
" It means then that I am in control of the situation. If I feel after one year ‘that’s it’, we can go. There are lots of things to consider when you get to your sixties. One is health, and one is enjoyment. And that’s the thing at the moment, I very much enjoy the game and my health is good. Therefore, there is no problem in that way. But, you never know in two or three years’ time. We are all subject to that. The roll-on contract suits me fine.”
Distressing Week
”I’ve found it distressing, really. My son has had a terrible time. They’ve stolen his mail, gone through his bin bags, hiding in bushes. He’s had to call the police in. That’s not nice. It’s all the result of what we read about this transfer stuff. It’s incomprehensible that I would abuse my position at the club. I’ve been here 17-and-a-half years and nobody has ever raised a doubt about it. All of a sudden because of a private matter regarding a racehorse, all this has come out. It’s not easy to take.”
Fans´ Support Means A Lot
”Manchester United is a fantastic football club. It’s run well and the supporters and myself have had a great bond for years now. I’ve depended on them – at times like this you do depend on them. It’s a great club, and that is why the fans are reacting.”
Ruud’s Contract
”It gives us the long-term view; the signing of Louis Saha on a five-year contract, and Ruud will be here for the next few years. All the ages of players in the squad are good. So, the long-term view is terrific. We are all delighted because there is this concern when you read the newspapers: this and that club are interested in Ruud. That puts all that to bed now.”
Ruud and Louis Partnership
”I think there is potential there, there is no question about that. We are going to work on it. The good thing is that Louis has had a full week with us. He’s done well.”
Louis To Play On Saturday
”Put your mortgage on it!”
Assessing Southampton
”They are persistent. Over the years the Southampton games have always been entertaining. There have only been two draws in the last 20 games. So, I think they will keep to their pattern of having a go. It will be an open match. There always seems to be goals in these games, it should be an interesting match.”
Surprise At Strachan Stepping Down
”I was surprised but, I’ve read his reasons and I think you have to respect them. He promised his family he would leave after two and a half years – I think you have to respect that. He obviously feels it’s very important to his family.”
Injury Concerns
”Giggs and Neville are still doubtful. I won’t be risking them unless they are 100%. Gary in particular has done a decent bit of training this week, Ryan not so much. I could put them on the bench but it’s unlikely.”
Nicky Butt’s Future
”There are only two days left [in the transfer window]. I had a chat with the lad yesterday. I know his concerns and his frustrations. I share them, actually. It’s not easy with the service he has given us. He’s been here since he was a 13-year-old lad. His service has been fantastic. He’s been one of these great warriors you get now and again at a club. If he’s here next week, I think everyone at the club would be happy.”
Winter Break A Good Idea
”Well, it’s only 29 years I’ve been talking about it! I think the FA must have known that the 30 years coming up, that they didn’t wanted to get to that. It would have been a landmark! But, I’m delighted. It’s the right thing, no question about it. Not just for the players but for the coaches also. It will add that bit of freshness because December in our country is quite an exhausting month; the number of games, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day fixtures. The games are always cramped together. I think a two-week break will do the players and the coaches the power of good.”
< <<< en pleine forme le fergie . saha jouera samedi 
