Sir Alex Ferguson named Manager of the Year

PanARMENIAN.Net - Sir Alex Ferguson was named the League Managers' Association Manager of the Year after guiding Manchester United to a 20th title, according to BBC Sport.

Cardiff City's Malky Mackay was the top Championship manager, while Yeovil Town's Gary Johnson was honored as League One Manager of the Year. Gillingham's Martin Allen won the League Two manager's award.

"In a way I am glad it is all over now because it has been hard work," said the retiring Ferguson.

Manchester United drew 5-5 with West Brom in Ferguson's 1,500th and final game in charge of United.

The 71-year-old, who won 38 trophies in a 26-year reign at Old Trafford, will be succeeded by Everton's David Moyes, who takes over on July 1.

"It has been overwhelming," said Ferguson. "The club has been fantastic and congratulations to West Brom with the way they handled yesterday [Sunday, May 19]. "I think [West Brom manager] Steve Clarke should get an award because anyone who scores five against United deserves it."

LMA chairman Howard Wilkinson said: "There is no doubt that the LMA Annual Awards are perceived as the most accurate measure of a manager's ability because there are no better judges of your performance than your peers. Finding words to adequately describe the monumental levels of achievement and the indelible legacy Sir Alex Ferguson leaves in the game, is nigh on impossible. This evening's award adds yet another record to that list, making him the only person to secure the much-coveted LMA Manager of the Year Award for a fourth time. David Moyes, his choice of successor to the Old Trafford throne, has won it three times and I know that Sir Alex will hope and believe that David goes on to equal and surpass the new record."