Rumour has it that he provided a reference for McLeish (perhaps his CV alone was not strong enough). Furthermore, I was surprised to see the news posts almost immediately after McLeish’s appointment whereby Fergie was publicly endorsing his appointment as Villa manager. Correct me if I am wrong, but I have never known Fergie endorse anyone’s managerial appointment at any club.
I know they are good friends from Aberdeen, but the speed and eagerness to endorse the appointment seems to suggest that he was involved from the start. Perhaps, during the Young negotiations, Fergie made some gentle recommendations to Randy and perhaps the accusations of ‘tapping up’ are not totally unfounded. Maybe Randy was not the one doing the ‘tapping up’.
It could well work in Fergie’s favour, now that he has a friend in place who can smooth the way for Ashley Young’s transfer. It wouldn’t surprise me if we saw a United player come to Villa Park in exchange. Again this is just a theory, but there is something definitely untoward and unusual about Fergie’s involvement. Is there an agenda, or was he just helping a friend? I would like to think the latter, but in today’s game there is very little chance of ever knowing.
I just hope Fergie gives him some of his tips for success.