I have bought Ferguson's autobiography. Having read around one-third of the book so far, I would say that the book captures the essence of the man pretty well. That is to say, his flaws and hypocrisy shine through, but what really resonates is how he exerted control and how he always felt that was important. The best parts that I've read though have been the bits that have not been highlighted by the press. There is an interesting opening chapter about how running a pub for a few years shaped his managerial career in dealing with different characters. Also, there's another chapter that talks about his outside interests, particularly his interest in American history.
I'd say that, on the basis of what I've read so far, reading the book will confirm the view you already had of him. People that liked and admired his ability to rule with an iron fist will still do so. People that disliked him and resented what he stood for will probably feel that view is reinforced all the more so. While, people that grudgingly respected him I would think will be of the same opinion, but perhaps would feel more vindicated to like him less. There are a lot of anecdotes that are packed in, sometimes resulting in the book going off at a tangent from the subject of the chapter, but these are enjoyable and the book is certainly a page turner which Hayward has written well in the subject's voice.
Not much about thoroughbred horses as I understand!!! I wonder how much his spat over that contributed to the Glazers getting their mitts on Utd?
Don't agree at all, i think if your in a position of responsibility which is built on trust and loyalty, 2 words or at least 1 word he bangs on about enough! If he lives his life demanding loyalty, that's a 2 way street.
Well, I think what's pretty apparent is Ferguson lives life by his own rules, which explains much of his success over the years, but also shows why he is the complex, hypocritical character he is. I think he'd evidently planned this book for years, even as far back as when he wrote his previous autobiography and so many of the fallouts hadn't taken place at the time, but he presumably felt he needed to give his account to justify his decisions. You could argue that he is no longer governed by the rules of dressing room omerta as he has now retired, but certainly as does refer to loyalty within his own book as one of his fundamental principles, it does throw up an obvious hypocrisy.