Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson highlights Leeds United potential in recalling Aberdeen title triumph

SIR Alex Ferguson has highlighted Leeds United as one of the clubs with potential to replicate what he achieved with Aberdeen.
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Ferguson played for Queen's Park, St Johnstone, Dunfermline Athletic, Rangers, Falkirk and Ayr United as a player before going into management with East Stirlingshire.

A spell in charge of St Mirren was then on the agenda but it was at next club Aberdeen where Ferguson's managerial career hit a new level.

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Fuelled by the disappointment of his exit from Rangers, Ferguson says he had the tools needed to succeed at Aberdeen who finished the 1978-79 campaign in fourth place in the Scot's first season in charge.

PAST SUCCESS: At one club city Aberdeen for former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, above, pictured back in 1978. Photo by PA Wire.PAST SUCCESS: At one club city Aberdeen for former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, above, pictured back in 1978. Photo by PA Wire.
PAST SUCCESS: At one club city Aberdeen for former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, above, pictured back in 1978. Photo by PA Wire.

Aberdeen then won the league the following year and Ferguson says his team benefited from being the only club in the city - as is the case with the Whites.

The Glaswegian manager later became a fierce rival of Leeds United's as Manchester United boss but has drawn comparisons with Aberdeen and one club cities Leeds and Leicester.

"Leaving Rangers was not going to be the end of my life," said Ferguson in an interview with GQ.

"When I went to Aberdeen, that was the platform.

"That was the tools I needed. Because it was full-time.

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"And it was a decent squad of players they had. There was no question.

"The first year, we got to two finals. The next year, we won the league.

"And from that moment on, it was a great place to be. It’s a great city, Aberdeen.

"And I always think that one-town teams have a chance. Like Leeds in Leeds, Leicester in Leicester – you've got a chance of having a whole city behind you."

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Thank you Laura Collins