DESPITE needing no further proof, we were shown this week the superficiality and shallowness of this country.

The retirement of a football manager resulted in countless hours of TV air space, miles of newsprint and, of course, celebrity comment.

I was even asked by a supermarket cashier what I thought of this news. She was astonished when my retort consisted of the words “fig” and “couldn’t give…”

It should not surprise me that such adulation is given to a man who has built a reputation on aggression, rudeness and petulance. A man who has been banned from the touchline for open dissent to those who try to impose discipline in the field of play. A man who has been fined for refusal to attend the compulsory post match press conferences. A man who masticates furiously at all times like a cow on speed.

A fitting ambassador for football! “As ye sow so shall ye reap!”

Colin T Mortimer, Pity Me, Durham City

SOME years ago I was in the company of Sir Alex Ferguson.

His communication was clear and there was no doubt as to his vision and ambition. He wasn’t an arrogant man, but someone who was passionate about football and Man United.

Many words describe him and his achievements, but his success is best remembered in the way he developed and transformed players. He developed the young players within the club and he had an eye for players he thought were the right type to bring into the club.

His great enthusiasm for the game and desire to win, right to the last minute was with the thrill of the fans.

Ferguson’s work ethic was an essential ingredient. It was evident in his personality the attention to preparation and weighing up the physical as well as the emotional make up of opposing teams.

We know how much he hated defeat and the stories of hairdryers and boots flying in dressing rooms are evidence of his passion for winning and the importance of discipline. He drew criticism from those who saw his anger and thirst for victory and football superiority as a negative. But football is a highly competitive and ruthless business.

Sir Alex could never be regarded as being half hearted.

His origins and persona, the working class values and desire to overcome adversity started in the gritty Govan tenements of Glasgow and have been the life blood that has made him one of the most successful football managers ever.

Bernie Walsh, Coxhoe