Champions!!!

JAKARTA: Defending champions Malaysia retained the coveted SEA Games football gold when they defeated hosts Indonesia 4-3 on penalty kicks in a blood-and-guts clash at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Senayan last night.

It was their first ever back-to-back success in the history of the Games and also took Malaysia’s gold tally to a respectable 59 – 14 more than projected. It also denied Indonesia the gold that they wanted most to cap their domination of these Games.

Malaysia’s heroes were goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat and skipper Baddrol Bakhtiar. Khairul for stopping Indonesia’s last kick by Ferdinan Sinaga and Baddrol for tucking away the winner in the shootout.

The gutsy Malaysians had fought back from an early goal down to equalise and looked good for a win in regulation time. But poor finishing saw the tie forced into extra-time which also failed to produce a winner.

In the ensuing shootout, Gunawan, who scored the opening goal for Indonesia, turned villain when he missed his spot kick to give Malaysia the advantage before Ahmad Fakri Saarani blew his attempt to make it 2-2. Khairul then did his magic and Baddrol made sure the gold went to Malaysia.

It was heartbreak for the 100,000 raucous fans who could not accept defeat and threw water bottles into the stands.

For Indonesia, it was a second major blow in a year, having lost to Malaysia in the Suzuki Cup Asean Football Federation (AFF) Championships (4-2 on aggregate) here 11 months ago.

Malaysia should have sealed the match in 90 minutes. They had more chances compared to Indonesia, who only looked dangerous on the break.

Coach Ong Kim Swee had to start without three key players who were on the crock list - forwards Syahrul Azwari Ibrahim, Izzaq Faris Ramlan and midfielder Wan Zaharulnisam Wan Zakaria.

All three were key hands who had scored crucial goals in Malaysia’s campaign – Syahrul in the 1-0 win over Indonesia earlier and Izzaq who scored the winning goal in the 2-1 decision against Thailand.

Yet, the Malaysians showed character to take on the Indonesians and silence the ‘Senayan Roar’ with their gutsy display in a pulsating match.

The home fans did their part cheering their team on and singing patriotic songs to raise their game. But it was Malaysia who were on the offensive and kept the fans on edge throughout.

Hollywood Ending For Brand Beckham

Twenty-five years ago, an 11-year-old schoolboy with a rocket launcher for a right foot launched a career that would take in three of the biggest clubs on the planet, see him become the most box office footballer the game has known, and accrue an estimated personal wealth of £130 million. The David Beckham story was Hollywood long before he moved there.

As the 36-year-old wakes on Monday morning, in the gated Beverley Hills community he paid $22 million to share with the likes of Tom Cruise and Jay Leno, and with the celebrations from Sunday's MLS Cup triumph heavy behind those famous eyes, Beckham's first taste of celebrity in the 1986 Bobby Charlton Soccer Skills Challenge will seem a lifetime away.

Back then the boy from Leytonstone was just a gifted and dedicated young footballer. These days he's a global phenomenon - fashion icon, entrepreneur, diplomat, spokesman, role model, one-man brand, father and husband. And since 2007, he's been the self-styled saviour of the sport he loves, in the country that supposedly loves it least. The Beckham Experiment, as author Grant Wahl once termed it.

Five seasons into Beckham's attempt to break America, and the prevailing opinion suggests the experiment has been a success. Crowds are up, TV revenues have increased (NBC will pay $10 million a year to screen 45 MLS games starting next season), and most would agree the quality of football in America's top league has improved in each of the seasons graced by Beckham in an LA Galaxy shirt.

There was certainly no shortage of interest in Sunday's MLS Cup final, played at Galaxy's Home Depot Center before a sell-out crowd of 30,281, and broadcast live by ESPN all over the world. Tickets were reportedly changing hands for up to $1,000 in the build-up to the game, which saw Galaxy strong favourites to beat Houston Dynamo and win a first title since 2005.

Beckham, as ever, had star billing. His five seasons in the MLS have been punctuated by injury and a sense that his priorities may lie elsewhere (two loan spells at AC Milan were not greeted well by Galaxy fans) , but this campaign has seen Beckham hint at the effervescence Manchester United and England supporters in particular remember him for. Named MLS Comeback Player of the Year and in the MLS Best XI for the first time, it was finally Beckham the footballer, and not the brand, who was winning the battle for America's attention.

Had he done enough to justify one of the most expensive experiments in sporting history? All would be revealed, because rightly or wrongly, most agreed Beckham now had 90 minutes to determine his LA legacy. He'd left Manchester United after winning the Premier League title in 2003, and Real Madrid after winning La Liga in 2007. If he could do the same with Galaxy, any notion of a Beckham failure would be completely erased overnight. It just doesn't get any more Hollywood than that.

True to form, our hero prevailed. Beckham was involved in Landon Donovan's winner, and played his way further into American hearts by inviting his three sons to join in with the celebrations afterwards. It was five seasons in the making, but finally Beckham had given Galaxy the kind of Hollywood ending they must have endlessly envisaged when they put an entire franchise on that famous right boot of his in 2007.

It was then-Galaxy general manager Alexei Lalas who helped lure Beckham to LA, and the former US international was in no doubt the financial venture was a worthwhile one. "The LA Galaxy are a super club," he said. "As many people hate this team as love this team. They are known all over the world, so for that brand it (Beckham's signing) has been incredibly valuable."

For the MLS, the notion Beckham, Donovan and recent arrival Robbie Keane could combine for the season's defining goal would have been beyond their wildest dreams at the start of the season. In a league desperate to rid its reputation as a sub-standard and naive footballing outpost, what better than a high-profile goal crafted by three internationals with over 100 caps each to prove a point?

Galaxy's triumph could yet be the catalyst for more Beckham-esque deals to come. It was the first time a team with a "Designated Player" has won the MLS Cup, and the suggestion in the American press is very much that owners will look at it as justification to invest heavily themselves. If that happens, then Beckham's legacy will be further enhanced as more high-profile players cross the Atlantic to continue his revolution.

As for the man himself, a decision will be made next month as to whether he remains in LA - or takes up the opportunity to play out his career back in Europe, most likely with Paris Saint-Germain. The lure of representing Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics is said to be a factor, but Galaxy have reassured Beckham he could be released to take part in London, if selected. Beckham will also be giving his family and settled home life in LA serious consideration, and the consensus appears to be 50-50 on whether he chooses Paris or Hollywood for the next star turn in a truly remarkable career.

Whatever happens next, Beckham rose on Monday as America's soccer-playing sweetheart - and with the doubters drowned out by gushing tributes to his achievements in taking the MLS to the masses.

It's not quite the comeback he made after his red card in the 1998 World Cup, when he returned to fire Manchester United to the Treble, but it's certainly quite an achievement. Wherever Beckham goes next, you'd be foolish to rule out one final hurrah for the hardest working man, not just in show business, but in football too.

DBecks : A True Champion

David Beckham, Robbie Keane and Landon Donovan - the team's three Designated Players - were all involved in the game's only goal as the Galaxy defeated the Houston Dynamo 1-0 at the Home Depot Center to win the 2011 MLS Cup.

The Galaxy capped off a fantastic regular season that saw the team pick up a league-leading 67 points by winning their third title in front of a packed house on their home field.

Donovan was awarded the MLS Cup final MVP after scoring in the 72nd minute on a play that was set up by both Beckham and Keane.

It was a fitting ending to what could have been Donovan's final game playing alongside Beckham, whose historic five-year deal with the Galaxy is now over. And Donovan had nothing but praise for his longtime teammate while accepting his MVP award.

"He pulled his hamstring earlier in the week and was basically playing on one leg tonight," Donovan said. "He put in a warrior-like effort and I'm real honored to play next to him."

Beckham now has won championships in three different nations - England, Spain and now the United States. He was unclear about a potential return to the MLS after the game.

The win also marked Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena's record-setting third time winning the league's championship after leading his squad to a perfect record at home during the regular season and playoffs, including a 1-0 victory over Houston back in May.

The Galaxy were in the driver's seat early on and Beckham nearly set up the first goal of the game off a corner kick in the 11th minute, but Adam Cristman's header from point-blank range sailed over the crossbar. The forward was unmarked in front of the net.

Nearly 16 minutes later, the Galaxy duo was at it again. This time, Beckham placed a cross to Cristman, who snuck past the defense but watched his header rise above the net.

The Galaxy continued to put the pressure on the Dynamo in the closing minutes of the first half, leaving Houston with no real scoring opportunities in the first 45 minutes. And Los Angeles would pick up right where it left off after halftime.

Just three minutes after the break, Keane beat the offside trap off a deflected long pass and found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Tally Hall. Slightly off balance, Keane skipped the ball just inches wide of the far post in yet another golden opportunity for the hosts.

Moments later, it appeared as though Keane had finally broke the deadlock when he put a strike through Hall's legs into the net. But as the fans were celebrating, the linesman was holding up his flag on a controversial offside call. Replays, however, suggested that Keane was indeed level with the defender when Beckham delivered the ball.

But the Galaxy would eventually get their goal in the 72nd minutes thanks to their three best - and most expensive - players. Coming down the left side of the pitch, Beckham headed the ball to Keane who then slotted it through to Donovan. The U.S. international chipped over Hall, who got a fingertip on the ball, but not enough to prevent the opening goal.

Beckham nearly completed the ideal ending to what could have been his final MLS game when his free kick from just outside the box was saved by Hall in the closing seconds.

The Dynamo did not have a chance from the beginning as they were without league MVP finalist Brad Davis, who went down in the Eastern Conference final with a torn quad. Davis was replaced in the midfield by left back Corey Ashe and Jermaine Taylor filled in at the defensive spot, but neither player could fill his shoes.

To make things even worse for Houston, midfielder Geoff Cameron hurt his right leg in the first half but continued to play through the injury.

"Give Houston a lot of credit. They made the game very difficult," Donovan said. "There's no question that not having Brad Davis really hurt them. The game probably would have looked different with him in there."

Legends!!!

United's Greatest Ever XI is completed by the two strikers and, again, some quite brilliant forwards have obviously been left out.

The fans who voted on ManUtd.com for their best side opted for Sir Bobby Charlton and Eric Cantona in the forward roles, ensuring two of the greatest goalscorers in the club's history - Denis Law and Ruud van Nistelrooy - are left on the sidelines, along with current favourite Wayne Rooney.

Lou Macari, who played with Law for both United and Scotland, joked: "I suppose the fact he has two statues at Old Trafford is slight compensation for him!"

Law's tally of 237 goals for the Reds is only bettered by Sir Bobby while deadly Dutchman van Nistelrooy bagged an incredible 150 in only 200 starts. However, Cantona's contribution to the great success story under Sir Alex can never be underplayed as he proved the catalyst when arriving from Leeds for a cut-price fee in 1992.

Man Utd Midfield Marvels

The midfield selection for the fans' Greatest Ever XI, as discussed on a new four-disc DVD, is certain to stir plenty of controversy.

"Captain Marvel" Bryan Robson was a surprise omission in the engine room, along with the peerless Duncan Edwards, as Roy Keane and Paul Scholes got the nod from those who voted on ManUtd.com.

"I think the lads on the DVD did me proud the way they bigged me up, saying I should be in the team, but Scholesy and Keaney are great players," said Robson. "It's just nice to be on the list. Straight away, everyone's talking about 4-4-2 and that's good if everyone has got the same formation. But I wouldn't play Bobby Charlton as a centre-forward. He'd be in central midfeld for me."

The competition was intense for a place on the flanks as well, with George Best and Ryan Giggs edging out the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham.

"Cristiano is a great player but one thing I would not dismiss is Best and Giggs both being in that team as wide players," added Robson. "I do think it was a very close shout as to whether Beckham and Ronaldo should be in there."

Red's Best Defence?

The final back four on Manchester United's Greatest Ever XI DVD, as selected by fans on the club's official websites, is bound to generate plenty of debate.

Current centre-back pairing Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand were voted into the line-up ahead of some fierce competition from the likes of Gary Pallister, Steve Bruce and Bill Foulkes. Gary Neville secured the right-back berth as reward for his sterling service at Old Trafford with Denis Irwin appearing on the opposite flank, reflecting his enduring popularity with the United faithful.

"I think what Vidic and Rio have done over the years has been quite remarkable," enthused Lou Macari, one of four legends discussing the fans' team on the new DVD. "If you look at the two of them, they're both commanding but Rio is as cool as you like under pressure and that type of centre-back is a dying breed. There are a lot of different centre-halves in the Premier League now but none are as good as Vidic and Rio."

Former skipper Bryan Robson commented on the full-backs: "Denis Irwin was the 'Quiet Assassin' as we used to nickname him because he was a really unsung hero. Gary Neville was Mr Consistent as far as I was concerned as you knew what you were getting out of him every time he went onto the pitch."

Man Utd Greatest Ever XI

The official Man Utd website is currently showcasing the Greatest XI to wear the famous Red Devils' colours. The club has also come up with a dvd to commemorate these well deserved players. Adopting a 4-4-2 formation (our famous formation) on the XI, here's the first player to be nominated as the best goalkeeper ever, The Great Dane, Peter Schmeichel.

Peter Schmeichel has been voted Manchester United's best-ever goalkeeper by fans on ManUtd.com, polling 66 per cent to emerge as the clear victor ahead of contenders such as Edwin van der Sar and Alex Stepney.

'The Great Dane' is therefore the first player in the Reds' Greatest Ever XI, the subject of an official new DVD set released this week. The 1991 arrival from Brondby proved to be one of Sir Alex's finest signings and he bowed out of Old Trafford at the very top by captaining the Treble-winning team to Champions League glory in 1999.

"He was a huge guy with real presence," says former team-mate Bryan Robson, one of four pundits appearing on Greatest Ever XI. "He was brave and a great kicker of the ball. He was also a great athlete and had everything really.

"He was a real talker - sometimes a bit too much! If anyone had a shot from 35 yards out, 'Schmikes' would be shouting at you saying 'Any chance of closing him down?!'"

Also shortlisted for the position of goalkeeper were Ray Wood, Harry Gregg, Alex Stepney and the recently retired Edwin van der Sar.



The Many Faces of Lara Croft

On 14 November 1996, one of the most lucrative gaming franchises in history was born, along with a smokin' hot heroine who would later become one gaming's most iconic characters of all time. Yes, we're talking about Lara Croft and the super successful 'Tomb Raider' series.

Since making her virtual debut in 1996, Lara has managed to make gamers, male or female, hot under the collar thanks to her oozing sex appeal. Lara is so popular, in fact, that Eidos Interactive has hired a number of women, dubbed the Lara Croft Models, to portray Lara for publicity purposes. In 2008, Lara was awarded a Guinness World Record for the "Most Official Real Life Stand-ins".

ALISON CARROLL
Age: 26 Height: 1.63 metres Vital stats: 36-30-36
Before she was chosen as a Lara Croft model at the age of 23, the super sexy Alison Carroll worked as a receptionist at a golf club. But don't let that pretty face fool you; Alison once represented the UK in gymnastics. Hot and flexible; exactly how we love our Lara Croft.

JILL DE JONG
Age: 29 Height: 1.80 metres Vital stats: 34-26-38
Standing at 1.80 meters with a hot bod to fit, Dutch model Jill de Jong was the perfect incarnation of Lara Croft. In fact, at the casting call, Eidos Studios executives immediately picked her out in a room full of models the moment she entered the room: "When Jill first entered the room we were all enamoured with her personality and her looks." Couldn't agree more."

NELL MCANDREW
Age: 36 Height: 1.75 metres Vital stats: 32-25-36
Like Lara Croft, Nell McAndrew is not your typical sweetheart. A British glamour model, Nell is still considered by many as the most popular and successful model to fill the boots of Lara Croft. So popular, in fact, Nell - who has visited the Armed Forces a couple of times during her one year Lara Croft tenure - was given the nickname 'Forces Sweetheart' by the troops. Sadly, she was fired from her role not long after - for posing nude in Playboy mag! Yowza.

LUCY CLARKSON
Age: 28 Height: 1.80 metres Vital stats: 32-25-36
Lucy Clarkson is arguably one of the most prolific Lara Croft models of all time. An Elite model since she was 15, Lucy was handpicked to be Lara Croft when she was only 17 - quite a remarkable feat, if you ask us. In fact, it was her dad who first sensed that she could step into the heroine's shoes. Great spot, dad!

DIANA DOROW
Age: 33 Height: 1.70 metres Vital stats: 36-22-35
To be fair, Diana Dorow is not really an official Lara Croft model, but we have to admit; she is a splitting image of the heroine herself - down to her bust size! Diana is a teacher in Germany (surprise, surprise!), and she has been working as a Lara Croft double since 1999.

KARIMA ADEBIBE
Age: 26 Height: 1.74 metres Vital stats: 36-22-38
Formerly a secretary and a Topshop sales assistant, unknown British model Karima Adebibe was catapulted to superstardom when she was chosen to be the face of the 'Tomb Raider' series on 14 February 2006 - both her birthday and coincidentally, that of Lara Croft's! Not only is she as hot as Lara, she has the exact same skill sets too; during her reign, she underwent hours and hours of martial arts training to make herself more Lara Croft-ish.

ANGELINA JOLIE
Age: 36 Height: 1.69 metres Vital stats: 36-27-36
There's no denying that Hollywood action queen Angelina Jolie is the most popular Lara Croft of all. Angie was the first and the only to play the sexy siren on film.

Terry Fox Run KL 2011

Morning lads. Fancy a cuppa tea? Okay, I better drop being Bri'ish thingy now before it gets annoying. Hahaha... Let's talk about something interesting, the Terry Fox Run - a charity run to collect fund for the Cancer Research Foundation held in Padang Merbok yesterday. Here's an article written by Daisy in her blog. Kinda "stole" it from her but with permission. Heh...

Terry Fox Run KL 2011

13th November 2011

Padang Merbok Kuala Lumpur

A charity run to collect fund for the Cancer Research Foundation

Honestly, the management of the event needs more improvement. The route is quite cool. However, the timing and management is very poor. It should have started earlier before the sun is up. They needed everyone to gather in the field. However, due to the hot weather condition, people chose to gather at the car park where the shade was instead. The amount of people participating in the event grew and it was great to have so much support in battling cancer. A larger crowd would mean more management needed. They should release the participants via categories such as runners, wheelers and joggers. So, in my opinion, the event needs improvement in 2 areas and that the start time and categorization. Other than that, I'd say the event was indeed successful. It was great seeing people of all shapes, age and sizes to support a charity run like this.

 

*3 Stooges*

*After the run*

*Can't get enuff butt 83 girl*

*The ladies, far right is another cousin I just found out*

*Ni budak ngade, kene panas sikit tak leh*

It was my first run yesterday so it's a learning experience for me. It ain't gonna be my last run though. I enjoyed it. Plus, I have a motivation for my next run. Follow the butt girl. Hahaha... The technique was introduced by the lady in the picture above. Great motivation seriously!!!

Ronaldo Tested To The Limit : Part I

Hey folks, I've heard about it and now I've seen it. Many months ago, there was a buzz across Europe regarding Cristiano Ronaldo, being tested to the limit. Sports Scientists conducted numerous tests on the most expensive footballer to see why he is rated as one of the best in the business. Part I shows how he's being tested on a 100m sprint and on a zig zag hussle. Have a look at the videos posted on YouTube brought to you by Castrol. Enjoy!!



Pardon Me ...

Pardon me for the lack of updating my blog. Been relatively busy lately with Offer Letters to be prepared, medical check-ups for my candidates, meetings and more meetings, bla bla bla...

Evrything happened really fast and I basically needed a break. Last week was Hari Raya Aidil Adha or some might call it Hari Raya Qurban. Even though it was a much needed break, I was pretty occupied during last weekend.

This coming weekend I will be in the Terry Fox Run at Padang Merbok. It'll be my first run and certainly ain't gonna be the last (I hope). My couz  (here's her blog Daisy's Cup of Tea) has been asking me to join her for this run for about a few weeks already. Basically nagging me to join (just kidding). Hehehe...

She's been helping me a lot (including Ezry) in scouring for "potential candidates" as well. If you know what I mean. Now just waiting for feedback. Hahaha...

I'm hoping that January comes real soon. I can't wait for a long holiday. I badly need it right now. I have something up my sleeve for next year's holiday trip. Will let you know it soon. Oh well, til the next update y'all. See ya!!!

Pacquiao v Marquez : Part III

Mexico's Juan Manuel Marquez says he has the speed and power to defeat Manny Pacquiao in their Saturday showdown, but the Filipino icon expects a toe-to-toe slugfest that plays into his hands.

Pacquiao, 53-3 with two drawn and 38 knockouts, will defend his World Boxing Organization welterweight crown against Marquez, 53-5 with one drawn and 39 knockouts. The 32-year-old Asian southpaw is an 8-1 oddsmakers' favorite.

"It doesn't bother me. I've come prepared," Marquez said Wednesday. "I'm going to be able to hit him very hard and that's going to win me the fight."

Marquez, 38, was knocked down three times by Pacquiao in their first fight in 2004 but rallied to earn a draw. "PacMan" sent Marquez to the canvas again in a 2008 rematch and edged out a victory by one vote on one judges' card.

"I beat him the first two fights but did not get the decision," Marquez said. "This time I will beat him again and I will also get the victory.

"I wish that the judges score what they see, not like the other two fights where they weren't too impartial."

Marquez has gained weight to challenge Pacquiao at 144 pounds, a fact the Filipino superstar says will make him slower and more vulnerable to Pacquaio's punching speed and power.

"He's getting bigger. He's a big target," Pacquiao said. "It's not easy to put on more weight and maintain your speed. You get slower. It's very difficult.

"Marquez, he will fight toe-to-toe. I can't wait for this fight. I'm excited. I'm ready to fight. Everything is set."

Marquez says he has gained muscle power without losing speed and quickness. "We're going to have speed in the fight," Marquez said. "We worked to build our body the correct way. This time it's going to be different. We're going to combine intelligence with speed."

Freddie Roach, Pacquiao's trainer, sees Marquez's confidence lasting only until "PacMan" pounds him to the canvas. "The first time he hits him and knocks him on his ass, that will take it away," Roach said. "I don't think he will be able to get up from this Manny Pacquiao punch.

"He has bulked up. He is going to be slower. Manny likes to exchange. That will fall into our hands well." Marquez's strength and conditioning coach is Angel Heredia, who provided banned performance-enhancing substances to the former coach of doping-disgraced former athletics heroes Marion Jones and Tim Montgomery and others.

But Marquez denies his bigger bulk has come through banned substances and has said he will take any test at any time to prove he is not a dope cheat. "I have done a clean preparation for this fight like always," Marquez said. "I will take any test any time. That's why anti-doping exams exist."

Marquez said he is not placing greater importance on the start of the fight but hopes better strategy will lure Pacquiao into more mistakes than in their first two fights. "I'm going to work round-by-round," Marquez said. "The important thing is we fight intelligently. Sometimes the technique gets complicated for Mr. Pacquiao."

The fight contract, which will see Pacquiao paid $30 million and Marquez take home a career-best $5 million, also includes a rematch clause in case a trilogy is not enough to show which fighter is better.

But Roach is confident the Pacquiao-Marquez rivalry ends on Saturday. "You win by knockout," he said, "and there's no rematch."

Pacquiao is confident he can prevail if Marquez decides to counterpunch or come out swinging, so even though Roach says he expects a knockout, Pacquiao is prepared to go the distance. "I'm not thinking about the knockout," Pacquiao said. "I'm in 100 percent condition. If the knockout comes, it's the bonus for the good training. I believe I can win the fight even if I don't knock him out."

WORLD POUND-FOR-POUND TOP  5

No 1 MANNY PACQUIAO
Born: 17/12/1978
Kibawe, Bukidnon, Philippines
Current titles: WBO welterweight world champion
Verdict: Simply the best.

No 2 FLOYD MAYWEATHER JNR
Born: 24/02/1977
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
Current titles: None
Verdict: Hates being second best.

No 3 SERGIO MARTINEZ
Born: 21/02/1975
Quilmes, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Current titles: WBC Diamond and Ring World middleweight champion
Verdict: Showed his class to dispatch Darren Barker recently.

No 4 NONITO DONAIRE
Born: 16/11/1982
Talibon, Bohol, Philippines
Current titles: WBC and WBO bantamweight champion
Verdict: The next Pacquiao.

No 5 JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ
Born: 23/08/1973
Mexico City, Distrito Federal
Current titles: WBA, WBO and The Ring lightweight world champion
Verdict: Classic Mexican warrior.

Becks on Sir Alex Ferguson

An article from The Sun UK

DAVID BECKHAM has heaped praise on Alex Ferguson for having the passion and hunger to drive Manchester United to success for 25 years. The LA Galaxy star said: "It's been amazing. But that's what happens when you have stability, and a man that is so passionate and hungry, who has the love for one club that he has."

Becks spent a decade at Old Trafford before being sold to Real Madrid for £25million shorty after Fergie accidentally kicked a boot at him, causing a cut that needed two stitches over his eye. Despite that 2003 incident, Beckham has given his former boss a glowing testimony in the special tribute magazine created by United Review.

The midfielder, 36, said: "That loyalty and respect for one club is unbelievable and it's not something you see these days. "It says a lot about United as a club and the manager."

Beckham credits his parents for setting him on course to enjoy a glittering career and Ferguson for all his professional successes.

He said: "It's 50/50 with my parents — that's how highly I regard the boss. "My parents were the ones who brought me up and helped get me to a certain level in my career, and the manager is the one who took me to a whole different level. "He's the sole reason why I was successful. He gave us everything we needed to become the players and the men that we are today."

Scholes on Sir Alex; A Landmark

An article written by Paul Scholes for The Sun UK

THIS picture of the gaffer with his arm round my shoulder is hugely symbolic because Alex Ferguson has always been a father figure to me — and to the rest of the lads who have come through the Old Trafford ranks.

We have all learned so much from him down the years. Even the football gospel preached to us by our coaches Brian Kidd and Eric Harrison when we were boys came from the manager originally.

Obviously the relationship has developed over the years since I first met him when I was a little boy of around 12. Now, a quarter of a century later, I'm 36 and not quite so scared of him. But as you grow up you understand why he does what he does. Occasionally he'll ask the opinion of the senior players. Usually it will be to do with the mood of the camp, perhaps if we've had some bad results. Of course, even when he's heard what we have to say he will do what he wants.

One of the manager's strengths is also getting the best out of people. We have such a big squad these days and if a player's been training all week then he'll believe that he's got a chance of making the team on Saturday. Managers differ dramatically in the stress they place on performances on the practice pitch. When Kevin Keegan was coaching England, he was always a great believer in selecting the players who trained the best. Our manager's not like that. Of course, he likes you to train well but being brilliant on a Thursday at Carrington certainly doesn't guarantee you'll be in the team at Old Trafford. It can't be easy to keep us all motivated but the manager has a way of doing it, and that's a part of his greatness.

In terms of handling the Press, he could write the book. He's at Manchester United where there are big stories all the time but, to him, big stories are nothing. He knows absolutely everything that's going on. He's ready for anything and I think he always will be.

I still remember his 20th year at United. We were playing well, reaching the FA Cup final and the last four of the Champions League, which augured well for the future.

It represented an incredible achievement by the manager, who had put together a succession of exceptional teams. No matter what star players came and went, Sir Alex just kept rolling along, and so did United. I can hardly believe my own good fortune in being part of the story for so long. Last year Barcelona set a standard for United to aspire to when they beat us in the Champions League final.

That is the goal now — and I see no reason why it cannot be attained over the next few years. The manager won't stop trying to lift United to that exalted level because he can never resist a challenge — and he's a long, long way from the finishing line.

Sir Alex Will Always Drink At The Top Table

A column by Steven Howard of The Sun UK

Some 25 years, 1,409 games, 12 Premier League Titles, 5 FA Cups, 2 Champions League trophies and one rod of iron.

And 1,000 hand-picked guests at a gala dinner at Lancashire Cricket Club last night. Plus an exceedingly acceptable bottle of 1986 Chateau Mouton Rothschild winging its way to Fergie Towers from the Manchester United Supporters' Trust. Though don't mention the record 6-1 dousing at Old Trafford by the Unmentionables the other week. The statistics, like the wine, have been flowing in recognition of Alex Ferguson's quarter of a century at Old Trafford. But there is one stat in particular which is quite spooky.

The top four clubs in the Premier League at the moment are Manchester City (sorry), United, Newcastle and Chelsea. And the bottom four on November 6, 1986 when Ferguson took over at Old Trafford? — in descending order, United, Chelsea, City and Newcastle. What does it all mean? I'm not quite sure but it looks good. Even better for United fans was that City were relegated while the rest escaped. On the day of Ferguson's accession, Nottingham Forest were top followed by Arsenal, Liverpool and, blimey, West Ham. By the end of the season, though, it was Everton's title followed by Liverpool, Spurs and Arsenal.

United would eventually finish 11th.

But it's the identity of the clubs who finished between them and Arsenal which is the real eye-opener and shows just how cyclical football is. Norwich were fifth and then came Wimbledon, Luton, Forest, Watford and Coventry. Of those six clubs, only Norwich remain in the top strata — and they have had to do it via Delia and, very recently, what would have been the old Third Division. Wimbledon have been mugged, disenfranchised, forced to start again in the Combined Counties League, won six promotions in nine years and, astonishingly, returned to the Football League where they are now performing well in League Two.

They have also been the template for other similarly displaced and dissatisfied customers like, er, FC United. Luton have also been through the wringer, including huge points deductions that have taken them out of the league — where they still lie in the Blue Square Bet Premier.

Forest, post Brian Clough, have also sunk as low as the old Third Division, the only former European Cup-winners anywhere to suffer this seeming humiliation. They, like Watford and Coventry, can only dream of the days of wine and roses and parachute payments. Other members of that inaugural Ferguson First Division included Sheffield Wednesday, Southampton, QPR, Charlton, Oxford, Aston Villa and Leicester. Villa aside, it was a totally different landscape. Charlton remain in the third tier while Wednesday are now with them in League One and Saints have just been promoted from that division.

As for Oxford, they like Wimbledon have been out of the League and back in again. Only one thing has remained constant. The boss of Manchester United. While Ferguson has completed his 25 years, the other members of that 1986 First Division have had a total of 271 bosses give or take a few caretakers. The most? Leicester and Southampton with 19. The least? Arsenal with just three. Dave Bassett has had seven clubs as has Ron Atkinson — Ferguson's predecessor at Old Trafford. Of the others, Graham Taylor has been in the hotseat at Watford, Villa, England, Wolves, Watford and Villa again while David Pleat can count four clubs plus Tottenham caretaker on three separate occasions.

And Kenny Dalglish has returned to Liverpool after Blackburn, Newcastle, Celtic and 10 years watching in the Anfield stands. No doubt they will all be raising a glass to the greatest survivor of them all. Are you listening, Kenny?

Cristiano Ronaldo At His Best

The £80million man reached the landmark haul on just his 105th appearance for the Spanish giants after leaving Manchester United two years ago. Ronaldo's brace sealed Madrid's place in the last 16 of the tournament and left boss Jose Mourinho purring over his star player.

The Special One said: "It is an incredible record. To score 100 goals for Real is tremendous, especially scoring two goals here in Lyon where we have a negative record historically. I think it's fantastic."

Portugal superstar Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 24th minute by curling home a free-kick. And he became a Real centurion on 69 minutes when he converted a penalty after Lyon fullback Mouhamadou Dabo had fouled him.

A Goal Sent by Heaven

Doncaster star Billy Sharp has thanked fans for their support after scoring just days after his two-day old son tragically died. Sharp, who struck the opening goal in Doncaster's 3-1 defeat to Middlesbrough on Tuesday before unveiling a T-shirt bearing the words 'that's for you son', has opened his heart on dealing with his sadness.

The striker lost Louie Jacob on Saturday, and the fans and players at the Keepmoat Stadium gave a minute’s applause to celebrate his short life.

"I was crying [during] the minute's applause. Thanks to both sets of fans." Rovers manager Dean Saunders said Sharp had wanted to score for his boy. He revealed: "He rung me and asked if he could play - he wanted to play. He wanted to score a goal for his son and his family and he was ready to go. When he said that to me I couldn't really refuse.