Alex got so angry at my jockey gaffe
SIR ALEX FERGUSON’S ferocious will to win during his football career never stopped at the end of 90 minutes – as Andy Roxburgh can testify.
Fergie was Roxburgh’s idol coming through the ranks at Queen’s Park. But when they teamed up again at Falkirk a decade later that appreciation was far from reciprocated – not in one classic off-field mix-up in any case.
Roxburgh recalls in Fergie: Underneath The Hairdryer, how the then-Bairns striker’s desire to be No.1 at everything led to a toe-curling moment in front of millions of TV viewers.
The former Scotland boss said: “He had that killer instinct – even in quizzes. I don’t think he has ever forgiven me for getting a question wrong in the TV series Quiz Ball.
“At Falkirk we decided to enter a team in 1970 and it comprised Alex, Bobby Ford, myself and Chic Murray, a Scottish comedian, because each side had to encompass a celebrity fan.
“It went out nationwide and was watched by millions.
“We managed to reach the semi-finals with Alex, who used to organise quizzes of his own, our star player.
“We faced Everton, whose team featured their manager Harry Catterick, Joe Royle, Brian Labone and famous fan Ed ‘Stewpot’ Stewart, a DJ.
“It came down to the last question, which was mine. If I answered it correctly we would go through to the Final.
“You can imagine the tension, especially with Alex and his will to win.
“My question was ‘Which jockey rode the winner in last year’s Grand National?’
“Alex was desperately trying to whisper the answer but I couldn’t make it out.
“I was completely flustered and I just blurted out, ‘Lester Piggott’.
“You should have seen the look Alex gave me – he was incredulous.
“Piggott was the world’s greatest flat jockey and wouldn’t be anywhere near the world’s greatest steeplechase.
“How the hell didn’t I know that?
“Fergie was fuming. It often gets mentioned that I was the reason we didn’t reach the Quiz Ball final.
“The Falkirk fans didn’t forget either and at the next home game I was met with chants of ‘Lester Piggott’.
“I wouldn’t have been surprised if Alex had played a part in that!”