Fergie eyes future United role for Giggs

Feb 23 2008 by Paul Abbandonato, Western Mail

RYAN GIGGS was last night told he could soon be on board as a coach of Manchester United.

The message was delivered by no less a figure than Sir Alex Ferguson, after it was revealed Giggs planned to begin studying for his Uefa “A” licence this summer.

FAW Trust boss Osian Roberts said Giggs has agreed to enrol for his coaching badges at Aberystwyth this summer.

Roberts is responsible in his role with the trust for encouraging youngsters to take up football in Wales.

But the FAW also run Uefa “A” licence coaching courses. And the news Giggs is enrolling was greeted with enthusiasm by his Old Trafford boss Ferguson.

He indicated Giggs could have a future role to play at United... possibly even next to Ferguson himself.

At 34, Giggs is United’s most-decorated player and he marked his 100th Champions League appearance by helping the club to a 1-1 draw in Lyon in midweek.

Giggs took a knock in that first-leg match, but is expected to recover in time for today’s Premier League trip to Newcastle.

Ferguson said, “Ryan is 34 and, as with other players who have had big careers, they start thinking about what they are going to do when they finish.

“Players like Ryan, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes will follow the pattern of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, I am sure of that.”

Solskjaer has already graduated from the dressing room to the boot room with United.

Ferguson continued about Giggs, “It is something we will be looking at in terms of a future with us.

“He could have a position at the club in some shape or form because he has been a fantastic example.

“It Ryan does take his coaching badges, it is a further thing to a CV in terms of what he can offer the game.

“There is no doubt when it comes to personality, experience and looking after himself off the pitch, Ryan is absolutely perfect for a club.”

Meanwhile, Ferguson is convinced his side can close the five-point gap on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table – but only if they remain at the top of their game.

He said, “We are in a position where we cannot afford any slip-ups.

“We have to motor on and get a good consistency about us.

“We know some points will be dropped, and Arsenal and Chelsea are aware of that as well.

“The name of the game is not to drop as many as them. It is not easy, but we have come from behind before.

“In 1993, we were well behind in November, but eight points clear at the finishing line.

“What it tells you, hopefully, is that experience counts.

“Arsenal have an advantage of being five points clear, no question of that, but they also know they have some tough games coming up.”

Ferguson is looking forward to locking horns again with Kevin Keegan.

The Newcastle manager is still reminded today of that infamous rant at his United counterpart in March 1996 in his first spell in charge at St James’ Park.

That was when the wheels were coming of their title bid and he let rip on television about what he thought were underhand tactics.

Now Keegan has been charged with trying to revive Newcastle’s fortunes again – and Ferguson senses he has a difficult job.

“It is not easy getting players in January. That was really Kevin’s problem,” said the Old Trafford boss.