I've been supporting this club since 1968 and the pain I am in now, I can honestly say is among the worst I have ever felt associated with this club. Very sore, as bad as I've felt in a long while. Probably compounded by the fact my two young lads are distraught, they can't believe it.
They can't grasp the result, nor the magnitude of it. Really bad, words don't describe it.
The older of the two said "it's alright dad, we've got Sir Alex - he'll get us out of it, we'll come ... you'll see. we'll still be champions".
I 110% agree. You know the part that killed me though? The point of realisation where I said "fuck ... fuck."
When that man leaves this club, it's very probable that we'll slide down the table into a bit of mediocrity for a while. That's no slight on anyone, it just pays testament to the great man. We could be in for a turbulent period when he leaves - not that it's the end of the world, what I've already seen won't be topped in terms of how bad it may be, but after the better part of 2 decades at the top, it could be nearing a finish. Maybe not so much a finish, but a gradual decline.
I have no doubt we'll get back up and Sir Alex will lead us to glory, yet, but it's post-Fergie that has me very worried.
What did he say about the best teams, and cycles etc. etc.?
Could be very relevant.
Sad day.
It could be knee jerk, but a quick look at my previous posts says I'm not one to jump the gun (that comes with experience) but it's raised a little more than cause for concern.
I just really hope Sir Alex stays for a good few years yet and leaves us in the best position he can (no doubt) - just hoping that position is enough for the next manager to come in and build on.
In times gone by, potential obstacles and challengers were easily dismissed because we all knew Sir Alex would just keep chipping away and eventually come back. It's gotten to the stage where he may not have a whole lot long left and thus the doubt arises on how we will fare once he calls it a day, even if he temporarily does lead us to glory again.
Big challenges ahead, both in the short-term and longer term.