₦airaland Forum

KHAMILEON
1. NOBODY HAS A PICTURE OF JESUS, SO U CANT REPLICATE HIS LOOKS ON A STATUE, SO WHO EVER IS ON THAT STATUE IS NOT JESUS CHRIST. IT'S JUST LIKE TAKING A PICTURE OF MYSELF AND SAY IT'S YOU
At least the apostles that were with Jesus knew how he looked. Don't forget that they passed on the faith to later generations. It is the only the catholic church that has history dated back to the apostles.

KHAMILEON
2. GOD-JESUS DOES NOT SUPPORT THE MAKING-WORSHIPING OF STATUES SO THERE IS NO WAY HE WOULD HONOR IT BY PUTTING A SIGN (LIKE BLOOD) ON IT, THINK ABOUT THESE VERY WELL AND IT WILL HELP YOU RELAX,
SHALOM
God did not condemn the making of statue. It is the worshiping of it that he condemned. Nowadays we have pastors who put large photographs of themselves and their spouse on the walls of the church. Are they worshiping themselves?

Some other critics of the catholic faith have been so biased by bringing the issue of Mary to this topic. Well, if you say Mary is not the Mother of God, it means you are saying Jesus is just an ordinary man. A mother is a mother. Consider that she carried Jesus in her womb for nine months, consider she and Joseph had to protect Him in Egypt, consider she raised Jesus to adulthood, consider she raised Jesus in a Godly way presenting Him in the temple and having to look for Him when He was missing, etc.

It was at the instance of Mary that Jesus performed His first miracle of turning water into wine, even though His time had not yet come to begin His public ministry, He had to obey His mother. Also read the account of MARY visits to Elizabeth to see how powerful she is. You Will also do yourself a little good to read Rev 12 which describe Mary as the queen crown with twelve stars and as bright as the sun. In the last verse (17 i suppose) of that chapter, the bible described her children as the chosen children of God.

1. NOBODY HAS A PICTURE OF JESUS, SO U CANT REPLICATE HIS LOOKS ON A STATUE, SO WHO EVER IS ON THAT STATUE IS NOT JESUS CHRIST. IT'S JUST LIKE TAKING A PICTURE OF MYSELF AND SAY IT'S YOU

At least the apostles that were with Jesus knew how he looked. Don't forget that they passed on the faith to later generations. It is the only the catholic church that has history dated back to the apostles.

2. GOD-JESUS DOES NOT SUPPORT THE MAKING-WORSHIPING OF STATUES SO THERE IS NO WAY HE WOULD HONOR IT BY PUTTING A SIGN (LIKE BLOOD) ON IT, THINK ABOUT THESE VERY WELL AND IT WILL HELP YOU RELAX,
SHALOM

God did not condemn the making of statue. It is the worshiping of it that he condemned. Nowadays we have pastors who put large photographs of themselves and their spouse on the walls of the church. Are they worshiping themselves?

Some other critics of the catholic faith have been so biased by bringing the issue of Mary to this topic. Well, if you say Mary is not the Mother of God, it means you are saying Jesus is just an ordinary man. A mother is a mother. Consider that she carried Jesus in her womb for nine months, consider she and Joseph had to protect Him in Egypt, consider she raised Jesus to adulthood, consider she raised Jesus in a Godly way presenting Him in the temple and having to look for Him when He was missing, etc.

It was at the instance of Mary that Jesus performed His first miracle of turning water into wine, even though His time had not yet come to begin His public ministry, He had to obey His mother. Also read the account of MARY visits to Elizabeth to see how powerful she is. You Will also do yourself a little good to read Rev 12 which describe Mary as the queen crown with twelve stars and as bright as the sun. In the last verse (17 i suppose) of that chapter, the bible described her children as the chosen children of God.

KDK, I would have love you open up. Then I will know the angle or derection to tackle you attacks. The Catholic church of today may not be exactly the catholic church of yesterday. But there are basic things the catholic church can never ever compromise like the Eucharist, abortion and and use of contraceptives, ordination of women, freedom for priest to be married etc. These are the very basic things that make catholism. Somethings may change depending on culture, time (generation), and people. But those things that I mentioned, particularly the Eucharist can never be removed from catholism.

I rest my case here. I do not want to deviate too much from the topic.

[quote author=dr_calux link=topic=23510.msg613770#msg613770 date=1158595304]ITS A BIG LIE BRODA, I AM IN WARRI AND THE STAIN THEY THOUGHT WAS A BLOOD IS SOMETHING ELSE THAT LOOK LIKE A RED PAINT SOMEBODY SPRINKLED ON IT TO DISCIEVE THE FOOLS AND LET UNBELIEVERS RETURN TO CHRIST
THEY ARE ONLY DISCIEVING THEMSELF
CALUX247 FROM WARRI[/quote]CALUX247, You are the one telling lies. Didn't you see it on newsline last night? What you describe here does in anyway reflect what was on screen last night. A Muslim friend of mine who resides in warri, went to that church just to see if he could prove it (bleeding statue story) wrong, he called me afterwards and told me with what it saw it was real and beyond ordinary.

Those of you claiming that the statue is an idol or something and should not be there in the first place, and you are quoting bible to back up your argument should go and read about setting of the altar/temple in the bible even after the commandments had been given. What do you know about sacred objects that should make up a temple? You think a temple should be blank to resemble a theater? It was never like that in the bible nor in early Christianity as practiced and passed on by the apostles.

If I may ask, who wrote the bible? who compiled it? who decided on the arrangement of chapters and verses? who preserved it from early enemies of the church? It is the catholic church. The church that was one and only for 1,500 yrs before any other. It preserved the teachings and traditions as was passed to it the Christ and the apostles.

I cannot say much. I posted this because of the fact that I can sense so many biased comments.

However, the catholic church does not emphases on miracles. Otherwise, you would have heard of bleeding Eucharists (bread and wine, the holy communion given to the faithful), are you also going to say that this not in the bible?

If you enter this site http://www.nbc4.tv/news/5391123/detail.html , you will see a report by NBC TV website about the weeping statue of Mary in California November last year. The statue wept tears of blood everyday for about a week. It was even beam live in CNN for about 3-5 minutes. I watched it on CNN.

I posted this because of those who think that the one claimed to be happening in Warri is a new thing.

spicy007:
@ elampiro

hey, which would you recommend for someone who wants to work in a bank?

marketing? or operations?

Marketing is less stressfull. As much as you produce results (winning, bringing and retaining good/big accounts and balances), then you have rest of mind. Marketers usually have more time than operation staff, their work is more interesting, particularly when they get results. Operation is tedious but you have no fear of not meeting targets or huge targets.

I will recommend operation for a beginner. As you grow in the industry and have learnt things and understand the marketing skills, you can then switch over. However, if your dad is Bill Gate, take to marketing straight oooh.

dude, i like your contribution too. One thing people don't know is that at a certain level, the money will cease to be a motivator. The job routine, heavy load of work and lack of time for self become a burden. So many will become dependent on you, you keep paying heavy bills,

You guys are just basing your calculation on entry level. Some banks that pay their fresh graduate well may not pay their middle management staff very well when compared to other banks which pay low salaries at entry level. Same with upper management staff. Also when you talk of career and growth, some of the banks that pay a little lesser than others may also be better in this area.

Banking renumeration is difficult to tell straight off nowadays, because there are some banks that have personalized salary structure. Staff of the same level/grade may be on different salary scale, depending on performance. One of the lowest paying banks currently, has that kind of structure in place, so that some of its staff who have been identified to be top performers earn above industrial average. Though there is a plan to by the bank's management to change all that and put all on one level (upper level).

However, at the entry level I can tell you categorically that ETB is the highest at =N=2.1m, followed by Oceanic. Unconfirmed reports has it that Intercontinental just reviewed its salary structure and now pays far more than ETB at all levels. Banks compete in all things, I am sure other banks will like to beat or equal these records soon in order to retain their staff.

One important thing I must stress here is that it is not everybody that gets a job in the bank that gets this big amount, some banks have some of their staff on contract employment . Two big banks, one old generation and one new generation have more than 60 percent of their new staff on contract. The contract job is suppose to be for OND holders, but some degree holders still accept it in order to begin from somewhere.

On the stress level, well, well ,well. There is no other industry or sector you will work that you can be stressed as much as being in the bank. It is very tough. You need to be very fit, smart, intelligent, have a positive attitude towards accepting new task and changes, flexibility and ability to adapt to changes, dressing in a particular way, neat and immaculate. You have to be analytical and vast in financial industry and regulatory policies matters in order to grow.
You may not have an opportunity of going on leave/vacation in 2 or 3 years depending on work load in the business office. You may also have to forfeit your Saturdays, at times even Sundays, leisure time will vanish, visiting of friends will dissapear. Well all these depend on the business office workload. Some office/sectors/divisions are busier than others. Operations is the most tedious, most risky, most diffcult, and mostly busy. Don't forget also that you may be given target to meet.

Inspite of the above, one must cope if one actually have self trust and confidence. One also has to be very serious and focus, show great determination. Ability to work under pressure and without or little supervision, good team spirit and good learning spirit will help one. People that are there are human beings, if you actually merit your grade/ academic qualifications, you have no problem.

Lastly, I want to know why people are always curious about how much bank workers earn. It is always a topic or an issue of discussion. Well, I have given you a clue here, you now have an idea. This is the much I can volunteer. I tried. Goodluck to those who desire to make a profession out of banking. If you are able to graduate at a very early age with good grade, and you are actually really good, you stand a good chance of getting a job as a core staff in the bank. Most banks employ on merit, and prefer sharp graduate who actually look 22-25 or thereabout at first entry into the industry. At interview they look at your face compared to the age you declared on you CV. NOTE, DON'T BE DISCOURAGED BY THE RUMOUR THAT YOU HAVE TO KNOW SOMEBODY BEFORE YOU GET AN EMPLOYMENT, JUST WORK HARD, MORE THAN 80% OF BANKS STAFF ARE TAKEN ON MERIT. Keep you ears open and read Tuesdays and Thursdays Guardian newspaper (if you can afford it), for vacancy advert and employment information.

Thanks and goodluck.
4 D LOVE OF NAIRALAND

Yes, he actually deserved it, it is a good consolation.

Zidane's red card. Well it is a bad way to end his career in the national team. He did something that is not expected of a professional player of his calibre. A newspaper wrote about the red card thus ' the more you think of it (the headbut), the less it makes sense'.

However, Zidane has beeen awarded the best player of the tournament. Second position went to Italian captain, Cassavaro, third position to Italian Pirlo. It still a good consolation for the great Zidane.

UP ITALY. THE PLAYERS ARE SO SELF CONFIDENT, GREATEST DEFENDERS, BEST DEFENCE ANY DAY. HAIL ITALY, THE SECOND GREATEST FOOTBALL POWER NATION AFTER BRAZIL.
France tried but they are not yet to be regarded as a great football nation, after this generation of players, France will be now where for years.

I am happy for Italy for proving critics wrongs.

People of our generation like to interprete the bible to suit themselves or their desire. The bible is very straight forward on this issue. Women are required to cover their heads (with cloth, head gear etc, and not with hair).

God has spoken, we are too little to dispute his commands. He awaits us on that day when we will face him alone without our friends or the whole world enable to defend us before him. God has given His command, and everyone has a free will to decide to follow or not. It is nice to look good but not at the expense of our own salvation. How many hours do we spend in the church that we cannot obey simple instruction?

Note also that the bible said women should not talk in the church. Nowadays they are Pastors. God chosed 12 apostles without any woman, it was not a coincidence.

[quote author=seeker link=topic=15257.msg431236#msg431236 date=1150475413]
Henry has scored 42 goals in 75 champions league matches. He is the 6th highest scorer of all time in the old European Cup and champions league. The only players ahead of him that are still playing the game are Raul, Sheva and van Nistelrooy. How ordianry is that? Stop beefing the guy abeg.
[quote][/quote]

Thank you for the statistics, seeker. Henry is simply wonderful, most of the goals he scored in the champions league are his solo effort, most often he does not require assistance to score his goals. Remeber that Henry's great goal agaist Real Madrid, he dribbled through three markers to score, would his critics say that Real has got bad defenders.

The world cup is not over yet I think we will see more of Henry good plays.

lordimpaq, I knew that my post was too much, but I needed to put the records forward for all to see. Sir Alex Ferguson is known to be the world most successful coach. You Arsenal fans are just being fanatical and not willing to admit facts, and you appear to outnumber Man U fans in this forum. Success is judge by a man's achievement in his chosen career, Ferguson is fully accomplished.

Note that I also like Wenger, but Ferguson is the best in premiership. The initial question is "who is the best coach in premiership?" . The answer is striaght = Sir Alex Ferguson.

Please, read this and visit: http://www.manutdzone.com/playerpages/SirAlexFerguson.htm

SIR ALEX FERGUSON
Management Honours
1980 Scottish Premier League - Winner
1982 Scottish League Cup - Winner
1982 Scottish F.A. Cup - Winner
1983 Scottish F.A. Cup - Winner
1983 European Cup Winners Cup - Winner
1984 Scottish F.A. Cup - Winner
1984 Scottish Premier League - Winner
1985 Scottish Premier League - Winner
1986 Scottish FA Cup - Winner
1990 F.A. Cup - Winner
1991 European Cup Winners Cup - Winner
1991 European Super Cup - Winner
1992 League Cup - Winner
1993 F.A. Premier League - Winner
1994 F.A. Premier League - Winner
1994 F.A. Cup - Winner
1996 F.A. Premier League - Winner
1996 F.A. Cup - Winner
1997 F.A. Premier League - Winner
1999 F.A. Premier League - Winner
1999 F.A. Cup - Winner
1999 European Champions League - Winner
1999 Intercontinental Cup - Winner
2000 F.A. Premier League - Winner
2001 F.A. Premier League - Winner
2003 F.A. Premier League - Winner
2004 F.A. Cup - Winner



Full Name Alexander Chapman
Ferguson Position Manager
Date of Birth 31st December 1941 Major trophies won 27
Place of Birth Govan, Glasgow Date appointed
United Manager 7th November 1986

Ferguson's United League Record


Played 731
Won 411
Lost 132
Drawn 188
Goals for 1304
Goals against 682
Points 1421



Ferguson's United European Record


Played 136
Won 71
Lost 26
Drawn 39
Goals for 243
Goals against 126

Ferguson's United FA Cup Record

Played 78
Won 53
Lost 15
Drawn 10
Goals for 152
Goals against 66

Ferguson's United League Cup Record

Played 69
Won 42
Lost 19
Drawn 8
Goals for 114
Goals against 71

Ferguson's total United Record
Played 1014
Won 577 (57%)
Lost 192 (19%)
Drawn 245 (24%)
Goals for 1813
Goals against 945
All stats correct at the end of 2004-2005 season


Sir Alex Ferguson is the man responsible for making Manchester United the team of the 1990s. Ferguson has established himself as the most successful British manager of all-time and in doing so has made Manchester United, the long time under-achievers that couldn't win a League title for 26 years, into perhaps the best football team in the world. In times when managers frequently come and go, Alex Ferguson is the immovable object, no matter what happens Fergie and United are at the top, every season. Honest, fierce, driven, obsessive, charming, humorous, stubborn, aggressive - all of these words could describe the man who totally epitomises the heart and soul of Manchester United football club.

Born in Govan, Glasgow, Alexander Chapman Ferguson was an apprentice tool-worker on the cold hard-working shipyards of the Clyde until he was 23, during which he played part time for Queens Park and St Johnstone. He turned professional and joined Dunfermline in 1964 playing as a centre forward. Here he attracted the attention of his boyhood idols Glasgow Rangers and was bought for a then record £65,000 in 1967. However his time at Rangers was not a success and he moved to Falkirk in 1969 and eventually Ayr in 1973.

Eventually he gave up playing in 1974 to become manger of East Stirling where he was quickly spotted by St Mirren, whom he managed for 3 years until 1978. He had done well at St Mirren with limited resources but was surprisingly sacked after falling out with the chairman. Aberdeen soon took advantage of his availability and the Ferguson managerial legend began.

Again with limited resources, he turned the average Aberdeen into a team that dominated Scottish football during the early 1980s and broke the traditional iron stranglehold of the Glasgow "Old Firm" giants of Rangers and Celtic. Aberdeen were the team to beat in the early 80's and Ferguson capped it all by taking them to a glorious 2-1 victory over mighty Real Madrid in the 1983 European Cup Winners Cup, the last European trophy won by a Scottish team to date.

It was only a matter of time until the big guns came after him. He was approached by no less than Barcelona, Arsenal, Rangers and Tottenham (whom he seriously considered), but destiny in the end meant it could only be, Manchester United.


, .
1986-90: Dodgey beginnings

Ferguson's first job was to lift United away from the foot of the table after Ron Atkinson had steered the club into trouble. This he accomplished but problems major remained. United's reputation as a boozing club was not without foundation and Alex tackled the situation head-on. In addition, he revamped the youth team system, a decision that would repay a hundred fold. He paid minute attention to every detail of club life, first to arrive and last to leave was his attitude. Former United star Mark Hughes returned from Barcelona, Steve Bruce, Brian McClair, Gary Pallister and Paul Ince arrived but United were still adrift of the then champions, Liverpool. Though finishing an admirable second in 1988, 1989 brought dour anti-climax as the reds finished 11th. The side was hard working, methodical and dull, while Fergie's cautious approach did not win the fans over. There was now growing doubt over whether Fergie was the man to turn United into Championship contenders.
Stretford End favorites Norman Whiteside and Paul McGrath were sold because of alcohol problems, they no longer fitted in with the new disciplined attitude Ferguson demanded. They were soon followed by Gordon Strachen, but this clear-out of quality players had a detrimental effect on the team. By January 1990 United were struggling at the foot of the table and chants of "Fergie Out" began to issue from stands and terraces, especially after a humiliating 5-1 defeat at Man City. Martin Edwards always denies it, but Fergie's job was on a knife-edge and it all came to a head in the 3rd Round FA Cup game away to Nottingham Forest. If United lost Fergie would have been sacked, no question about it. If the same situation had occured in today's high pressure football world Fergie would have gone long before then. However, luckily for United, despite a disallowed Forest goal, Mark Robbins struck the winner and United had a narrow 1-0 win. United put a great run together and went on to win the FA Cup that season, playing every round away from home. After an epic 3-3 draw with Crystal Palace, it took a replay were defender Lee Martin gave Ferguson his first trophy, scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory. Fergie now had some breathing space with the fans and board alike.




1990-93: Two cups then the League

Ferguson then set about trying to end United's long wait for the League title. However there was time for more cups. The European Cup Winners' Cup was won in 1991 with a great 2-1 victory over Barcelona and in 1992 the League Cup with a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest. United had begun to play once more with the attacking flair the club was famous for, meanwhile the influential Denis Irwin, Ryan Giggs, Peter Schmeichel arrived on the scene. Yet, Ferguson still couldn't bring the title to Old Trafford. When it finally seemed in their grasp after a successful run in 1992 which saw United at the top of the table in mid-April, a late collapse handed it to rivals Leeds United after a dreadful 2-0 Sunday defeat at Anfield. Ferguson was criticised and many fans and pundits thought United and Fergie were destined never to wear the crown of champions.


Once again they underestimated Alex Ferguson's powers and United soon returned to form at the start of the next season. The real turning point came in November 1993 with the unplanned arrival of Leeds hero Eric Cantona, whom he signed after a chance inquiry made when the Leeds chairman telephoned about signing Denis Irwin. That chance inquiry would shape English football for 5 glorious years to come. The way the canny Scot capitalised on that good fortune, realising that the brilliant French maverick must be the centre of his team, was inspired. Adopting an approach that, outwardly at least, was more relaxed, he finally secured the prize for which Manchester United had pined so painfully. Surging to the title over nearest rivals Aston Villa, and playing some sublime football along the way, 26 years waiting ended on the 2nd May 1993 and United were the League Champions at last.




1993-97: The Double Double

In 1993/94 Fergie's red machine was all-conquering, stylish and unbeatable. Future captain Roy Keane arrived at the start of the season from Nottingham Forest for £3.5 million. By late autumn there was talk of an unprecedented domestic treble as United swept all before them and looked head and shoulders above the rest. However public opinion was swaying against United. Fergie adopted a siege-mentality of "Us against the world" and criticism rained over a series of sendings-off and bookings that threatened to wreak the entire campaign. The League Cup Final was lost 3-1 to Aston Vila and Blackburn reduced a 16-point lead to just goal difference. Yet, Fergie and United regained their composure with strong performances in the last two months of the season. United regained the League with 10 points to spare and crushed Chelsea 4-0 to win the FA Cup, his first League and FA Cup "Double".
1994/95 was anti-climactic, but did see the arrival of striker Andy Cole for £7 million. The title was conceded by one point to Blackburn and the FA Cup Final by a single goal to Everton. There's no doubt United would almost certainly have won a second Double that year had Eric Cantona had not been banned for eight months by the FA after attacking an idiot 'fan' in the crowd at Selhurst Park. Fergie handled the media storm brilliantly and coaxed Eric to stay at United when the whole world seemed against him and the club. The incident showed Fergie's man management skills at their very best.

1995-96 began with fans outrage surrounding the sales of Hughes, Ince and Andrei Kanchelskis over the summer. It prompted more doubting of Ferguson's judgement but he dug in and replaced the departing stars with boys from his youth team. "Fergie's Fledglings" consisted of David Beckham, the Neville Brothers, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt, not forgetting the youthful but already first team regular, Ryan Giggs. After an 3-1 defeat on the opening day of the season and Alan Hansen's famous "you'll win nothing with kids" outburst, many pundits thought Fergie and United's glory years were finished. However, they had all underestimated just how good these "kids" really were. Eight months later this largely home grown side was unstoppable and had overhauled big-spending Kevin Keegan's Newcastle who at one time had a 14 point Premiership lead. As the Geordies faltered a superb run of victories between January and April inspired by Eric Cantona's brilliance gave United the title. Then, seven days later they did the "Double Double" with a 1-0 FA Cup Final victory over bitter rivals Liverpool - Cantona scored the winner and lifted the cup as Captain, his redemption complete.




1997-1999: The Treble and Kings of Europe

Winning the League meant United were back in the European Cup, which was becoming an obsession to Ferguson like it had Sir Matt Busby - to capture the "Holy Grail". It was the one area his United teams had failed in but now with the UEFA 3 foreigners rule gone, he could field his best team. 1996/97 brought a fourth Championship in five seasons, comfortably won in the end with new signing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer scoring 19 goals. However United failed in Europe at the semi-final stage to Borussia Dortmund losing both legs 1-0. Eric Cantona then shocked the world by retiring and the following season United never adequately replaced him. Teddy Sheringham arrived from Spurs for £3.5 million but Roy Keane was badly injured early in the campaign and was forced to miss the rest of the season. Eventually after a brilliant first 6 months, growing injury problems meant the team ran out of steam. United lost to Monaco in the European Cup while a new domestic rival in the form of Arsene Wenger of Arsenal appeared - his team's late surge took the Premiership title and FA Cup to Highbury.
Determined to succeed against his new rival in the 1998-99 season Ferguson took a risk and splashed out a combined £23 million on Dwight Yorke and Japp Stam. Playing a brilliant attacking, free-scoring style, United swept all before them on the three fronts of League, FA Cup and Europe. Ferguson's United had strength in depth like no other team, with quality like Solskjaer, Sheringham, Berg, Butt and Blomqvist sitting on the bench. In the league, United took charge after Christmas and set up a thrilling race to the finish with Arsenal close behind. A superb run in the FA Cup beating great rivals Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal on the way put United in the FA Cup final. In the European Cup Fergie's United, scoring goals everywhere, beat Inter Milan and Juventus to reach the final and set up an unprecedented "Treble".

United clinched the first part of the treble by winning the League title 2-1 against Spurs at Old Trafford on a final, nerve-wrecking day. A week later United beat Newcastle 2-0 in the Cup final to complete an amazing third "Double" in 5 years. Finally the one Ferguson most wanted, the big one, the European Cup. The final in Barcelona saw United take on Bayern Munich. For most of the game United were 1-0 down, until the 90th minute when one of the greatest, if not the greatest comebacks in sporting history saw the reds score two goals in injury time to win 2-1. Fergie's life-time ambition was achieved, he had done something no British manger had ever done or will likely do again, United were Champions of Europe at last, Champions of England and FA Cup winners all in the one brilliant season. Alex Ferguson soon became Sir Alex Ferguson, receiving a knighthood for his great achievements in the Queen's birthday honours list, a thoroughly well deserved reward for his services to British football.




2000-2001: Beyond the Promised Land

It was always going to be something of an anti-climax the following season after the Treble year. Ferguson announced his intention to retire three years into the future at the end of 2002 season - not that he'd be easing off before then, of course. The sheer number of games in the expanded Champions League and the inaugural FIFA World Club Championship in Brazil meant United couldn't defend the FA Cup. United had become the first British club to win the Intercontinental Cup winning 1-0 against Palmeiras in Tokyo but in the controversial Brazillian tournament United failed to get to the final. In Europe Real Madrid ended United's hold on the European Cup with a 3-2 defeat in the Quarter Finals. However the new millennium saw United sweep away all domestic opposition to claim Ferguson's sixth Premier League title in a record breaking season. Scoring 97 goals and winning by a record margin of 18 points, no-one in England could touch United as they played brilliant attacking football and scored goals by the truck load in Ferguson's most emphatic championship win yet. Fergie himself won the Carling Manager of the Year award, the fifth time he had won the honour in the eight years of the Premiership.

2000-2001 saw another Premiership title as United surprised everyone by winning it once again without really breaking sweat. Most had thought rivals such as Arsenal or Leeds would mount a serious challenge. The title was clinched in mid-April but it had really been over since United took a 14 point lead in early January. It made Ferguson the only manager to have won three League titles in a row in English football history and the most successful ever. His 14 major trophies at United beating former Liverpool manager Bob Paisley's total of 13. However the Premiership is no longer enough to satisfy United and a disappointing exit to Bayern Munich in the Champions League Quarter-Final meant a flat end to the season. There is still a feeling of incompleteness, that this team need to prove themselves the best in Europe one more time to go down with the all-time greats of European football. The 2002 final was at Glasgow's Hampden Park and Fergie planned to go out on a high by winning it in his home city.



2001-2002: Fergie's great U-turn

He prepared for his last campaign by smashing the British transfer record in the signing of Dutch striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy for £19 million and then obliterated the record again with the £28 million acquisition of Argentinian midfield maestro Juan Sebastian Veron. In a huge shock Fergie sold fan's favourite Jaap Stam to Lazio and signed 35 year old Laurent Blanc as replacement.
The first few months were a nightmare for United as defensive problems, individual errors and key players under-performing left the team looking unusually vulnerable. It seemed the shadow of Ferguson's departure was over the team and was affecting the players form. There was too much quality in the side for it to last though and soon United were back on top of the Premiership and on course for Hampden.

In February 2002 Ferguson made a dramatic U-turn, deciding to abandon his retirement plans. In the end it was his wife that helped persuade him, Fergie felt it would be a waste to retire just yet. He is still healthy, that famous hunger for success is still as powerful as ever and his team are reaching their peak. It just didn't make sense to leave. Peter Kenyon and the United PLC breathed a huge sigh of relief for they had no adequate replacement lined up. In short, nobody seemed to want the job because it would be impossible to follow the great man's achievements. Ferguson quickly signed a new contract ensuring another 3 years as United boss and the problem was solved.

Unfortunately, the season ended in dire disappointment. In Europe, United went out to Bayer Leverkusen on away goals in the Semi-final, there would be no Glasgow home-coming for Fergie. Despite leading the Premiership for 3 months after January, the early season disasters took their toll on United's campaign. Arsenal took the glory of another Double as they had done so in 1998.

Once again Ferguson's old rival, Arsene Wenger had returned to challenge him but all United fans were sure the man from Govan would strike back with a mighty onslaught designed to put the pretenders in their place.




2002-2003: Fergie's greatest title win?

The eighth title win in 11 years must surely rank as the greatest achievement in Sir Alex Ferguson's glittering 17-year reign at Old Trafford. Ferguson vindicated his decision to carry on in the job and managed to overcome deadly rivals whom appeared to be unassailable champions. After United's sticky start to the campaign, his critics said he should retire. They claimed Ferguson was past it. How he must have scoffed at such ludicrous claims and now they are eating their words. Finishing last season trophyless hurt everybody at the Theatre of Dreams - but Ferguson took it personally smashing the British transfer record again by signing Rio Ferdinand for £29 million and appointing ex-Portugal and South Africa coach Carlos Queiroz as his number two to shake things up.
However the season started badly and the autumn was littered with negatives for the Old Trafford giants. Just about everything appeared to conspire against the club. Eight points from the opening 18 was the worst return since 1989-90. United were treading water while arch-rivals Arsenal and Liverpool were flying. Roy Keane had a valid point; United's players were dangerously entrenched in the comfort zone. Ferguson's biggest masterstroke was to put seven players under the surgeon's knife. It was a high-risk strategy which would eventually pay handsome dividends. The low point of the season was the 3-1 derby defeat at Manchester City in November. Ferguson read the riot act and the hairdryer was so hot it almost melted.

By Christmas, Arsenal were odds-on to cruise to a second successive title. Arsene Wenger's fanciful claim that Arsenal could go the entire season without losing enraged Ferguson. The first day of December was a turning point as the much-maligned Diego Forlan twice scored to send United to a win 2-1 at Liverpool.

A 2-0 home win over Arsenal followed and the appetite was back. United were hungrier than ever to satisfy the craving of their manager. Ferguson kept telling his players they were good enough to win the Premiership, that Arsenal had overdone talk about how good they were and that his team were still a force. Yet, Arsenal looked certainties when they went eight points clear at the top on the day United lost the Worthington Cup final 2-0 to Liverpool. United were fit and firing on all cylinders and embarked on a 17-match unbeaten run from Boxing Day to 3 May, which saw the Reds erode Arsenal's seemingly impregnable lead and then overtake their title rivals.

Ruud van Nistelrooy's phenomenal 43 goals, including 12 in seven crucial matches during the run-in, helped seal United's championship prize. Even the storm surrounding the "boot incident", David Beckham's eventual transfer to Real Madrid and United's European exit to the Spanish champion's failed to distract rampant United from finishing the job in style.




2003-2005: The beginning of the end?

Ferguson's Old Trafford dynasty was now the greatest in English football history equalling Liverpool's run of eight titles in 11 years between 1975-1986 but the 2003-2004 season failed to extend that record. The dramatic selling of David Beckham to Real Madrid in June showed that no player, no matter how big, could take his place at Old Trafford for granted anymore. New players were brought in: Ronaldo, Tim Howard and Louis Saha looked impressive Eric Djemba Djemba and Kleberson less so. By Christmas 2003 with 19 games gone the team was in good shape, four points clear at the top of the Premiership.
Two major events would derail everything. The suspension of Rio Ferdinand for a missed drugs test and Ferguson's own legal battle over racehorse Rock of Gibraltar with major United shareholder's John Magnier and JP McManus. Without Rio, the defence crumbled and many points were dropped, whilst Magnier and McManus launched a bitter personal campaign attacking and undermining Ferguson. Fergie would not back down though and it looked like his United days could be numbered as rumours began of Coolmore forcing him out of Old Trafford. Fans and supporters' groups rallied to his cause but in the end the United boss backed down and settled out of court.

By the time United crashed 4-1 to Manchester City in March the league title was over with the Champions 12 points adrift whilst European hopes had been dashed by FC Porto. The only consolation was the FA Cup in which United played their best football. Beating Man City, Aston Villa and Fulham en-route, a titanic semi-final clash with Arsenal saw Ferguson get the better of Wenger again at Villa Park with a steely 1-0 win. A comfortable 3-0 victory over Millwall secured the final and made it a record 5th FA Cup triumph for Fergie.

However, it was still a disappointing campaign by United's high standards and unfortunately last season the trend continued. Despite the arrival of Wayne Rooney from Everton for £30 million and Leeds hero Alan Smith Sir Alex's team suffered a goal scoring problem with only 58 league goals, the lowest scored since 1991. The absence of Van Nistelrooy through injury was a major factor and critics claimed the team had lost its clinical edge. Only 5 games lost however 11 draws saw far too many points dropped to mount a serious challenge.

By contrast, Chelsea funded by Abramovich's billions and inspired by Jose Mourinho's confidence were unstoppable and put 9 points between themselves and United at Christmas. By early March the title was once more beyond Sir Alex and Europe had also ended again in failure after home and away 1-0 defeats to AC Milan. The attention turned to the FA Cup as the last hope for silverware and the Reds saved their best form with fine wins over Middlesbrough, Southampton and Newcastle. In the final, United outplayed Arsenal for 120 minutes, creating chance after chance. But just as in the League, the failure to put the ball in the net proved fatal and the Gunners undeservedly took the cup 5-4 on penalties.

A rolling one year contract means Fergie can leave at any time and he must surely now be nearing the end of his days at Old Trafford. The new ownership of Malcolm Glazer may speed up his departure given that it has added massive instability to the club and threatens to unravel everything the Scottish legend has built in the last 19 years. As he has proven before, Sir Alex always answers failure by coming back even stronger and has defied his critics countless times. Fans can only have faith that he can leave United on a high, restoring his team at summit of domestic and European football in what could be the most turbulent period in the club's modern history.




Why is Fergie so successful?

It is hard to know exactly why Ferguson has been so successful, but conclusions can be drawn from various aspects of his personality.



Personal Drive

Firstly, Alex Ferguson hates losing, he is possessed with an almost obsessive desire to win. The bitter taste of defeat only fuels him to endeavour all the more to avoid it in future. Some say he is a bad loser, in-gracious in defeat, but they don't realise that this is why he is such a great manager. It shows how much he wants to win, he always expects to win. Ferguson never gives in, he refuses to accept he is beaten and he has infused his United teams with the same attitude, they keep going right to the final whistle. It is because of this that United have scored so many late goals down the years, not pure luck as the cynics claim. Whenever he has achieved a success he never rests, always looking to the future for once the moment of victory has gone you can't go experience it again, you must do it all again to get back on that victory high. It is this drive and hunger for success that keeps him at the top, and Ferguson acknowledges that one day it will fade but he'll be long retired by then.


Tactics/Stategy

Ferguson is a manager is not afraid to follow his instincts or take a gamble. His instincts, whether it be luck or some sort of intuition always seem to be right. He seems to recognise that if you want to win things then you need to take a chance, sometimes an unexpected risk can swing things in your favour by throwing off opponents. He took risks buying Eric Cantona and Dwight Yorke, he often dangerously manipulates his squad by resting key players. He dismantled the mighty Double winning side of 1994, because it was no longer giving him what he wanted and replaced them with mostly youth players. Alan Hansen famously said "You'll never win anything with kids" - how he was made to eat those words. Ferguson saw that young players like Beckham and Scholes were exceptional talents and needed to be in the senior team, if fact adding them would make his team stronger still. Many a time people have said "Fergie's lost his mind" and yet he's proved them wrong time and time again, showing his deeper insight and knowledge about football than the rest of us. Only recently in November 2002 the critics sharpening their knives calling Ferguson a "busted flush" and that he should have retired in 2001. Yet, come the end of the season, the master had the last laugh as he guided United to the title. Those that underestimate him always end up with egg on their face.
In both his upbringing and in the shipyards of the Clyde, Ferguson was exposed to the Scottish working-class work ethic of hard graft and toil. He has instilled that same hard work ethic into Manchester United. All members of his team have a high work rate, even the Beckham's and Giggs' are made to earn their money by backtracking to help out the defence, constantly moving and slogging it out for 90 minutes. No team works harder than Fergie's United.

Fergie is one of the best tactical minds in the game. He has constructed a United team that is very adaptable to all situations with his favourite 4-4-2 formation. United were the first English team in the 90's to use the lightning counter-attack as a deliberate tactic, which Arsenal later copied. His best United teams have been built on a solid defence, wingers on the flanks and some sort of creative genius up front. When United first played in the Champions League, Ferguson was having to learn tactically how to play against European teams. In 1999, after four failed attempts he got it right. United have now reached the Quarter-finals a record 8 times in a row and are always amongst the favorites to win the trophy.



Player management/Psychology

Alex Ferguson is probably the greatest motivator in European football. Player motivation is a finely balanced art. Too much of it every day and eventually it can have no effect, or the constant pressure of it can destroy players. Ferguson believes in using it every so often at the optimum moments, when it has its most power. Observe his potent words of motivation during half-time in the European Cup Final 1999 with United 1-0 down: "At the end of this game, the European Cup will be only six feet away from you and you'll not even able to touch it if we lose. And for many of you that will be the closest you will ever get. Don't you dare come back inhere without giving your all". Undoubtedly he honed his man-management skills in his early pre-football management days as a shipyard shop steward.


He will always get the best out of his players and demand 100%. His handling of United's young stars has also been first class, protecting the likes of Giggs from frenzied media attention. In both the Cantona "kung-fu kick" incident and Beckham's 1998 World Cup ordeal, he stuck by his players and supported them through the difficult times, which in the end they repaid him with great comeback performances. Alex Ferguson will never attack his players in public or in the media, if they have under-performed or done something stupid, he will leave his criticism to behind closed doors. He can also be utterly ruthless. Ask Jim Leighton whom he devastated when dropped him from the FA Cup replay in 1990 because Ferguson felt the keeper had a poor performance. Paul Ince got too big for his boots and was offloaded to Italy, Jaap Stam crossed Ferguson with his autobiography and was quickly transfered to Lazio. If it is for the good of the team Ferguson will not hestitate to swing the axe.

Fergie has also perfected the "seige mentality" at both Aberdeen and United. Telling his team the whole world is against them and hates them, he tells them to prove all the United haters wrong and show they are the best. He is the master of mind games, loving to wind up opposing managers with subtle attacks, mischievous swipes and deception. Kevin Keegan and Kenny Dalglish were left foaming at the mouth but in Arsene Wenger, Fergie appeared to have a man who could handle the mind games. That is, until the climaxtic weeks if the 2003 season when Wenger finally cracked under the pressure of losing the title. The normally calm Frenchman was stressed and clearly rattled, resorting to a state of denial with bizarre excuses and statements about how Arsenal where really the better team (despite finishing 5 points adrift). It was all too evident, mischievous Fergie had got to him.




Buying/bargains

In Ferguson's working class background there was economic hardship, extravagant wasteful spending was avoided. You can see this philosophy throughout most of Fergie's United career. Even with United's large transfer budget he was often reluctant to spend it unless it is absolutely necessary. When he does spend big money he has always bought wisely with players like Pallister, Keane, Cole, Yorke, Stam, Barthez. His most recent sucess has to be the purchase of Ruud van Nistelrooy, who Fergsuon kept faith with despite his long period out with serious injury. Ruud's 79 goals in 100 appearances shows how wise the manager was to bring the Dutch goal machine to Old Trafford.
When you consider his 15 years at Old Trafford and the amount of players bought, there has been very few failures (Milne, Poborsky, Cryuff?). Recently, as the club finally gave him more financial clout, Fergie has shelled out really big money on the likes of Veron and Ferdinand in the quest for a second European Champions League. However, Ferguson is still the master of the bargain buy: Cantona, Schmeichel, Solskjaer, Johnsen, Irwin, Sharpe and Kanchelskis. Remember, United's two greats of the 1990's, Cantona and Schmeichel cost less than £2 million between them.




Conclusion

There can be no doubt that Sir Alex Ferguson is a managerial genius, a one man success machine and a born winner. No matter what this man had done in life, he'd have been a winner. His instincts and skills are so finely tuned he would be successful in any field. Of course for those not connected with United there is no love lost, but as the philosopher Machiavelli once said "it is better to be feared than loved". Fergie's rivals fear and respect him above all other managers. His achievements at United and Aberdeen make him the most successful British manager ever, on the continent only Giovanni Trapattoni, Fabio Cappello and Ottmar Hitzfeld can even come close.
In modern football with its coaches and technical directors, he is the last in a long line of the great managers like Busby, Shankly, Stein, Clough, Paisley and Revie. Great personalities who ruled the club and everybody knew it - they always got what they wanted. Modern manager are often slaves to the media, technocrats who do what they are told. Not Fergie, he is the man at the helm of Old Trafford, the man that really co-ordinates this huge red machine. His personal influence based on his record and personality means he always gets his way. Martin Edwards will talk of how good financial planning has made United the richest club in the world, but everybody knows that without Ferguson's eight League titles, four FA Cups and the European Cup, United wouldn't even be half as rich as they are now.

When Sir Alex does finally step down who can possibly follow in his footsteps? The club's foundations are too strong for United to go the way of post Busby years and the relegation of 1974, however any future manger will be living in Ferguson's gargantuan shadow with the fans huge expectations like a mountain on his shoulders. Still, we have three more years of the great Fergie era to go - enjoy it while you can because its like may never come again. The man who arrived in 1986 looking up to Sir Matt Busby, today in 2003 has eclipsed even his mighty achievements. When history looks back in 25 years time, Sir Alex Ferguson will be regarded as the greatest ever manager of Manchester United. He is on a pedestal with the all-time immortals of the game and there will never be another manager like him, that there can be absolutely no doubt.







Fergie trivia

His house is named "Fairfields" after the Clydeside shipyard his father worked in. Ferguson followed his Dad by working as an apprentice toolmaker and later a shop steward.

Football teams were one area that Alex's father did not influence him in. His dad supported Celtic, however, Fergie was a big Rangers fan and would later go on to play for them.

Ferguson was made the scapegoat for Rangers 4-0 defeat by Celtic in the 1969 Scottish Cup final. The manager blamed him for bad marking at a corner even though he was a centre-forward!

When he finished his playing career he became a pub landlord.

One of his hobbies is music. He is learning to play the piano in his spare time.

Sir Alex is a Scottish Socialist and strong supporter of the Labour party and Tony Blair.

Fergie owns several racehorses and regularly watches them in action.

When he gets angry he shouts at players close to their face - it is called "the hairdryer treatment".

His son Darren played a few times for United in the early 1990's. He now plays for Wrexham.

He was appointed caretaker manager of Scotland following death of Jock Stein during the 1985 Wales v Scotland World Cup qualifier and managed them in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.

Fergie was voted the 'Best Coach' in Europe at the 1999 UEFA Football Awards and received the BBC Sports Personality Lifetime Achievement award in 2001.

He is a Freeman of Manchester, Glasgow and Aberdeen.

Sir Alex Ferguson is the most successful manager in British football history with 14 major trophies in England, not to mention the trophies he won at Aberdeen.

He has won five FA Cup Finals - no other manager has achieved this in England.





Management Honours
1980 Scottish Premier League - Winner
1982 Scottish League Cup - Winner
1982 Scottish F.A. Cup - Winner
1983 Scottish F.A. Cup - Winner
1983 European Cup Winners Cup - Winner
1984 Scottish F.A. Cup - Winner
1984 Scottish Premier League - Winner
1985 Scottish Premier League - Winner
1986 Scottish FA Cup - Winner
1990 F.A. Cup - Winner
1991 European Cup Winners Cup - Winner
1991 European Super Cup - Winner
1992 League Cup - Winner
1993 F.A. Premier League - Winner
1994 F.A. Premier League - Winner
1994 F.A. Cup - Winner
1996 F.A. Premier League - Winner
1996 F.A. Cup - Winner
1997 F.A. Premier League - Winner
1999 F.A. Premier League - Winner
1999 F.A. Cup - Winner
1999 European Champions League - Winner
1999 Intercontinental Cup - Winner
2000 F.A. Premier League - Winner
2001 F.A. Premier League - Winner
2003 F.A. Premier League - Winner
2004 F.A. Cup - Winner


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Jackie's films are never boring, always lively and interesting.

Earrings on men ?. It is a sign of confusion and lost of focus. Irresponsibility of the highest order. It makes no sense.

Census comes ones in many years, for the purpose of economic planning (even though it seems to be none in Nigeria) let's stay at home till we are counted. In all honesty, 5 days too much ooo for the self employed, but it is a matter of sacrifice . I really understand what the self employed will go through unlike some of us that work in , and get monthly pay.

Opportunity for me to rest for once. I started working for , since my NYSC in year 2000, I have only gone on leave once. I work virtually all the days of the year Mondays to Sundays and closing very late. Praying for more cencus. This is a real big bonus.

Mikel at 19 better than Okocha? the question is unhealthy, given the fact that Okocha is retiring and hoping for someone to take over from where he stopped. In 5 years time or thereabout, when Mikel would have played over a few years, we will know the greater between him and Okocha base on achievements. However for the purpose of contribution to the topic, let me make comparison base on thier style of play and not achievements.

Mikel and Okocha no doubt are abudance of skills, but there is a difference in style and purpose that gives one an edge. Both of them can create havoc to opponets in the midfield, but in the opponets deep area, within 30 yards and 18 yard box, Okocha is not very daring there and sometimes gets confused in that area while Mikel creates lots of havocs and exhibits dangerous play in that area. I think this is important in football and that is what makes the differnce in midfielders and strikers. (2) Unlike Okocha Mikel does not hold the ball uneccessary too long or trying to shine at one spot. He advances with the ball and makes passes appropriately. His sense of judgement is quick and he plays more with his team mates than Okocha does. (3) Mikel's pull out of the ball are very sharp and lands in dangerous spots. His free kicks are not bad except he needs to perfect them. In the U-21 world cup he hit the cross bar once with a free kick. Obodo scored from his corner kick agaist Zimbabwe in Egypt. However, he needs to work on his shots at goals, they are too weak just like Kanu's . (4) Mikel's marking and his support for  defence is very commendable. (5) He wins balls from opponents more than Okocha does. (6) Mikel's dull monets in matches are few, he is pronounced through out the match.

Also Mikel has shown that he is able to cope with both fast pace footbal and sluggish footbal, this is important also. Prior to Okocha movement to Bolton he had always find difficulties in coping with fast pace football, and was always slowing down his team mates both in super eagles and in his clubs.

Finally, for now Okocha is our Legend just as Maradona is to Agentina. But we have to pray and support Mikel to make it to a higher height. He has the potentials of surpassing Zidane's records if only he moves to a good club quickly and keeps his head low.

goodguy:
God bless you, elampiro.

Thanx alot goodguy.

In my opinion this is best topic so far.

Virginity is a precious gold. But it is not all in all when it comes to choosing a life partner.

I'm equally totally agaist pre-marital sex. For religious reasons I vowed never to do it before marriage, and I will not give up.

However, when I finally decide to settle down with someone, which I know is soon, I will not be searching for a virgin but a decent girl who has what I want in a woman (beauty,shape, height & intelligence) . If after our marriage I find her to be a virgin it will be a bonus , and I will forever 'worship' her. If she is not a virgin, I will only demand faithfulness from her.

When it comes to having experience, my believe is that no body brought it from birth. It can be liken to someone who just started driving. Initially it will be obvious that the person is learning, after a few weeks no one will be able to tell how long the person has been driving.

elpaso:
im 20 and im not virgin, my girlfriend isnt one either. i wish we were both virgin when we met. even though it bothers me its not worth worrying.. im just telling to people that there isnt any better way than losing your virginity with someone you will spend the rest of your life with. if i knew when i was a kid i wouldnt do that stupid mistake.

It will be very interesting when too virgins get married. Like in science, they will have so much to discover. Every new thing discovered will add value and become a new source of enjoyment. You know science is discovery, and that is the beauty.