Fergie tells young bosses to learn their trade

Ferguson, named the LMA manager of the year for an unprecedented fourth time at an awards ceremony in London on Monday night, said he was against "fast-tracking" of players into managers' jobs at top clubs.

The outgoing Manchester United boss started his coaching career at East Stirling before moving on to St Mirren, Aberdeen and then Old Trafford. Ferguson said: "I'm dead against this fast-tracking of managers. Prepare, learn your trade, get your badges. Work for years at lower levels and you'll have a better chance. You have to earn the right to be a manager."

Ferguson also revealed that his wife Cathy and children had not wanted him to take the United job after his success at Aberdeen - but he was persuaded to by Bobby Charlton.

He added: "When they first offered me the United job you jump at it. Then you think: What have I done? My wife didn't want to go, two of my sons didn't want to go. Jason, who is a United fan, he wanted me to go. It was Bobby Charlton who talked me into it."

Ferguson, who also won the LMA's Premier League manager's award, added that he was confident he was leaving United in good hands with David Moyes, who has won the overall LMA award three times, and with the club's emphasis on bringing through young players. United also won the inaugural Barclays under-21 Premier League on Monday night.

Ferguson said: "It has always placed a great emphasis on youth long before I came. Sir Matt Busby started that and took Manchester United into Europe, the first English club to do so.

"It's always been there and I have tried to maintain that though it is more difficult in the present climate - you have to scout abroad now but you are still looking for young people who can do well."

Cardiff boss Malky Mackay was named the Championship manager of the season after winning the title.

Yeovil's Gary Johnson was named the League One manager of the year and Gillingham's Martin Allen won the League Two award.

Source: PA

Source: PA