SIR ALEX FERGUSON would have joined Tottenham if it was not for his wife Cathy.
The legendary Manchester United manager almost changed the course of history by joining a different club instead.
AFP – GettySir Alex Ferguson’s wife Cathy stopped him joining Tottenham in 1984[/caption]
Two years before taking over at Old Trafford in 1986, Ferguson shook hands with then Spurs chairman Irving Scholar and co-owner Paul Bobroff at a meeting in Paris.
It had been agreed he would leave Aberdeen for White Hart Lane in 1984 before later changing his mind.
The reason for Fergie’s change of heart has now been revealed in a new book about Spurs, titled Still Dreaming.
In the book, it is explained that his wife Cathy did not want to move to London, thus paving the way for him to join United.
Author Alex Fynn, a former director of Satchi & Satchi, had access to all the leading members of the Spurs hierarchy at the time.
The book states: “The directors, to a man, were enthusiastic endorsers of the choice (Ferguson). All aspects of the contract agreed.
“Unfortunately, Mrs Ferguson was not keen on a move to London and that was that.”
Ferguson would go on to be appointed United boss by then chairman Martin Edwards, who accepted Spurs nearly got him first.
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Edwards even believed that the club’s fans should be indebted to Cathy for her opposition to moving to London.
The book also details a conversation between Edwards and Scholar about Spurs’ approach for Sir Alex.
“Martin refused to believe him (Scholar),” it reads. “When, out of curiosity, he tackled Ferguson about the story, Ferguson averted his gaze and didn’t reply.
“Edwards subsequently told Scholar: ‘Now I believe you and know you were telling the truth’.”
Ferguson went on to spend 27 years in the dugout at Old Trafford, becoming one of English football’s greatest ever managers.
During his tenure, he won 38 major trophies, including 13 league titles and the Champions League twice.
AFPCathy did not want to move to London, stopping Ferguson from becoming Spurs boss[/caption]