SirAlex:Jockwas Seantosomething
SIR ALEX FERGUSON believes Sean Fallon’s honesty was a crucial ingredient in his success with Jock Stein.
The pair led Celtic to the 1967 European Cup triumph in Lisbon.
Stein was the figurehead but Fallon was just as crucial in the success in Portugal and throughout their time together at Parkhead.
Ferguson said: “Jock would have depended on Sean telling him the truth. There are some assistants who will just nod their heads.
“Really, what you need in an assistant is someone who’ll tell you what you maybe don’t want to hear but you need to hear.
“That was the great relationship between Jock and Sean. And of course it went on for a long time.
“With Jock and Sean, there was obviously not just the trust that Jock looked for in Sean but the friendship that developed.
“I imagine a lot of people didn’t appreciate all that he did for Celtic.
“But Sean wasn’t the kind of man to push himself forward and boast about what he had done.
“He was always happy just to get on with his life.
“Being appreciated by the people who worked with him was enough.
“There are not many partnerships that last that long if you think about it. I certainly never had any.
“It was a huge combination of two strong men who would give their opinions and knew the game.
“They also had a great work ethic between them in terms of scouting and going to games. Jock would go down to England and Sean would be with him.
“And Sean would also be going out to sign players. It was a great partnership really.”
Ferguson sought advice from both men during his coaching career and added: “Sean was always a person who, no matter how busy he was, would always be helpful to you.
“He would always be there for you. He was a truly remarkable man. Sean could have the ability, which managers don’t always have, to have a rapport with the players. A strong rapport.
“He always had an ear open for you and if he could help you, he would. Sean was always helpful to me.
“There are people you depend on for advice and Sean was one of those. He would always lift the phone to you. I’m sure Myra (Fallon’s wife) will tell you the number of times I used to call him. Countless!
“I appreciated his friendship, I really did. I relished the times we were away together.”