Fooball: BECKS HAS BETRAYED MAN WHO MADE HIM

DAVID Beckham's book revelations and intensifying criticism of Sir Alex Ferguson's regime will only make the fiery knight more determined to prove his doubters wrong.

Scotland's senior manager Alex Smith, who has been Fergie's friend and confidant since their paths crossed as players more than 40 years ago, believes Fergie has been hurt by Beck's betrayal.

And Smith is certain his old pal will respond by leading Manchester United to more successes - which sounds like bad news for Rangers ahead of their Champions League clashes.

Smith who is the respected chairman of Scotland's Managers and Coaches Association, said: "It's sad when player of the calibre of Beckham makes such personal attacks on Alex just to help sell his book.

"There are always bust-ups between managers and players. That always has been and always will be part of the game.

"But what happens in the dressing room should stay there and Beckham has been disloyal to his team mates and his manager by making these secrets public for a profit. Beckham should have a good look in the mirror and ask himself if he would be the same player without the guidance given him by his manager since he was a young player. If he's honest, he'll say 'no'.

"Alex was 100 per cent correct to sell him to Real Madrid as the hype surrounding him is now out of control. He got the best years out of him.

"We managers will put up with a lot, but you can't have a wee lassie who sang in a pop group telling you how to run the biggest club in the country. We decide when players will train - not their wives.

"But Alex thrives on adversity. This simply makes him even more determined."

Smith first met Ferguson when he was a youngster playing with Stirling Albion against Queens Park.

They then enjoyed a friendly rivalry when Ferguson stepped on to the managerial ladder at East Stirling next door to Stenhousemuuir where Smith was in charge.

Smith said: "From I first saw him as a teenager playing with Queens Park more 40 years ago, it was obvious to me that he was a winner.

"He was a big, raw striker with an eye for goal, but what impressed me was that he gave everything."

"He can be ruthless with players who let him down but if they need help he'll be their staunchest ally.

"No one can deny that his approach hasn't worked. He is Scotland's greatest-ever manager and when you've known legends like Jock Stein and Bill Shankly, that says everything about him.

"While his record at Aberdeen was incredible, bringing the Cup Winners' Cup and nine other trophies to a provincial club within eight years, his greatest feat has been at Old Trafford.

"I remember him saying to me when he took over it would take six years to sort out the mess he'd inherited. There were many who didn't fancy a Scot, with no record as a player or coach in England, taking over such a coveted post. But he was strong and confident enough to persevere through intense pressure during those turbulent early years and transform the club.

"He gave Manchester United the championships they craved, the European Championship and a youth programme that is the envy of every other club in England.

"Sure he rode his luck at times but a guy like that makes his own luck. He is the best manager anywhere in football and he isn't finished yet."

The Champions League is the prime target for Manchester United this season, but first Fergie will have to outwit his prize pupil, Alex McLeish, in the Battle of Britain clashes with Rangers.

Smith, who also had McLeish under his wing at Pittodrie, reckons the outcome isn't a formality.

He said: "Alex saw the manager in Big Alex long before anyone else did.

"He is a natural leader and when I was in charge at Pittodrie, he managed the dressing room for me without ever realising it.

"He was a manager long before he ended his playing career and was always tactical aware and receptive to new ideas and trends.

"When Big Alex got his first job at Motherwell, he regularly telephoned Old Trafford for advice and Alex was always there for him. This may be called the Battle of Britain, but it is also the first encounter between the master and pupil which is unique.

"Alex has got to put that friendship aside and concentrate solely on the game. He can't afford to get caught up by his history at Ibrox.

"He was shabbily treated there as a player and his bitterness about what happened was shown in his biography.

"He loved nothing more than to go there with Aberdeen and beat Rangers which he did - often.

"He is a Govan man and when he goes back there will be attempts to goad him about the past.

"The Ibrox fans will also be out to try and prove that they are a bigger club that Manchester United.

"He cannot rise to the bait as there is too much at stake."

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