Sir Alex Catches Up Fellow Scot Stevie Nicol as Manchester United Start USA Tour

Two of soccer's most recognised men stood side by side today at today's press conference with many unaware of their humble beginnings.


Manchester United are back in the USA, playing five matches over the next three weeks, as part of their preseason schedule, starting in Boston against MLS side New England Revolution.

This exhibition match gives fellow Scotsmen Sir Alex Ferguson and Stevie Nicol the chance to catch up a bit and recollect the past and where they first made contact.

Somewhere you wouldn't expect to find a relationship between MLS team manager Steve Nicol and Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is the town of Ayr in Scotland, more importantly, the football team that is Ayr United.

Two of Scottish football's royalty emerged from this Scottish Football League side. But it was Somerset Park where Sir Alex ended his playing career and where Stevie Nicol begun his.

Ferguson has even been said to have lodged a bid for the ex defender whilst holding the Aberdeen managers spot just prior to the player's move to Liverpool.

“For some reason, he chose another small club,” Ferguson explained with a hint of the easy back and forth present between the two coaches during a press conference held yesterday in advance of tomorrow’s friendly between the Revolution and the reigning English champions at Gillette Stadium. “I don’t know how you possibly turn down Aberdeen, to be honest.”

Ayr United had formed a connection between the two men but it wasn't until 1986 that they were brought together when Ferguson was part of the coaching staff that took the Scottish national side to that year's Mexico World Cup. And from that year, their paths have barely crossed.

“I guess if we’d said in ‘86 that we’d be meeting here in Boston for a game, then you’d probably think we’re both slightly nuts,” Nicol said. “Football’s such a great game— and the way it’s spreading now, particularly here—and it’s worldwide.”

“We both may be a little bit longer in the tooth and a little bit grayer in the hair, but we haven’t really changed an awful lot,” Nicol said.

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.