20 Glorious Years

20 years ago I was 8 years old. I had absolutely no interest in football. But something happened that would probably add a new dimension to my life. It took a few years for the seeds to grow, but Alex Ferguson's appointment as manager of Manchester United was to be a life-changing moment for me...

It was 4 years later that I started to take an interest in the beautiful game. Back in the days when they used to show games every week on normal telly, my dad would watch and I found I actually enjoyed watching. The FA Cup Final seemed somehow magical, although I didn't really know why. I decided that I'd support whoever won. After a replay Manchester United were victorious and my fate was sealed.

I flirted with Spurs, especially when my dad took me to White Hart Lane for my first ever football match and I met Gazza and Gary Lineker. But it was never quite right. In my heart I was still cheering "United!" and enjoying their wins in the European Cup Winners Cup and League Cup. When they won the first Premier League in 1993, it was a truly joyous feeling. Even though I hadn't experienced the 26 years between League titles, I could still feel the relief of finally winning.

Eric Cantona was my hero. Still is. You can keep your Viera's, your Zidanes and your Henrys, Eric IS the greatest French footballer that the world has ever seen. He just added the final spark that was needed to fire up the great Red trophy winning machine. He won us the two Doubles, and inspired the team that won the Treble in 1999. I always thought it was a shame he never stuck around for that one...

Winning the Premiership doesn't get any less exciting the more you do it, although the ones that go down to the wire are always the most fun. Pipping Newcastle and Kevin Keegan is one of my favourite moments, listening to the commentary on the radio because we never had Sky. But cup finals are something else entirely. Knowing that it's a one-off, one slip up will cost you the title. Losing the FA Cup to a penalty in 1995, and losing again in a penalty shoot-out in 2005 hurts. But it makes the winning all the sweeter. Those last few minutes against Bayern Munich in 1999 will live forever in my memory. It was just the most amazing, ecstatic feeling.

I went to Old Trafford after that victory to join in the parade and the celebrations. I've never had the chance or the privilege of seeing Manchester United's first team live, but I have been to Old Trafford for a few England games. And the strange thing is, it feels like home. I've been to other football stadiums, but it's never the same as the warm fuzzy feeling I get at Old Trafford. People always throw criticism at me, saying I should support a club nearer to home or that I'm not a true supporter because I don't go to games. Have you ever tried getting tickets for Man Utd games? They're like gold dust! As for local teams, when you grow up in Essex there really aren't that many local teams! I've been following Colchester's excellent progress though, and I've been to Victoria Park to support Hartlepool a couple of times too. But my heart is in Old Trafford, and Old Trafford alone. After 16 years, I couldn't possibly change allegiance.

And so to a more local team for me in Southend. It looks like Sir Alex is taking this one a bit more seriously after the last gasp at Crewe a few weeks ago. It's a bit strange for my club to be playing one so close to where I'm from, but I'm definitely more of a Colchester supporter so beating Southend shouldn't be too much of a hardship for me! I hope that we can round off an excellent anniversary for Sir Alex, what with the league results all going our way last weekend. The man has achieved so much, you can't help but admire him.

I suppose ultimately I want to thank him. Manchester United have provided me with so much happiness over the last 16 years. Sometimes I think, if things had gone the other way I could have been a Crystal Palace supporter! And for rescuing me from that fate I am truly grateful.

I can't imagine the club without him, although we all know it will happen one day. Hopefully not too soon. Here's to another 20 years!