SIR ALEX FERGUSON rolled back the years by delivering a team talk to help inspire a team to title victory.
The Manchester United legend was back at Old Trafford for the Super League Grand final between Wigan Warriors and Hull KR.
He was a special guest of Wigan as they secured an historic quadruple, beating Hull KR 9-2.
Head coach Matt Peet thought it would be useful to have Fergie‘s input as he picked up on the parallels between his side and the United team of 1999.
Peet said: “We reached out through a mutual friend – we just thought we were on the verge of something similar to when United won the Treble,” said Peet.
“Obviously Sir Alex’s side played at Old Trafford, [plus] the fact he spent his career developing homegrown talent and with his mentality, we thought he was the perfect person.
“It was epic, as you can imagine. We hung on every word, but it was his presence. The lads were so quiet to hear a leader like that and, a humble man as he was, you could hear a pin drop.
“With all the lads, Sir Alex presented their jerseys, external I can never thank him enough for that.”
Ferguson, 82, was renowned for his team talks during his managerial career – sometimes for the wrong reasons.
But he may have helped to make a difference for Wigan who added the Super League title to their trophy haul.
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They retained the title they won last year and added it to their successes in the League Leaders’ Shield, World Club Challenge and the League Leaders’ Shield.
Ferguson had a knack for inspiring his players although he could tear them apart too – depending on his mood and the situation.
Ahead of the 2008 Champions League final Ferguson told his players he has “already won” because of the bond he had with his team.
Patrice Evra revealed that was enough to inspire them to victory as they beat Chelsea on penalties.
