With the retirement of Alex Ferguson we are reminded that all good things must come to an end.

I must admit over the years I have not had a good thing to say about Sir Alex. It has much to do with that period when Blackburn Rovers were challenging for the title.

And that critical time when one manager was trying to outfox the other. I have to say I hated the man with a vengeance for a while as I felt he saw this small club as some upstart trying to take over his patch.

But as a football fan I also have to admit that the man was a genius. He managed to do something no other manager has done, and regardless of who you support, you have to respect this towering figure of a human being.

I was a little surprised at how many Liverpool fans texted me to say how happy they were that he had gone.

One particular fan seemed to think it was the best thing that had happened for Liverpool for a long time.

I think there was a feeling that his departure would herald a new beginning for their own club. Not really sure how that is going to happen.

It is unlikely that in our lifetime we will see another manager such as Sir Alex. To be at the top of your game for so many years has got to be one major achievement.

Replacing him is going to be almost impossible for the club. This week I returned out of my own retirement to play for my nephew’s football team again.

The thing is, some of the players call me ‘mamu’ (uncle) every time they want the ball. You could say at least they show some respect but this can be slightly off-putting as the opposition then knows you are on your last legs.

It is all more the embarrassing for the opposition player who is half my age when I manage to nutmeg him. To be beaten by a player is one thing but to be beaten by an uncle on his last legs is a sign that this game may not be for you.