Timely lesson in humility from Sir Alex

Sir Alex Ferguson’s reputation as one of the toughest managers in football is legendary.

He had an invincible qual ity that infected his players and turned them into world-beating stars.

It will be appreciated by many therefore to hear such a towering figure talk candidly about suffering a brain haemorrhage.

The former Manchester United boss, famous for giving his players “the hairdryer treatment” after a poor performance has got a different perspective on life.

Left unable to talk for 10 days after a life-saving operation, he feared his health would never return.

The 79-year-old admits: “I was crying. I felt helpless. I would have hated to have lost my memory. That would have been a terrible burden on my family.”

Good health is something that everyone takes for granted until you don’t have it. And that can happen to anyone no matter how rich or famous or seemingly indestructible.

By speaking out, Sir Alex shows that for everyone the experience of falling seriously ill will be frightening and humbling.

But the important thing is to never give up and live the life you have with humility.

Labour is launching a campaign to bring back hard shoulders on motorways after at least 38 deaths were blamed on their removal.

Transport spokesman Jim McMahon wants the fourth lane of smart motorways closed by Grant Shapps, Secretar y of State for Transport.

McMahon said: “All the Transport Secretary has to do is pick up the phone to Highways England to get hard shoulders reinstated.”

It would only need the red X closure sign in the nearside lane switched on for a new hard shoulder to be created until more permanent ones can be rebuilt.

Shapps promised a safety review six weeks ago but is yet to report back.