JUST think, all those tin helmets and flak jackets being handed-in, the troops will not need them, now Field Marshall Sir Alex "Furious" Ferguson has retired - to be replaced by another Govan Garrison commander in David Moyes.
I cannot blame Moyes for taking the United job, wouldn't we all like to get our hands on the biggest and best train set in the game? He takes over a United team in reasonably-good shape: I mean,when Sir Matt Busby retired, although the European Cup had recently been won, that success had merely papered over the cracks, major surgery was needed back then and promoting a junior doctor to become Consultant didn't work - precipitating years of turmoil before Fergie put matters right.
The squad Moyes will take-over is a good one. United has depth of playing resources. We don't hear as much about the goalie's failings; the young central defenders have been allowed to mature, so, the parting of the ways with big Rio, which cannot be far away, will be less painful. Carrick is finally stamping his authority on midfield and, should Darren Fletcher come back - which we all pray he will - that area will be stronger.
Up front, provided the enigma which is Rooney can be sorted-out. Still a good player, and in any case - nobody was ever going to be as good as the English press built-up the teenaged Rooney to be - United are strong.
Yes, a good time for Fergie to go and Moyes to arrive. BUT, when a long-serving and omnipotent manager departs, it is maybe the best move to be not the immediate replacement, but rather, the guy who comes in to sort out the mess the replacement makes.
Some of the guff which has come out of England since Fergie's farewell announcement has been nauseating - particularly the suggestion that Moyes only got the gig because of his accent. There hasn't been a consistently-successful WINNING English-born manager since Bob Paisley and he retired about 30-years ago.
It's that sort of attitude from our dear southern neighbours which is the SNP's biggest ace in the hole in this whole independence thing.
ONE thing which did impress me about the Ferguson succession was the way business was carried out; quietly, with the minimum of fuss and the minimum of media frenzy. Sure, there was speculation, naturally; Moyes was always the informed man's favourite to succeed. But, between them United and Everton, Ferguson and Moyes, concluded negotiations speedily, quietly and with the minimum of ill-feeling.
This reflects greatly on the splendid Bill Kenwright, the Everton chairman. Of course, Bill is a FAN, not a business-man out to give himself airs, graces and a public profile, or an overseas buyer who thinks it a good idea to own a Premiership club.
He will be gutted to lose a long-serving manager with whom he has worked closely and with whom he has a good relationship. But, BK realises, that big, bright train set could not be ignored. His problem now is to get in the correct replacement.
I don't know if he will go; or even if he will be asked - but, isn't the Everton job just the sort of gig which might appeal to Neil Lennon?
There are not many jobs which could offer Lenny the same buzz he clearly gets at Celtic Park, but going to Goodison would be one. The job is right, the timing is right, I don't know if Kenwright will think of him, and losing Lennon would make Scottish football a poorer place - but, for my money - he's the best candidate.
MEANWHILE, back at that madhouse dude ranch which is Scottish football, Bomber Brown is being shot-at by the SFA, for firing-off at Alan Muir, for falling for that Stuka impression by Aberdeen's Pawlett - which has since earned him a registered letter from Cousin Vinny.
Doh!
The SFA clearly thinks Pawlett cheated and by cheating conned Alan Muir. Bomber thinks Pawlett cheated and is annoyed at Muir for not only being conned, but compounding his folly by awarding the penalty which, when converted, relegated Dundee.
And Bomber cannot have a rant at this!!!!
Aye, we're awe oot o step but the SFA. And, whatever happened to free speech?
A boot in the goolies for the Aberdeen player - an eye test for Muir and his assistant and a wee hauf or two for Bomber - sorted. And, let's shoot Cousin Vinny - after all, he is a lawyer.
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