Ferguson turned England down


Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that he has been offered the opportunity to manage England twice in the past but rejected the chance on both occasions.

It is believed that Ferguson was considered as a replacement for Terry Venables in 1996 and was handed the chance to succeed Glenn Hoddle three years later.

Ferguson, speaking as his side prepared to begin their North American tour, said:"I was offered the chance to manage the England team on a couple of occasions but, of course, it was just out of the question.


Meanwhile, the veteran Scot has reiterated his belief that England's dreadful displays during this summer's World Cup in South Africa were down to tiredness.

He added:"The English season is exhausting. Look at December, for instance, when we play eight or nine games even though it's the worst time of the year for the pitches, when they are heavier and the weather is at its worst.

"In the second half of the season, you then find lots of players are carrying little strains and pulls. But because of the importance of the games they keep on playing and, when they get to the end of the season and there's an important tournament such as the World Cup, they are not 100 per cent.


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