Roy Keane - Autobiography Teresa told me on the phone that I was "disgraced star Roy Keane World Cup." I was banished from the world championship back home. I stood at the airport in the Korean city of Saipan. Journalists and photographers swarmed around me. I said nothing. I was calm. There is no shame in that telling the truth. It was difficult - probably why I think the people and kept their mouths shut. I have long kept their mouths shut. Well, relatively long, of course. I knew that I was already in London awaiting reporters. It will be tomorrow. On the one hand, I was calm, but then again, I was burning. I've been preparing for this World Cup. All matches qualifying campaign, I went out of his way to get to the final part. Now that I am almost thirty-one, I knew it, seems to be my last attempt at the world championships. I knew that level of organization in the Irish team was far from ideal, everybody knew it. But even by Irish notions of what happened in the last week, it was hard to believe. Under the guise of peace in my heart, simmering rage and pain. I was angry about lack of professionalism that prevails in the camp of Team Ireland, the lack of ambition, serving of numbers and the ratio of the tournament, getting to that should be the goal of each player. We - the Irish are doing everything their own way. This is our ambition. The world loves us, we told ourselves. But not if we were like cabaret artists invited to the party? When the match is becoming a serious nastoyaschmu, we usually went to the side. Went home to celebrate another party after a victory, we are usually achieved, and watch the end of the championship on TV. Excellent. But to do that if we gave all the power in the qualifying group, chased out of the tournament the Dutch team, completed the campaign without a single defeat after the Portuguese national team? No, it's not for me. I was a player, "Manchester United". We celebrated a victory. I was hurt. For Teresa, for my family in Cork. I spent 30 000euro, giving my brothers Dennis, Johnson and Pat along with his cousin John Lynch's dream - a trip to the World Cup. Now they will not go there. I'm spoiled them. Like my mom and dad. I called them. They sat down at home, not looking up from the screen, watching Sky Television, listening to the radio, reading newspapers on their disgraced son. I could handle it. For them it was torture. Finally I'm on the plane. Thanks to "Manchester United"! I called Ann Wiley at the club. She ordered the plane tickets. To get rid of the annoying crowd of journalists, she bought me a ticket via Guam, and not through Tokyo. Guam, Hong Kong, London, Manchester. Teresa, my children, Shannon, Carafa, Aidan and Lee. And Triggs, my dog. And the rest. When we arrived in Hong Kong, someone was waiting for me out of the airline British Airways. Ann Wiley learned of a flight delay, and ordered me tickets to the next plane to London. First class. Bed. I am ready to depart for the night. I will never forget the British Airways. They were just super for the entire flight. I could not sleep. Thought frantically rushing to my head. I watched a movie with Denzel Washington in "training day". So-so. Two flight attendants were pleasant to communicate with me. "We support you one hundred percent" - they said. They were preparing breakfast. I went to the kitchen to chat with them. There is something waiting for me in London? When I got off the plane, I waited for the car from British Airways, which was to take me to the other terminal of the airport on a plane to Manchester. When I sat in the car with my luggage, passed by the porter. I was expecting from him some taunt. Thought he was some fan of "Arsenal" or "Spurs". "Fine, Cinema! - He smiled. - Keep your pecker up! ". This little remark gave me a huge supply of energy. I thank him for fair play. Sure, he has charged me for the next season! I quietly had a room for items in Midland. In came Michael Kennedy, my agent. He said he would fly to Manchester with me. "No, this is not necessary" - I persisted.He said that from the Internet to me is pouring stream of mud. About my personal life. What! My wife Teresa was always nazvanivaet a woman. I called home. "Do not worry - Teresa said - just come." Michael said that the press shows to my personal life a great interest. I'll have to make a statement. I told him I wanted to go home. At Manchester Airport waiting for my car, "United". Five minutes later I was at his. The house was under siege. Journalists, TV cars with plates. I thought to myself damn! It's that - the arrival of Bill Clinton? Teresa told me that he could not leave the house. "A dog is not already walking their two days." I waited for an hour, playing with children, and then took Triggs. I have nothing to be ashamed of. My life must log in again to normal. "Come, my girl. We go for a walk. " I I was born on August 10, 1971, becoming the fourth child in a family of five, in Mayfield, a northern suburb of Cork city. Later, my mom and dad, my older brothers and Denis Johnson, I, my older sister, Hilary (my younger brother Pat was born later) moved in Lotemor Park in Mayfield. My mother, Marie (nee Lynch) was from a famous sporting family. My father worked for a time at a local knitwear factory "Sunbeam Wolsey," but it soon went bankrupt. Then, when it was hard to find a job, my dad, like many other men, was taken as any craft, which only turned up, including second jobs at companies "Guinness" and "Pfizer" - the two largest employers in Cork. In the seventies and eighties, when a global financial crisis after another, the Irish economy was going through difficult times. Cork also suffered more than others. Growing up, I realized that the money had always lacked: for example, we had no car. But to be honest, I never and not want for anything. My mother is Marie and my father were caring, loving parents. My older brothers and sister were brought up to me. Perhaps due to the fact that I was the youngest in the family (Pat was born yet), I was spoiled. I went to a local primary school of St. John. In class, I certainly did not shine. I was quiet and happy that I did not notice. For me and my friends come first in my life was sports, not education. Life began only with the call, announcing the end of the school day. Cork sports traditions have deep roots and are diverse. In our house, always venerated British football. Others preferred to Gaelic football and hurling. Sport is often a cause of deep division. Gaelic games were regarded as truly Irish, and implied that other games such as football and rugby, as such could never be. Foreign games, especially identified with Britain, were not held in high esteem. Of course, Jack Charlton will soon change the situation. Our family has been an avid fan of British football. My father was a team regular in the "Crofton" and "North End" - two local youth clubs. The father of my mother and her two uncles were the owners of gold medals in junior championships under the auspices of the Football Federation of Ireland. Her two brothers - Mike and Pat Lynch played for the "Rockmount" - one of the oldest and most famous junior club in Cork. So me and my brothers was a sin not to play. One of the well-known joke in my family have been talking about what great players have been my dad and uncle. Me and my brothers always made fun of it, because it seemed that "if" every player has been great. Like most people in Cork, I am proud of my origins and roots. On the question of their origin people in Cork invariably respond: "The Born Irishman, a resident of Cork by the grace of God." Laughter - that's what I often equate my house and the city. Laughter in times of joy and sorrow. Real or simulated. Laughter for any reason, over every idiot who are not fortunate enough to be born in the breakaway County (the so-called County Cork. - VS). Megalomania - a feature of any sensible citizen of Cork.And as a resident - even more so. Before you finally choose football, I have tried their hand at hurling and boxing. The older team of Cork's hockey repeatedly became the winner Vseirlandskih games, and players such as Jack Lynch and Christy Ring, regarded as folk heroes no less than Stanley Matthews and Tom Finney in England. My career in hockey ended badly. In a perfectly harmless situation, the end of my stick broke, and stuck a chip in his leg, resulting in injury had to heal a good six months. I went to workout at a boxing club by Brian Dillon at Dillon's Cross. I spent all four fights in the Irish league newcomers and in all cases emerged victorious. By the time I could box, I was the most prepared physically boxer. And the most eager to fight. But I had a problem since I've played regularly for the "Rockmount". My boxing coach set me down in front of a stark choice: either football or boxing. So, the box was forgotten. However, he was instrumental in my becoming an athlete. Jumping and boxing techniques have made me very mobile and agile. In addition, I gained some confidence when faced with aggressive media. I still was short of stature for my age, but boxing technique of warfare and accustomed to discipline, gave me a psychological advantage: I could stand up for himself, despite his short stature and shyness. When I had to choose between football and boxing, I never doubted for a second, what would be my answer. There was no doubt that I'll be playing at "Rockmount" instead of the club my district, "Mayfield", where they played all my school friends. The fact that my brother Dennis, and Johnson played for the "Rockmount," was one reason for choosing this club. But the real explanation for this was the fact that "Rockmount" was on the rise. I came to the club when I was eight and is about to be hit nine, but even then I struggled to victories.Since the "Rockmount" thundered across the district, he came to the best players of all suburbs of Cork. To get to the club, I had to overcome a distance of seven miles. My mother always easily gave me money for the bus. And if I needed shoes, she got out of if by magic. Perhaps they were not the best brand, but more than adequate for me. I liked to wear a T-shirt and these football boots. Play on fields with this (although rough) white markings, gates, and nets. Everything was for real. I even loved the judges for what they are allowed to dispute that in the ordinary of our games in Mayfield led to bedlam and recriminations. The arrival of "Rockmount" was a huge step in my boy's life. After all, I became a footballer. In ten years I played for the team, made up of players no older than 11 years. I'm much inferior in height and weight, but I could give others a head start in what concerned the relationship to the game. I gave all my strength. I could run away, just give in, I could take the ball. And it's true: after a marathon game, which we are accustomed to Mayfield in the fields not the best quality, thirty-five minutes of each half of the match for the team to 11 years seemed a cakewalk. All in Mayfield rooting for English clubs. My club had been "Spurs" ("Tottenham Hotspur." - VS). Why? Because most of my friends were rooting for damn "Manchester United", "Liverpool" and "Arsenal", which won the double in the year of my birth. Glenn Hoddle was my favorite player. In one of the happiest days of my childhood, I watched on television as "the Spurs' win at the" Manchester City "in the centenary year, the FA Cup final. The winning goal Ricardo Villa, which he scored, passed in the slalom with a ball past the defenders, became a magnificent denouement fascinating game. Although I liked to imitate the brilliant players such as Ricky Villa and Glenn Hoddle, my game was not like their style. I was more a workhorse than a outstanding personality.I struggled for goals, fought for every ball, when we lost him. In general, I was very active in the field. I listened to the advice of our coaches Timmy Murphy and Jenna O'Sullivan, especially when they talked about respect for the game. Their principle was simple, but it was true: go out on a field with no attitude - no matter what skill you possess, you just lose. I believed them. I still believe them. At the end of my first season of "Rockmount" I was named player of the year. I was incredibly proud that I was able to continue the family tradition of Kin at the club that used to play my brothers and uncles. In the second season of my stay at the club, we won the championship for eleven years and took the Cup. By the time "Rockmount" signed a contract with Paul McCarthy, Alan O'Sallivanom, Damien Martin and Len Downie (they later played for various teams of Ireland). They were the backbone of the team that won the Cup and league title six years in a row. Competition in the school football in Cork was is amazing, and we remained unbeaten in five seasons. When I was twelve, I moved to the "Public School Mayfield." My brother, Johnson has already made it famous name Keane. Teacher: "Name?" Me: "Keane. Roy Keane. " Teacher: "Johnson's your brother?" "Yes." "Aha!" And that his smirk did not require further explanation. I lay on the print order for someone in particular should be closely monitored. My indifference to school did not remain without consequences. At fifteen I needed to pass the "midterm exam." If I had failures, then the school will be finished. In this case, I would have had to live on the graft or unemployment benefits. If I pass my "Interim," then I would be allowed to take in the future, "Final Exam," which opened the way to decent work, a sense of social security and all the attendant benefits.But - here again it is worth recalling debacles in the economy - no surrender "intermediate" or delivery "Final" tests do not guarantee a good income in a few years. But this fact does not excuse my neglect their studies. I was more in the belief that I would be a professional football player than what I can cope with the "intermediate". Most young players dream of nurturing a professional career in England. To achieve this, only a successful game in Cork was not enough. The first step is to get into the English club was elected to the Irish team for players under 15 years - a prize that seemed to have been in the pocket of pupils in Dublin. But the success of "Rockmount," he could not go unnoticed. I, Alan, Len, Paul and Damien have been invited to view the local and the national team for players under 14 years old. Unfortunately, I failed to reach a goal. People said I was too small. Some people do not like my character. The irony is that I was just "character" and temperament just because I was too small. When it was necessary to join the fight for the ball, I did not depart. Since I was short of stature, I set a goal as early as possible to learn how to pick the ball well in each game. I earned a reputation that was to my liking - "not to be trifled with." Such a reputation was good for me. It has provided me tremendous support. Then there were those who hoped to win a fight with me, but as time passed, those were less and less. I failed my 'midterm exam. " It was painful. And though one could hardly expect the other, I felt that I led myself and the parents. Maybe it was not the end of the world, but, of course, this fact has put a question mark over my future. Time, energy and imagination that I had to send in lessons and homework, were instead invested many hours playing football. Today's children are more smyshleny, or at least should be so.Education and career football are not mutually exclusive. The appearance of a team of 15 years was an important event for the young footballer. If you are involved in the Irish team, you automatically appears as though the window of which was studied Scouts of English clubs. It was a crucial season. The emergence of the Irish team was more important than delivery, "Intermediate exam." In the last season I played for Cork County for a 14-year-old, who won the National Cup, played between counties. The prospect of entering the national team looked quite real, and if your account will be a match for the team, then you have a good chance to be invited to watch the English club. One day after school I came home at night and saw the smiling father holding hands in a local newspaper "Evening Echo", "You got, boy, you're going to show in Dublin." At the viewing, I have shown a good game. When I was replaced in about fifteen minutes before the end of the match, I thought this happened only because those who took away the team saw enough to confirm my need. Returning to Cork, I am impatiently waiting for news of the invitation to the final show. When they arrived, it turned out to be bad for me. The lists of those who have been called on him, R. Keane was not, as I tried to find it. I was killed. It was the biggest disappointment of my life. The door slammed in my dream in the face. My mother was very concerned about looking at what is happening in my life. For some time I lost my inherent boldness. I have received another blow when Paul contacted me and said that he knocked me for a viewing of "Brighton". I had to go to Dublin by train, then get on a plane flight to London, and then again by train to get to Brighton. In the evening the day before my scheduled departure Paul called me and said that prosmor canceled. After reviewing the recommendation of Paul, the representatives of "Brighton" abandoned the idea.They had heard that I was too short of stature, to become a professional footballer. The whole broken, I sank into a half-life, spending long days of aimless. I get out of bed an hour to get the first joy of the coming day - to see the series "Neighbours", which started at 13.30. After that I went for a walk with my dog Ben - a black mongrel, replacing him Lucky, another mongrel, named so because she was a stray dog, which was lucky to stumble on Roy Keane. I loved his dogs, really loved them (and to this day). Unlike humans dogs do not talk any nonsense. They will not betray you, or you will spoil the mood. In response to what you give, you get the same amount or even more. Ben, like Lucky and other dogs, which I wound up, was a devoted and loving dog. And funny, too. They all had their own, unique character. For me, their most magical feature was the fact that they do not care who you are - the captain of "Manchester United" or the unemployed. Walking with Ben was the best moment of my day. I still loved football and played and trained with the same enthusiasm, despite the feeling that I missed my chance, which may be the last. I did not receive unemployment benefits for one simple reason: I was eighteen. Money was a problem. My mother and father did not have enough money then, but I have never needed to really anything. The brothers also sometimes "subsidized" me from time to time. I was taken for any physical work, where they was. The easiest was to bar "The Gelvin" in Blackpool. As someone once wrote that I had come there to build up muscles, carrying barrels of beer from a warehouse into a bar. The truth is that I chose this job because of money - 3.5 pounds per hour - and spent his time quietly stealing the chocolate and filling them yourself mouth. I worked there for three weeks. The most crappy job for which I took was one hardhead who hired us, so we scraped off the rust from metal sheets.We were given this by a blowtorch without any clothes! It was dangerous work, but well-paid - 50 pounds a week. I stayed there for three months. Then in the spring went to collect the potatoes, cycling for fifteen miles round trip. It was a killer, a hell of a job, a legacy from which I got a bad back, which to this day, I was worried. Perhaps noticing my frustration and concern over the future of football, Timmy Murphy, Jen and John O'Sullivan Delhi, which is now coached by our team, "Rockmount," advised me to write letters asking about watching the English club. I did it, and the answers speak for themselves. "We fear that we have no vacancies at present, but we would like to thank you for your interest in us and would like to wish you every success in the future." ("Derby"). "I thank you for your letter, but regret that we can not help you. Currently, we have filled all the regular places for the players, and we will not display in the near future. " ("Sheffield Wednesday"). "Unfortunately, I can not fulfill your request for a viewing of" Aston Villa ", as we already have all the players in your position." ("Aston Villa"). "I'm very sorry, but I have to tell you that after the recent restructuring of our juvenile division I suggest browsing at the beginning of the season only to boys younger than 15 years. I'm sorry to disappoint you, but, like most other clubs, we have a large number of scouts, who take care of games players of all ages, and if you have the makings of a professional footballer, you have every chance of being noticed. " ("Chelsea"). "I'm sure you'll understand - we get literally hundreds of such letters every week ... The usual practice is a positive response to the letters of players who have some merit, or who have excellent references close to football people. So I regret that I can not offer you a view. " ("Nottingham Forest").Recalling those days, I understand that the main reason for my failures, not even taking into account my height, did not see his experienced eye Scouts. I was a generalist, and considered himself a team player. I could score goals, but was bright and visible from the outside. Although I was able to control the middle of the field, I do not often go on break, looking around one player after another, and do not cut the defense on the part of the longPaz thirty-five meters. I read the game, intercepted the transmission space overlaps rival did plain passes. I am continually working on the penalty to the penalty, defending and attacking. For every great goal that I scored, we had hundreds of small operations - both defensive and offensive, which went unnoticed bystander. I've been working every second of the game is determined and the absolute concentration. Determination has been my hallmark. Concentration was not visible to others. To make this notice was needed very trained eye. Help came, as always, where it did not expect it. In 1989 the Irish Government in conjunction with the Football Association, the country has opened courses for young elite soccer players. Each of the twenty-four National League clubs (twelve from each division) could send in their courses of promising young players. I have read about and saw his chance. It did the same and my friend Len Downie, who is about to sign a contract with "Cork City", our local National League club. Len was a typical representative of Cork. But Roy Keane was also the guy does not miss, passed through the school of the streets. Representatives of the "City" also came to me with a proposal to sign a contract, and I even signed a preliminary agreement Ferris. I knew that they could send only one player in Dublin on courses FAS. So when Len told me that the "City" sends his courses, I was greatly disappointed. Thank God Eddie O'Rourke has contacted me on the same day.Eddie Carpenter combined work and coach junior team "Remblers Cove," the club of the second national division. He knew me for several years and have seen many fights with "Springfield", school club Cova, who was a top contender "Rockmount", constantly occupying the second place in those years when we won the double. "I would not want you to come to the" Cove Remblers "Roy?" - Eddie asked. "I have already signed a contract with the" City "- I replied. "When?" "Yesterday!" "Wait a minute. I'll call the association to find out whether you claimed. " Know I'd much depended on that call, I would have died instantly. "Cork City" and did not bother to send the association the document that I signed. I told Eddie that I signed a contract with "Remblers" only if they give me a place on courses FAS. He gave his consent. The deal was made and the documents sent to Dublin by express mail. Cove was formerly known as Kuinztaun and among other things, that was the last port of call for the liner "Titanic" before he went down, making his infamous voyage across the Atlantic in 1912. Over the next eight months I was training like a pro and got 30 pounds per week, plus compensation for travel expenses and an additional 40 pounds in prize money (10 per win, 5 for a draw) when entered into the first team, "Cova", which was already in for several weeks. The course took place in Palmerstown, west Dublin area. Leaving home was experienced particularly difficult to me, although I do not fly away to the moon. I'm still lost when dealing with strangers, and therefore the presence of Len Downie eased my existence. In terms of training and constant travel rate regime was simply inhumane. After Sunday's games for our local clubs Len and I went to Dublin on the first train on Monday morning. We trained every day from ten to twelve and from two to four. Work more intensive and consisted of a routine set of activities aimed at improving every aspect of the game.Morning we started to warm up and stretch marks. Then work with the ball, alternating games in which we divided into four groups of six and spent three matches against the three special gates of smaller sizes. We played on my feelings, not a life or death. Maurice Price was one of the leaders of our courses. In addition, he was a member of the coaching staff Jackie Charlton first team in Ireland, which a year ago came in the final of the European Championships in Germany, but its players and coaches returned home as national heroes after defeating England 1-0 in Stuttgart. Of course, I wanted to impress the coach, who was so close to the center of our football universe. The most striking event of the course became matches with various Irish youth teams who performed with us training games in preparation for international meetings. These matches were horrible sight: we, the guys from the course FAS, had to prove their worth in games with opponents, many of whom played for the leading English clubs. The daily schedule was just exhausting, especially for us guys in the hinterland, who trained, rode and played for their clubs. I enjoyed working hard in training. Moving from Cork to Dublin I was exhausted. But in my pocket a couple of pounds vodilas earned playing football. I was a professional player, although it was at the foot of what seemed to be a steep hill. Again, it should be noted that unemployment and all its attendant unpleasant consequences were then an essential feature of the working class of Ireland. Among my acquaintances in Mayfield, and even in my extended family, a decent work was valued highly. I made it into the first team, "Remblers" and was able to pocket about £ 50 a week. National Second Division was hard for a school boy of seventeen.Most of the players were focused on a semi-tough fight, which even in terms of skill and thought have played at this level, which I did not expect. Respect from both teammates and opponents, it was hard earned. Any game with the ball at the audience immediately punished. Try to just relax - and they immediately prizhmut you to the wall. Opponents do not take prisoners! Six months after the start of the course in the spring of 1990, I felt noticeably gained as a player. From the beginning I set a goal - to become the best player of course. But the daily training with the best young players of 23 countries, I realized one thing: some aptitude for it was not enough. To succeed, you had to have the fortitude and strength of the body. Physical training was by itself when you consider the amount of work I was doing. But the spirit was all the different and more complicated. Not everyone can withstand the constant cold winter morning workout on a muddy field under a piercing east wind blown recreation center. But I knew that if I could force myself to overcome the psychological barriers that for the other became an insurmountable obstacle, then I will achieve an important victory. Every day, when the work is coming to an end, I felt the rush of this meet, located on the other side of the barriers that you overcame. While the first team, "Cove Remblers" stuck in the middle of the standings, a team led by junior Eddie O `Rourke took one step after another in the Cup for the country's 18-year-olds. It was there that I was able to apply those skills and the progress I've made. I added in the growth and strength. I was no longer the Runt. For several months, I grew from boy to man. I've always had a strong will, and now I had more muscle and to support it. Kamikaze has become a football player, who had understanding of the game, its ebb and flow. Controlling your emotions, I could control the rhythm of the game.I was not Glenn Hoddle, and he was no longer my favorite player. While I was still a fan of the "Hotspur", became a role model for me of Bryan Robson, "Manchester United". His ability to play in the selection, the way he scored goals, and ubiquitous presence on the field in the "Manchester United" and England was proof that you can become a great player without even having to stock two or three spectacular tricks with the ball . Robson was not bright. He inspired respect. My main goal this season was hit in the Republic of Ireland for players younger than 18 years. An important factor to accomplish this goal, it was a good performance in the Cup. When we got to play a lot with the "Belvedere Boys," the best team in Dublin, we desperately embraced the news. The good news is that we have served as the home team, but I was frustrated by a draw - 1:1, despite the fact that the equalizer. On the day of the replay, February 18, 1990, from the beginning everything went wrong. The bus, which was supposed to pick us up in the Cove, too late. On the roads there were many traffic jams. Most of the roads we had, and kept looking nervously at his watch. Will we have time for the beginning of the match? We arrived in Feyrvyu Park - big and blown by winds from all sides a public park - a minute before the starting whistle. "Belvedere" defeated us 4-0. It was a total fucking mess, the cat-in-hell-and-mouse, and so it seems to Cork - to give more boys from Dublin, an easy puzzle to which they are easily handled in his typical arrogant manner. If I played like crazy on that day, it was because he felt the only player on the team. "Belvedere" enjoyed great success - in the Park Feyrvyu many people had gathered to watch the match. I've been playing for themselves. Even when I realized that the game was up, I did not wind down. I will show, I thought to myself, these bastards out of Dublin, as necessary, their mother, playing. I was like obsessed with a strange mix of anger, despair, and pride in themselves.This feeling can change the course of games, and even in the most hopeless situation, with it you can find a way out. But not that day in Feyrvyu. After the match we went to a bar to drink a glass of orange juice and eat a sandwich. John O'Rourke, vice president, "Remblers" came and sat next to me, "Roy, was a scout at the game of" Nottingham Forest. " He said that they want to call you on the show. " My heart is not beating with joy. Where is the scout? - Was my first reaction. If he was so impressed with my game, why he himself did not speak about it? .. Memories of "Brighton" is still alive in my heart. "He said he will contact with you" - John continued. He just passed on what he said. Several weeks passed and I got a call from the "Cova", asking if I could meet with a scout from the "Forest" by Noel McCabe at the hotel "Aisling". I immediately liked Noel, as soon as he opened his mouth. He was honest and open in his conversation with me. He asked me to come to watch and not a contract that is not within its competence. "But you're a player, typical of the" Forest ", son. You can pass the ball without hardship, to work on the penalty to the penalty and score goals. Brian Clough you approach you "- he assured me Noel. He impressed me as honest and direct person. Now the joy I suppressed the in Feyrvyu, lunging out. I am in some unknown sense understood here it finally happened. My chance finally came. I'm ready. I swore after the fiasco with the "Brighton" that believe in his English dream, when I hold a ticket in hand. And I have no doubt that McCabe will keep his word. I just re-ran into yet another disappointment in life. I got a ticket. But when he arrived in Nottingham, is no match for the show was not. Every day there I was waiting for him, every day, worked with youth team coach Archie Gemmill. Where did Brian Clough? .. Liam O'Kane? .. Ronnie Fenton? At the end of the week I was given a one-way ticket home. "We will get back with you" - I was told. "Well, how did it go?"- Asked me to the" Cove ". "Nothing is held", - I answered. I contact with Noel McCabe. He calls the "Forest". There was a discrepancy. I'll be back there in April. When I returned to the "Nottingham", a couple of days to train reservists club. I was told that I play for 'Forest' against 'the Tranmere Rovers' League in Midland County. At the game, Liam O'Kane and chief scout, "Forest" Alan Hill. It's now or never! Stadium "Tranmere" was empty. I did not care. I learned to make himself the surrounding atmosphere in the head. Playing on the "garden" Mayfield and training field Palmerstown, I found the ability to heat itself, regardless of the environment and all those annoying excuse for bad stadiums in the National League. In the match against "Trenmera" gray afternoon in late spring that I've been taught and what did not seem to matter much, showed itself in full measure. I played well, pass, escaped, drifted into rolled up, won the bad balls in the air. I have replaced in the 70th minute. We already went through. But this time I felt that everything goes as it should. The next day Brian Clough told me that he was going to buy out my contract. The necessary preparation for negotiations with "Remblers Cove." I am afraid they will ask too much. I figured that I was standing about 5,000 pounds. John O'Rourke, vice president and John Mead led a delegation of "Remblers Cove" in negotiations with the "Forest". The club enlisted the assistance of a former player of "Chelsea" and John Hollins England, who was familiar with the conduct of such cases. Negotiations on the part of "Nottingham" was headed by Ronnie Fenton. When started trading, I tried not to betray emotion. The guys from "Kowa" said the big money. Things went not in the right direction, while Brian Clough was not included in the study. It was an old, tattered green sweater, and next to him - his golden retriever. I've been playing with the dog and the rest were talking about money. Clough ordered that Ronnie Fenton gave the "gentlemen of Ireland," to drink. "He's good?"- Asked Clough Fenton, pointing at me. "He can play a little, boss" - the answer Fenton. Now, the conversation appeared larger amounts. First 20,000 pounds, then another 10,000 after the first ten games, and even 10,000, when I will play 20 matches for "Forest." "Cove" will get another 7000, when my account will be five goals for the national team of Ireland. "The deal is done, Mr. Clough" - I heard from John O'Rourke. "These funds do not go in your pocket, do not you?" - Barked at him Clough. "Mr. Clough, we had to take a day off to come here. It costs us money, "- said O'Rourke. "Okay, Ronnie, give them money." Turning to our delegation, he added: "You can call me Brian. Now let us drink. " Turning to me and the dog, he barked: "Except you. Call me Mr. Clough. " "Tough guy" - I thought. "Forest" has signed a contract with me three years with a salary of 250 pounds per week, 50 of which went to pay rent at home, home to two football players. I also received a lift in the amount of 1500 pounds per year. Frankly, I would agree to play and for a fraction of what was. Mr. Clough told me to come to the pre-season training in July. Feeling himself a millionaire, I'm back in Cork. Over the next few weeks, I ate and drank far more than the norm. II I already paid for their feasts, when he returned to the location of "Forest". The first week was hell. Some days we do not see the ball, running, paying attention first and foremost the development of endurance, physical fitness, and in the intervals spent restoring the exercise. Finally we were given balls. I survived the worst - physical torture, but now began to enjoy their work. "Forest" won the League Cup a week before my arrival. The first team played outstanding football mozhestvo. Stuart Pearce, Des Walker and Steve Hodge played for England, Nigel Clough is already knocking at the door of the team. It was noticeable that Pierce had a strong character.He had just returned from the World Cup, where not scored the decisive penalty shootout in the semifinals. But this fact does not affect his credibility. As part of reservists I trained with Steve Stone, Ian Scott Gemmill Uoanom and the son of a junior team coach Archie, who stood out among the others. Philip Starbuck was another outstanding player doubles, played a few games for the first team. Brian Clough rarely attend training. Liam O 'Kane spent training with the first team, and Archie Gemmill coached us. Although Clough could not see his presence felt. His golden retriever, Del, as usual, appeared on the field, signaling his approach. Suddenly everything started to work with even greater zeal. Except me. I always shook the whole piece of metal. I loved my job if you can call it so, and every day felt stronger and stronger, getting used to working professional. My present life seemed a paradise. In the locker room doubles my youthful enthusiasm is not shared by all. I was surprised and even shocked by the attitude to work some of the players. They are always grumbling. Some were unhappy that they were not photographed together with the first team, considering it a bad sign before the season started. Perhaps it was, but what the fuck! With this you can somehow cope! To listen to them, since Archie Gemmill was a freak, and Brian Clough - a bum. We have experienced heavy load. Season has not started yet, but these guys have whined, looking for justification for his failure. I vowed never to be a whiner. If only these guys knew how many guys would give their right arm to sit here in this lovely summer day and get paid for playing football. When the first team went to the pre-season training in Italy, I went with players younger than 21 years at a tournament in Holland. "Sporting" (Lisbon), "Barcelona", "Eindhoven" and "Haarlem", taking the competition were our rivals. We easily beat "Sporting" 2-0 in the first match.I felt like a fish in water. The Portuguese were well treated with the ball, but were weak in the "physics". Then we smashed "Eindhoven" 5-1 and I scored my first goal of the professional team. In the next game we lost, "Haarlem," 0-2, which put in place the bulk of the younger players. Nevertheless, we reached the semi-finals, where we were met with "Barcelona". The Spaniards took the lead from the very first minutes of the match. But as soon as we tuned up the pace, they began to simulate and "dive". We drove them to death, playing confidently in the selection and raspasovyvaya balls, which won 3-1. In the finals we played again with the "Haarlem." The game was tense. Phil Starbuck scored a goal back with a "point", making the expense of 1:1, which meant holding penalties. All remembered what happened at the last World Cup, when England flew out of the tournament, losing in the semi-finals in West Germany on penalties. We have not played at the same rate, but I have no doubt that rent my first serious test as a player, "Forest", and it successfully passed. My first task for the season was a place in the starting lineup Reserves "Forest". So the tournament in the Netherlands has given me confidence. First Pre-season game at home was against an amateur club. I started the match on the bench. It's a little upset me, because the game was attended by Brian Clough, and I wanted to impress him. He came into the locker room and asked Archie Gemmill exit. Only some time later, found out about their conversation. Clough: "I would like to look at the Irishman. Replace his son (he played in midfield). " Archie: "I will set him in the second half." Shortly after the start of the second half of the meeting, I saw Clough coming to the brow, "Archie! - He snapped. - Produces an Irishman. " Over the next fifteen minutes, nothing happened. I hung up the nose. Twenty minutes before the end of the game Archie led the field with Scott and I put up.I feel that I was on the field only because of the fact that my presence had to endure, but it showed all that was capable of remaining time. My first week in the "Forest" only confirmed what I suspected: the world was full of those who always bluffing, and whiners the guys who have the title of a professional and do not meet the requirements, confirming their status. And they are outraged Archie Gemmill behavior, who played for Scotland and won national championships at the Cup of Champions! And as a coach, who won two championships with modest clubs - "Forest" and "Derby" and two Cup champions. This is not a joke! I am not a paragon of virtue, and prove that time. But at the very beginning of my career I realized the difference between the respect from people like Gemmill, Clough and Stuart Pearce, and so when you just call yourself a professional. I wanted to be like them and to reach their level and knew I had a lot of work. But for me it did not take long, as I thought. A few days later was followed by a dramatic and disturbing event. On Saturday, "Forest" opened the season in the first division, playing in their stadium with the "Queens Park Rangers" - 1:1. Nigel jamesonite scored from the penalty spot. I was interested spectator. The setting was gorgeous, and the lawn looked like a perfect carpet. That's the way I had imagined in the first division football. The result disappointed "Forest", which was still among the leading clubs in the country, setting the tone in the championship over the previous few years. In the doubles match, I went on the field, when we were ten minutes, and could do nothing. After the game I joined the rest of the players heading for the town to binge. Skipping a few pints of beer, I fell into bed. It was nearly two o'clock in the morning. The next morning I went to the gym. The first team played in the day to "Anfield" (stadium "Liverpool." - VS).As soon as I appeared on "City Ground", experiencing a slight hangover from last night, me and Phil Starbuck, sitting in the locker room, approached Ronnie Fenton. "You go to the" Enfield ", - he said. - And do not forget your boots. " These are for! Well, I thought Phil played a couple games for the first team - he was a talented player, so his attraction to the game was the natural course of things. I probably needed in order to gain experience and to help carry bags to our manager, engaged in a form. But ... Stuart Pearce, Steve Hodge and Terry Wilson was found to have been injured. The first team arrived in Liverpool the night before, so I got in the car Phil Ronnie Fenton. On the way to Liverpool, we stopped at a Derby trainer. Brian Clough lived in a large private house. I was instructed to ring the doorbell. "Ah, an Irishman, how are you?" "Okay, boss." He comes in and gives me a full three-quarter bottle of milk. "That's an Irishman. Drink up. " God, I hate milk! "I do not like milk, boss." "Drink." "Shut up, Roy ... and drink it! " "Thanks, boss." And the contents of the bottle directs me to the stomach. Meanwhile, Mr. and Mrs. Clough exchanged strong words. Obviously, she had more courage than I do. "Come on, Irish, we're leaving." "So far, Mrs Clough. Nice to meet you. " On arrival at the hotel, which housed the first team, we went to Pre-match lunch. I stayed next to Phil, who was the only player who is familiar to me. I still felt not quite ready to to meet all necessary requirements. "Enfield" seemed very spacious. An hour before the start of the game in the stadium heard the hum of voices. The team "Liverpool" was considered as an aristocrat of English football. Ian Rush, Peter Beardsley, John Barnes, Ray Houghton and Ronnie Whelan. They all played for different teams. Such a situation like Brian Clough.If other teams were defeated before they saw the famous inscription "This is a" Enfield ", leading from the corridor on the field, Clough liked confrontation with the legends" Enfield ", and he gave his commitment to the players. To somehow be helpful, I started to help carry bags to our manager. "The Irishman, what are you doing?" "Help" - was my answer. "Take a t-shirt with the seventh number. Do you play. " "Sorry?" "You're playing." It was a shock. Fortunately, I did not even have time to think about what I'm going to debut in first division. Against the best team in Britain. On the "Anfield". For forty-five minutes can make a lot of things. For example, to present itself as the main players, "Forest", which had no clue about who this "Irish". In the warm up on the field, I answered questions. "Repeat your name, son?" "Roy" - I replied. They were great! Their attitude was friendly and meant only one thing: "Good luck, son!" Strange, but I was calm when he left the locker room. Clough, as always, was wound up. He was not afraid to assert their opinion and taking into account all the circumstances, do not put pressure on me. Despite the fact that "Liverpool" beat us easily in the evening 2-0 - Rush and Beardsley scored a goal, I felt I did everything right. A lot of fans in the "Anfield" knew a lot about football, playing in front of them was a pleasure. My game has caused a positive response from the audience, who, despite their commitment to one team, do not hesitate to express your feelings when it was necessary to estimate a good football no matter who played. But that evening at "Anfield" and I witnessed the almost total lack of patriotism. Dubliner Ronnie Whelan, welcoming the start of his young career, a compatriot of Roy Mayfield-like there-his-name, which nearly blew his head off, taking away the ball. I participated in a collision with Ray Houghton. This meeting is Irish, from which the cracked bone, was also devoid of mutual affection.Counts the number of times in his career, I was glad to leave the field after a defeat. We have done everything in our power. And if you guys knew my name at the beginning of the match, but now I felt that they remember him. When I called his father after the game to tell him that played against the "Liverpool", he was as shocked as I did a couple of hours ago. "How'd it go, son?" - He asked. I said, "Okay." Now that I have experienced the taste of real football, my goal was to place at the base of the first team. When I met Brian Clough in the locker room, "the City Ground," the next morning, he asked me my name. "Roy" - I replied. Then he took off his shoes, which were dirty from walking with his dog. "You do not clean them for me, Roy?" I was happy to comply with his request. I understand why he does it. I kept his place in the composition and in the away match with "Coventry" next Saturday. We played a draw, which would be a victory, if I used a great chance at the end of the match. In the next round I debuted at the home stadium of the game with "Southampton." My mom and dad with two guys came to play. The next morning I went to look at the game alternates. Archie Gemmill was furious when he saw me at the edge. "What are you doing here? You have an important match today. Go home and rest. " When you're nineteen, and in the morning will make its debut at the stadium of your team, not so easy to relax. Especially when your family travels from Cork to attend this important event for you. "The City Ground," and fans "Forest" will remain forever in my heart. Players often say that they do not notice visitors. And it's true - the more experience you have amassed, the less you act on the rostrum, whether you're playing at their stadium or at a party. But part of the game is to communicate with stands - or you force them to shut up, or to reciprocate the passion of its fans, especially the part that understands football.My first game at "the City Ground" was finished ten minutes before the final whistle, when I replaced Brian Clough. We were 3-1. I participated in the first gol and spent a good match. When considering all the circumstances, especially the fact that the game was present, my family, the debut of this one could only dream of. Supporters carried me off the field, standing applauding. I was happy and at the same time confused. I was in the locker room and was about to go into the shower, when I was approached by Archie Gemmill and said that the boss would like to bring me up to the field. To my surprise I went after Archie. I was even more surprised when Brian Clough hugged me and kissed on the cheek, to the delight and amazement of the audience. It was an amazing final glorious day. The presence of my parents and brothers, and Noel McCabe, who came specially to see my first game at the stadium "Forest", reminded me how much my life has changed over the last six months since then, as the "Cove Remblers" were routed 0: 4 Feyrvyu Park. In the future I will have a small tiff with Brian Clough, but I will never forget how and what he did for me. He was canny, prepared for the fact that to be a tough non-conformist, opposing public opinion. On the day of the match with "Southampton" Clough behaved politely pointed out to my family. Despite all its merits, Clough could be a simple man, that is not often the case with living legends. Over the next few months, the transitional period in my life completely over. Week after week I played against players and clubs, for which I watched on TV last season. In October, we played with 'Tottenham' to 'City Ground. " My first meeting with the club for which I was ill. And with Paul Gascoigne, whose tears at the world championships last summer, made him an idol. He adored the whole country, and it has caused renewed interest in the English nation in football that led to the creation of the Premier League with a multimillion-dollar contracts from the «Sky Television».Partners Gazza in the team Stuart Pearce and Des Walker warned me before the game that he would try to provoke me. And so it happened - he verbally abused me, screaming that I was an Irish cripple, who did not understand anything of horseradish in the game. Many of his words passed my ears. I did not understand his accent. In fact, he was very funny. Alas, such sverhodarenny player wasted his energy on something that I provoke. Brian Clough was sympathetic to my request, let me go home for a few days. Usually, I approached him with this question after Saturday's match, which ended well for us, and his answer is almost not different from the old, "Go, my son, see you on Thursday." The only thing that bothered me is that I have not scored any goals for "Nottingham." Only in December, I marked the first goal in the championship match against the 'Sheffield United' to 'Bremoll Lane. " But, unfortunately, we did failed. My next goal in the meeting with "Wimbledon" turned out to be victorious. Soon Brian Clough called me into his office. Under the terms of my contract I provided to the club car. "The Irishman, take it" - he said, throwing on the table a bunch of car keys. I got a brand new car brands, "Ford Orion." I was in seventh heaven. This was another symbol of progress and proof that the last six months have not been sleeping. And I care about my car as a child. Every Sunday I was cleaning it. I often went without a purpose, just to get pleasure from my "cars". In the FA Cup with the "Crystal Palace" I first felt the atmosphere of this competition, which in 1991 was of great importance for the players. Reaching the final at the "Wembley" was the cherished dream of every professional and every fan in England. Success in the FA Cup has been especially important for Brian Clough - he was the only major trophy that he had not yet won. By lot, we had to play on the "Crystal Palace".We have clung to zero tie. In the replay on the "City Ground," we were in the score was 2:1, when I was too weak sent the ball back goalkeeper Mark Crossley, which led to dire consequences. Mark managed to hit the ball, but right at John herring, which threw the ball over the goalkeeper with a forty-five meters. Their mother! When I walked into the locker room after the game, Clough punched me in the face. "Do not give the ball back goalkeeper!" He shouted, standing over me as I lay on the floor. I felt pain and was stunned - stunned too, to do something about it, and only nodded in agreement. My honeymoon with Clough and professional football is over. Sometimes in the locker room becomes unbearable, there can not be forgiven much. Knockdown of Clough was part of my lessons. Realizing how much pressure he feels, I did not keep him injury. He did not apologize, but next week I was given several days off, so I went home to Cork. After the second replay with a "Crystal Palace", in which we won 3-0, "Forest" play dropped away from the "Newcastle" in 1 / 16. All matches were held in Newcastle in a hard struggle. Fifteen minutes later we conceded two unanswered goals. In the face of Stuart Pearce, we had a player who really answered all the definitions of the pros. Pierce was the leader, a true professional, he has proved in the cup matches. He led the others by his example. He infected everyone with his intransigence. When some players started to drop their heads, Pierce noticed this and encouraged them. One had to be strong language, the other - a pat on the shoulder. We desperately fought at the stadium, "St. James' Park to remedy the situation. Despite the fact that Stuart Pearce has played at left-back position, he was the main driving force behind the team. At such moments, this "Obsessed", seemed to play like a psychopath. He acted tough in the selection. He could not get to shake the faint of heart attackers. His magnificent left it easily controlled with the ball. In the game with "Newcastle United" his contribution to the success was decisive.It reduced the gap in the account. Nigel Clough has restored the balance for two minutes before the break. It is for this game Brian Clough and Stuart Pearce appreciated. Most of the contenders in a collision with a pencil Pierce. This cup match was an important lesson for me. The will to win and desire are important components of the game. The strength of spirit in our fight with a rival was more important than mere skill. We can easily beat the "Newcastle" in the replay 3-0. And again in the next round we had to play at a party - this time with "Southampton." Soon after the game with "Newcastle United", I was summoned to the foreign tour of Ireland national team. This trip coincided in time with the guest play, "Forrest" against "Bansli" in a commercial tournament "Cup Zenit Deyta Systems." Needless to say that Brian Clough was counting on me. "Forest" was my livelihood, so I advised the Football Association of Ireland would not be able to attend. I phoned Maurice Price, my trainer at courses FAS. He assured me that I need to go. I explained to him that he must play for 'Forest'. "Hey, Roy. Big Jack said that if you refuse to travel, you're never going to play for Ireland, "- replied Price. For some time, feeling embarrassed, I quickly poraskinul brains. It took me less than thirty seconds to make a decision. "If he says, then so be it, Maurice" - so I said politely, as far as was possible in this situation. I owe to Brian Clough and "Forest" to all that I have. I was proud of his Irish origins, but the "Forest" gave me a salary. It is to him I must be true. I was disappointed by the fact that Charlton is trying to intimidate a player like me. We are tied in eighth finals of the FA Cup with "Southampton", and Nigel jamesonite hat-trick in a re-meeting, which allowed us to achieve an easy victory.Finale to "Wembley" now seemed achievable task, in spite of the fact that we had to play with, "Norwich", and again at a party. On the way to "Carrow Road," our bus broke down. We had to walk the last three miles to the stadium. At the head of the procession, to the surprise of fans, "Norwich" was Brian Clough. As to the "Wembley" both teams had only two matches, the game took place in the tough, tough fight. Again, Stuart Pearce was our inspiration in this difficult match in which the opponent is constantly kept us under pressure. Again, his presence on the field has become important components of our success. 0-0 was for us an acceptable result. But the replay was not needed, since I scored a goal at end of the match. Another battle won, it won another victory of the spirit, embodied in Stuart Pearce, our leader. Satisfied, I asked Brian Clough to give me a few days off for the trip home. "See you on Friday '- was the short answer Clough. III Our semi-final match with the "West Ham" to "Villa Park" was the easiest in the whole tournament. After the first fifteen minutes, when the players 'West Ham' hit the goalposts, they have no courage left. They certainly did not help and removing their center-forward Tony Gale at the fifteenth minute. But by the time we started winning all mikrodueli across the field, again led by example Stuart Pearce. Traditionally, the semifinal matches of the FA Cup run in a bitter struggle. Opportunity to enter the finals at the "Wembley" makes the team play with caution. Fear of losing is felt particularly acutely - no one wants to make a mistake that could put an end to the discharge of their dreams. A combination of clever tactics pans Brian Clough and determination "possessed" helped us out on the field in an overwhelming state of mind. Meaning of Clough was simple and soothing on the nerves: "It's just another game, play our own game and win."He did not mention that the FA Cup is the only major trophy, which is missing in his collection of awards, although it was written in all the newspapers. In addition, he made no mention of statistics that say not in our favor, and as well as the press wrote: "Forest" won only two of eleven semi-final matches of the FA Cup, in which he participated. Looking around the locker room, I felt no fear. Stuart Pearce, Des Walker and Steve Hodge played for England. Gary Charles, I, Nigel and Gary Crosby jamesonite, despite his youth and lack of experience, received a boost of energy from older teammates, especially from Stuart Pearce. But there was something that made me wonder. Besides the fact that Stuart Pearce, Des Walker and Brian Clough did not feel any fear, they rushed into battle and were looking forward to the match. "Go, go! Play fun - because we worked for just such critical games, "- it seemed, they said. I felt positive emotions, when I came out of the locker room to take part in the most important match of my career. That's what I always wanted. "West Ham" played in the second division, having a chance of reaching the first. Gary Crosby, I, Stuart Pearce and Gary Charles scored a goal and we won 4-0. In the other semifinal, "Tottenham" beat "Arsenal". Brian Clough will make another attempt to take the FA Cup. One year later, after a meeting with Noel McCabe I was preparing for "Wembley". Two weeks before the finals I damaged ligaments ankle in the championship match. It was a serious blow. I passionately wanted to play against the "Hotspur" to "Wembley". But I knew that the leadership of "Forest" does not make me a match, until I prove its readiness. On Monday I was supposed to play in the doubles to determine my condition. I played that game with a bandage on her ankle. Almost normal. On Thursday, ignoring common sense, Brian Clough named the starting lineup yet, two days before the final.I was named among the others and was put in place a player for England Steve Hodge. We arrived in London on Thursday. When we arrived at the hotel, Ron Fenton said that Steve and I are going to live in one room. I do not know what these psychological experiment to prove to Brian Clough. I've never shared a room with Steve, and in these circumstances, each of us obviously feel uncomfortable. Like me, Steve was not a talkative guy. We did not want to discuss what lodged in our brain and most of us worried: his withdrawal from the mine and of course a huge step to the final FAS to "Wembley". Another important issue for all players, "Forest" had tickets for the final. Our limit of twenty tickets guarantee a source of headache for each. Friends, family, relatives, anyone who has once done you a favor (or once did me a favor with your friends, family or relatives) - all wanted to get tickets for the final. It was a matter of life and death, a heavy burden for the players who were preparing for an important football match. My ankle still bothered me. The atmosphere in the room was tense. But I can say with certainty that the forty-eight hours before the final I'm most jolted out of tickets. From my family and friends, I received a request forty-five tickets. I just gain enemies. Now it is difficult to believe that my memories of the first important match in his career were related to the search for the precious tickets. It seemed that the match comes to the whole of Cork. What should have been a significant milestone in my career has turned into a nightmare. Only forty-five minutes before the match I started to prepare for the game. Search tickets negatively affected my condition. When we came out on the field after Brian Clough, I was crushed. I was squeezed like a lemon and not feel under your feet down, spending all their energy in the previous eight hours. Yes, and my ankle was not in the best condition. Press has prepared her for the final example program "Spurs" - "Forest".Commentators said that the "Wembley" is a good place to Paul Gascoigne has proved that it is worth adoration, which England had for him after his tearful departure from the world championship last year. Gazza strikes the hour in this game? Other circumstances match, as the newspapers concerned Brian Clough. Can he finish his great career coach, got hold of the Cup, which he did not manage to win? Going to this "great scene", it was hard to concentrate. The fans behaved noisily, but they were far away. Brian Clough briskly marched ahead of us, holding the arm of Terry Venables. Prince Charles shook hands with me. Gazza like a madman. Two minutes after the match Gascoigne "knocked out" by Gary Parker kick in the chest by adopting one of the techniques of kung fu. We looked at the judge. In vain. His eyes glistened. As with Gascoigne. It was evident that he went out of control. Maniac. Crazy. Ten minutes later, Gascoigne was on a stretcher. Gary Charles knocked the ball long before they arrived in time for him Gascoigne. As a result, he injured himself. As it turned out, this is a cruciate ligament injury, which he paid to himself and also had an influence on Gazza's career - he no longer went to the previous level. Unbelievable, but this time the referee did not punish him for his rough play against Charles! As always, Stuart Pearce was excellent. When Gazza went into the tunnel, Pierce scored a great goal from the penalty area. We were on the bill by a margin of one goal at halftime. I was tormented by my ankle, but I did not want to admit that I could not hold out for another forty five minutes. The second half of the game was terrible. In the first half, Mark Crossley saved a penalty goal after a performance of Gary Lineker. But the "Spurs" put pressure on us. The response goal was inevitable. And so it happened, and the game moved into the mainstream of extra time. Despite the ailing ankle, I mustered all his strength, but could not really help the team.My feet are tired of the turf, the fans remained distant spot, creating background noise, resulting in a bereavement in touch with them, which is characteristic for the usual Saturday matches. When Des Walker scored the own goal and gave the 'Spurs' victory, it seemed appropriate ending nightmare of the day. Tickets, ankle, Gazza, a hotel room with a guy I kicked out of! In the locker room I was devastated. I got two lessons from this Cup. The first has only strengthened my belief that football is primarily a game command. Then as a coach, "the Spurs' Terry Venables has reorganized his team after the departure of Gazza was very impressive. If Gazza was, we could neutralize him, leaving the "Spurs" no chance to threaten our goal. However, rival rearranged their ranks and achieved the result by the fact that the whole team, "Spurs" was better than the sum of its individual components. Also, I realized how much you can draw from a variety of football affairs - in my case it was the tickets. It took me a long time to use those lessons in life. I also felt as far as the hype in the press around the cup can suck you, make you forget that the Cup final - it's just another football game. By this loser in this case was Paul Gascoigne, who suffered for what I wanted to meet the expectations of the press and make it a heavy burden on their fragile shoulders. I know that, despite the defeat of the "Forest", the experience was good for me. The defeat of the "Wembley" put me down from heaven to earth. Immediately after the FA Cup final I was drafted into the Republic of Ireland, which took in a friendly match at the stadium Chile national team, "Lansdowne Road." This was my first meeting with Jack Charlton, or as it is called, Big Jack, whose success with the Republic of Ireland made him a national hero. I was glad that I was invited to the team, but my first stay in the team was not anything memorable. Ireland did not know defeat at the "Lansdowne Road" for five matches.Chileans almost broke the series. Only a goal by David Kelly for ten minutes before the end of the meeting has allowed us to complete the match a draw. My contribution to the team game was hardly unique. Charlton's approach to football differed sharply from what we see in "Forest". The game was not a pass for him in the first place. He demanded that every area of the field created by the numerical superiority, he did emphasize that to disarm an opponent, but not to play constructive football. His tactic was to throw the long ball behind defense opponents and then fight for them on another side of the field, where he hoped we could get them wrong. Such a primitive approach, which the performers were a few outstanding players, helped the Republic of Ireland at that time to enter the two major tournaments - Euro 88 and Italia 90. "Davie them!" - Such was the conviction of Jack. "Do not be mistaken, not drawn on its side of the field" - seemed, he said. Similarly, not knowing what is expected of me, except physical effort, which has made me happy, I wanted to understand whether Charlton to offer something more than his "magic formula". Time has shown that it was all his life tactical units. After a successful first season of Brian Clough offered me a new contract stipulating a salary of £ 700 per week plus 15,000 pounds, which were issued at the signing of the agreement. In October, I played his first official match for the national team of Ireland, which met in the qualifying tournament played in Europe with the national team of Poland. To break into the Euro-92, needed a victory. By keeping the score 3-1, we conceded two goals at the end of the match and gave the Poles a point that they, frankly, deserve. Matches in the Republic of Ireland were to me quite strange lessons. In the very foundations of football Charlton wing a contradiction. On the one hand, he demanded of us that we did not lose the ball, but on the other hand, insisted that we played a long pass, which is why most of the game ball owned rival.His idea was to force the opponent to make mistakes. Going forward, pressinguya, we did not allow him to establish his own tempo game. A creative approach to the game was not included in the plans of national team of Ireland Charlton. He did not encourage deviation from its mounting on the game. Was always the risk that you could bring him into a rage, if you try to do something original. It was clear that he did not trust even the best players in the team of Ireland and not allow them to play at the football, they are used in their clubs. That's what some have paid our outstanding players, including Liam Brady, Ronnie Whelan and whose career was finished in the team after they fell out of favor with Charlton. We needed time to get used to the football, which require us to Charlton. Republic of Ireland football fans were great as at home games and away. We have never achieved much success in football, so it was necessary first of all a good game, not the result. And if you be fair to Charlton, it is necessary to say that we achieved good results in many meetings with the countries which possess large resources of football than Ireland. Charlton did not believe that we have in the structure of high quality players who can not only catch up with the skill of the players of European teams, but to surpass them in any part of the game. My perception of the football contrary to popular opinion in Ireland that Jack Charlton - is a football genius who has managed a hundred and eighty degrees to change the position in the team and get good results with it, forcing players to change their understanding of the game. In the second season of "Forest" I played twice on the "Wembley" - at the end of "Zenith Deyta Systems Cup" and "Rambelouz Cap" (League Cup). Brian Clough has signed a contract with Teddy Sheringham from "Millwall", adding sharpness to our attacks. "Rambelouz Cap" was important for the teams of the Premier League.I scored the winning goal in overtime in the semifinal match against the 'Tottenham' to 'White Hart Lane. " With each match, I felt stronger and better prepared in the course of his second season of his professional career. Now I had established a reputation, I was famous, so I paid an opponent more attention. I never stopped learning. How to get rid of a guardian, how to control the game, how to choose the time for the races into the penalty opponent. But perhaps most importantly - from their lessons I have learned that every game you must win a duel with his rival in your sector of the field. I was lucky that I got into a good team, which has provided invaluable support to a great coach. Stuart Pearce, Des Walker, Nigel Clough and Teddy Sheringham were high quality players. It was clear that, although we find it difficult to compete for the championship with the leading clubs, including the "Liverpool", "Arsenal", "Manchester United" and "Leeds", we can play with them at the same level, when in the mood. But on the whole season, "Forest" was not able to adequately resist them. We took the eighth place in the championship and lost to "Manchester United" in the finale of "Rambelouz Cap." Once again we were not in the spirit of playing the "Wembley", and although we fought, but still "United" won the match 1-0. Despite the fact that we played twice on the "Wembley" and more or less successfully completed the championship, the "City Ground" and reigned around him feel like "Forest" is lower than its level. Announced the establishment of the Premier League. A contract was signed with the broadcaster, "Sky Television." This deal promised fabulous profits for the leading clubs, which are separated from the rest of the league. Under the leadership of Brian Clough, "Forest" won the championship in his time, and two European Cup. Such an incredible achievement has been achieved without infusion of Finance in transfer deals with famous players. Indeed, it was like a miracle.Concern about the fate of "Forest" in the Premier League was associated with the ever-growing feeling among fans that Brian Clough was not so legendary coach, able to new conditions to achieve success with the club, which had not been able to acquire players. In the locker room the players belonged to Clough in different ways: some of his fear, he did not like the others, while others grumbled that they often do not. My opinion about Clough was due to the fact that was decisive for me: he gave me a chance, and I owed him everything that I have. How many coaches will put their reputation on the line, putting an inexperienced youngster of nineteen in the first team, and even to "Anfield"? Watching the mood in the locker room, I began to understand more clearly what many pros thought the whole world something they have to. Come to the gym, laughing and pobryuzzhat for a couple hours, and then plunge into the comfort of their homes or to go shopping, or just a golf club ... After the good results they were bathed in glory. When the game does not go well, they blame others in this. This annoyed me. I am confident that my relatively late arrival in professional sports has become a major factor in shaping my attitude to Brian Clough and even the entire football team. I was obsessed with the great desire than others, but not more than Stuart Pearce. The more I watched Pierce, the more I was struck by his professionalism. Players complained about it. "Fuck you, Pierce" - they groaned when he required them to greater efforts whether in training or in the game. They whispered among themselves that he was "stingy bastard" with a bunch of money (it was!). So what? We paid for the work, and Stuart Pearce led others by example. He never demanded that to which he was not ready. I deeply respected for his knowledge of Clough in the game. He may have every day more and more rarely appeared in training, but during the match his presence and his keen eye radically changed the situation.If you do not fully perform its task, Clough is noticed. At first glance, a harmless error, which led to a missed goal after three or four minutes later, an unsuccessful attempt of selection, the lack of breakthrough at the right time or pass them will be rightly identified as the cause of a goal. And do not skip on the other finger, which was second nature to most players. He knew it, and you knew he knew. Every football match consists of thousands of details that together determine the outcome. A coach who can not notice these details, as did Clough in his clinical way, just bluffing. The game is full of those who are engaged in a bluff, who knows only that shout, "Roll up your sleeves," "Tune in to the game properly, 'and talk about what you should be proud to wear this shirt. The coach, who constantly uses the cliche - and there are many - do not know the most important thing. Brian Clough notices small details, facts, mikroepizody and makes all the correct conclusions. Clough has been its approach to other things. Once, when he was not in training, aides got the goods that we have worked with him. After half an hour lessons emerged Dell, dog trainer, for which he was, as usual, dressed in his jacket, green sweat suit and high boots. "What is this crap?" - Asked Clough Liam O `Kane, pointing to the load. Liam did not have time to open his mouth, as Clough ordered: "Take it away and remove the balls." This was his strength. And, as I think weakness, as the game has evolved while we were preparing to enter the premier league. Alas, as with Margaret Thatcher, whom he despised Clough, his days are gone. Around that time I noticed a beautiful girl in town nightclub. Her name was Teresa Doyle. I tried to please her, but she did not seem to notice. She had a serious romance with a guy and a great footballer Roy Keane did not make her any impression. I think that I then had the reputation of a loser, though I could not really explain why.I knew one of her friends, who told me that Teresa was the daughter of a dentist assistant. Eventually she broke up his relationship with another guy, and we began to leave the community together. I was in love. We became close friends. Theresa, despite the fact that I was born in Nottingham, had Irish roots. Her parents, Bray and Lusk, came from County Dublin. We playfully started a new championship, beating "Liverpool" 1-0 in a match, first broadcast on Sky Television. Goal at his own expense recorded Teddy Sheringham. Then began a nightmare of a series of six defeats. Alas, the Sheringham in September came in, "Tottenham". In October, we closed the tournament, conceding twenty-two goals in ten matches. "Forest" is in deep crisis. In these challenging times, my position is more complicated. Newspapers began to wonder what the top clubs going out of me to get. Mention "Blackburn", "Arsenal", "Aston Villa" and "Liverpool". The press wrote that the clubs are ready to beat England transfer record to sign a contract with me. If the "Forest" will take off from the Premier League and was said by many, Brian Clough will leave the club, what will become of me? I had a contract and pay 700 pounds a week, which was much less than other players. Prior to completion of the contract remained a half years. Around the same time called me friend Kenny Dalglish, and said that the head coach, "Blackburn" I would like to meet with me. Alan Shearer has just refused to go to the "Manchester United" from the "Southampton" by selecting "Blackburn", whose desire to win the Premier League was sponsored by Jack Walker. In the house of David O `Leary was scheduled to meet with Dalglish and his assistant in the" Blackburn "Ray Hartford. I was asked about the situation with my contract in the "Forest". When I said that I was offered a new contract, they began to persuade him not to sign. And if I sign a deal, it was necessary to include a paragraph that would permit me to leave the "Forest" in the event of relegation from the Premier League.I have made it clear that "Blackburn" was ready to set transfer record in English football in the 3.5 million pounds. I knew that these secret negotiations were against the rules, but such transactions are taken place. The newspapers wrote that I demanded one million pounds over three years in the "Forest". About the way it was. Kenny Dalglish indirectly conveyed that my salary is in the "Blackburn" will be 250 000 pounds a year, and 500 000 I get when signing the contract. In person and I get along Brian Clough with each other, despite his harsh words addressed to me in the press. "Keane - like a child waking up on Christmas morning and discovered the apple, orange and sweet in a sock. He wants more - Clough said in a local newspaper. - He's a very talented young man. He was everything comes easy, and in football he is loved everything, especially the players, "Forest". Keane is currently the most attractive property in the game, but it would bankrupt the club. We made him an offer. He has his thoughts on the matter, but it belongs to us eighteen months, and at present negotiations are frozen. I do not want to know about the stupid terms of the contract and that he would do, if we take off. I would like him to sign a reasonable contract that our budget can afford. " Stuart Pearce, whose devotion to the club and the authority was indisputable, he came to my aid after a morning workout. He went to all the players, asking them the same question: "Are you happy with your contract?". One by one the players gave a positive response. Pierce then shouted: "If you're happy, then leave Roy alone. He has the right to get more. " I was very grateful to Pierce. My talks with Ron Fenton kept secret from the press continued. He did not argue with my arguments that I was worth, "Forest" of 47 000, and now the club could sell me more than three million. He also admitted that my salary is 700 pounds a week was one of the lowest among first-team players.Still two stumbling blocks: point on which I could escape from the "Forest" in the event of his departure from the Premier League, and my call to 125 000 upon signing the contract. During the next negotiation Brian Clough entered the office of Ron Fenton. He asked me how things are moving. Ron told him about our disagreements. Without hesitation, Clough said: "Ron, give Roy that he asks." Half an hour later a contract was prepared. I was happy to sign an agreement for a period of three and a half years, although the soul does not think I could play it through. With the advent of Sky Television and the creation of the Premier League footballers wages grew at an astronomical progression. Tears of Gazza in Italy-90 did football fashion. The game began to pay attention and, of course, to us, the players. The continued existence of "Forest" in the Premier League now depended on the last two games. The defeat in the home match against "Sheffield United" or loss on the field, "Ipswich" meant parting with the league. The fact that my contract allowed me to leave the club if his departure is in no way affected by my zeal and desire to "Forest" has remained in the Premier League. On the contrary. Someone at the club told the press about the conditions of my contract. This led to what some have come to doubt my dedication to the struggle for survival. Therefore, in the last two games I had to prove otherwise. During our preparation for the meeting with "Sheffield United" Brian Clough announced that he was resigning at the end of the season. "Sheffield United" beat us 2-0. Aware of the price of defeat, many of our players to play as if frozen. With a selection of players, in theory we should not have to take off. However, the energy and faith in the coaching genius of Brian Clough left the club inexplicably. A few minutes after taking off from the Premier League, some players, praying in the shower, already exchanged jokes. I could not believe my eyes and ears. Their career was rolling downhill, and they thought, in which restaurant to go to them! I have mixed feelings of guilt and pain.Frank Clark, who replaced Brian Clough at the post coach, "Forest", said: "It is thanks to its professionalism Roy Keane has made every effort to leave the" Forest "in the Premier League." He was wrong. I did it only for self-preservation. A few weeks later the fans, "Forest" I was chosen best player of the season - in the past two years, this honor has been awarded Stuart Pearce. I was glad that the fans, "Forest" have understood that, notwithstanding the conditions of my contract, my dedication to the struggle for survival was total. During the heavy season, I learned another lesson: Football should not be anyone and anything. No one could believe that the team is Brian Clough could crash. Now, even such a talented player like Stuart Pearce, was below the Premier League. Was the football in such a case, a brutal game? It may be so, if you lose your guard, reduce your level of at least five percent and will start to think you're "too good to fly." In our team, "Forrest" was not lacking in talent. However, she flew out of the Premier League. If I wanted to go to the "Blackburn"? Kenny Dalglish was a millionaire Jack Walker's money, but the "Blackburn" was relatively modest club. They said that other clubs such as "Arsenal" and "Liverpool", also showed interest in me. Now with the departure of Brian Clough, I was even more determined to bring to effect the condition of my contract, which allowed me to leave the club. I was attacked from all sides agents, but I resisted them, though I knew that I would need help in negotiations with the "Blackburn", or another club that wants me to buy. David O'Leary was one of the leading players in Republic of Ireland. He became a victim of philosophy Charlton "hit-and-run" in which high-tsentrhavy considered dangerous overkill. His view of Charlton largely coincided with my: on this coach could only laugh. One evening I asked David, who represents its interests.He replied that his case be solved by Michael Kennedy, attorney for property matters in London. David would be happy to introduce me to Michael, if I so choose. In addition, I also appealed to the Professional Footballers' Association with a request to represent my interests in future dealings. Concerned by the growing influence of the private agents, the Association announced that it is ready to assist players in transfer negotiations. Agents deterred me, not only those amounts that they requested for their services. Judging by what I saw, the players football career was not for the agents in the first place. The more often the player moves from club to club, the more money earned his representative. Footballer not decide his future, but still want to see that in their ranks a few clubs, it seems to agents a potential source of income. Rumors about the transitions, fueled by agents and swallows the Sunday papers, is very difficult to carry such players. In these games the players were mere pawns who are eager to roast annoying facts of the newspaper and greedy brokers. Strongly opposed to the fact that I manipulated, I turned to the Association. Another option was Michael Kennedy. Frank Clark was appointed in place of Brian Clough. Clark used to play for 'Forest' and was considered competent in many cases. Upon arrival of the Republic of Ireland, I met with Clark and assured him that, notwithstanding the conditions of my contract, I will be fully committed to the club until I was in it. Clark said that he understands my position. Being sparing of words, however, he made it clear that if any Premiership club wants me to pay for the required amount, "Forest" will not stand in my way. We understood each other. Now it's up, "Blackburn." Kenny Dalglish did not wait. After a brief bidding parties agreed on the sum of 4 million pounds. I was allowed to begin talks with the "Blackburn". The talks helped me Brenden Batson of the Association.Under the contract with the "Forest" after the transition I was paid the sum of 600 thousand. The main issue discussed with the "Blackburn" has become my salary. I heard that Alan Shearer received 500 thousand a year, so I demanded the same. After discussing this issue, I agreed to 400 thousand a year. The deal was made on Friday evening. Dalglish was a major figure in football. Great player, who at one time also successfully coached the "Liverpool". Jack Walker gave the order to Dalglish your checkbook for building a team capable of fighting for the championship in the premier league. Dalglish has assured me that if I sign a contract with a club, a series volyus team, which afford a variety of prizes. His intelligence and calm nature made indelible impression on me. After the agreement of all the conditions I was willing to sign a contract. But when Dalglish called the "Ewood Park" (the stadium, "Blackburn." - VS), there was not one of leadership - a working day is over. "Do not worry - he said. - You can sign the papers on Monday. " We shook hands. I went to Cork for the weekend. On Saturday, the news of my transfer in 'Blackburn' appeared in the newspapers. Transfer payments have broken the British record. Life changed dramatically since I left home. But, fortunately, my family and friends remained faithful to me. I was very pleased that they have not changed in this regard. With Denis Johnson, we went to town on Saturday night to celebrate my transition. We started with "Templikra", before heading to the center where the night finished the adventures of "Saydtreks." On Sunday I woke up, suffering from a hangover. The next day I had to go to the "Blackburn" to sign papers. After that, I was determined to leave. At dinner the phone rang. Pat picked up the phone. At the other end was Alex Ferguson. My family passionately rooting for "Manchester United". "Roy, it's Alex Ferguson. You have already signed the contract? "."No, but we shook hands and I have to sign the papers tomorrow." "Why do not you come to Manchester to talk to me first?". Wow! "Manchester United". Champion of the Premier League. My mom, dad and brothers were standing in the hall and looked at me. It seems that they had a stroke. "Yes, but I had already agreed" - I said Ferguson. "You do not sign. Come and talk. " At this point I do not want to sign any contract with other clubs. Deep down, I realized that I could not refuse to contract with the most famous club in the world. But the reason I knew that I did not need to lose my head. The next morning, after yet another stormy night in the city, I flew to Manchester. Sir Alex Ferguson met me at the airport. We arrived at his house, which was located nearby. There was Brian Kidd. After lunch and chatter about anything Ferguson suggested to play snooker (a kind of billiards. - VS). He was a good player, and although I did not depart from it, thought it would be wise to play him. I immediately liked it. For the coach, "Manchester United" was too easy to communicate, a sense of humor and had a whole set of positive human qualities. It was clear that he wanted a trophy to his collection even more prizes. "Roy," Manchester United ", with you or without you, will be the strongest club in England. With you we can succeed in Europe ", - he said. It was a strong argument. He asked me about my representatives. I told the Association of Professional Footballers. Ferguson suggested that we do not discuss details of the forthcoming transaction. "Leave it to me" - he insisted. We came to an agreement, under which I would have to say Dalglish to cancel the contract. After that I was instructed to wait position, while the "United" is in talks with "Forest". It will not be so easy, says Ferguson, but he assured me that eventually we will reach mutual goals. I called Kenny Dalglish to tell him that he changed his mind to go, "Blackburn."He came out furious. "What the hell does it all mean?" I told him about my conversation with Ferguson. "We shook hands. Now you can not retreat! "- He cried. "Wait a minute. I'm very sorry, very, - I brought him to apologize. - But I need to think about his future. I have this right. " "You have no right to anything, except to fulfill his promise that you gave me on Friday." "I'm sorry, but if you have prepared a paper on time, I would have signed them on Friday." "No one will dare to behave this way with me. No one dares to act like Kenny Dalglish. You - you bastard, you and it just will not get away with it "- Kenny has not been so calm. I felt at ease. But I have already gained experience in my short career, to know that all parties are rarely willing to abide by the agreement. Players blew trainers, coaches blew the players, they, in turn, lied to management. Agents despised for their nosy, but clubs were only too happy to deal with them. And Kenny Dalglish will still require that I comply with the contract, which did not sign! The same Kenny Dalglish, who a few months ago led me secret negotiations behind the backs of Brian Clough. The more he attacked me with his angry tirades, the less I was tormented by conscience. The next call was from Frank Clark. Clark was supposed to show people that does everything to keep me in the club, but he knew that I will go anyway, and now he had to learn to "Forest" as much as possible benefit. "What's going on, Roy? - He began. - I just called Kenny Dalglish. He says that you change your mind. " I confirmed that after discussions with Alex Ferguson, I changed my mind. Ferguson also called Clark. In contrast to the "Blackburn", who was willing to pay 4 million pounds, "Manchester United" was going to give me a little more than 3 million pounds.For the "Forest" was unacceptable, said Clark. So he wanted me to sign a deal with Dalglish in the interest of "Forest". I explained that I must do what is in the interest of my career. This dispute is somewhat spoiled my relationship with Clark. He made it clear that the "United" There will be no deal if the club does not offer as much and "Blackburn." I insisted that he would like to move it in the "United". Stalemate. I was going to vacation with Tony Laflanom, Gary Raymond Boyer and Burne - three young players who I played for the "Forest", the next day. We were going to soak up the Cyprus sunshine. Once again, I talked with Alex Ferguson. He assured me that the choice is up to me. I have to decide for which club to play. If I'm not going to rush, then eventually all come off. But do not rush for me would mean that next season I will start a T-shirt "Forest". I decided to rely on Ferguson. To go on vacation and not think about nothing. The next morning at 6:30 the phone rang. I thought something had happened at home in Cork. It was Kenny Dalglish. "You do not get away with it - he began. - "Blackburn Rovers" shook you to court and sue you every penny! ". Between him and Alex Ferguson will never have normal relationships, and it's like nothing else, he was irritated. He began to call me. He again and again that no one can "fuck" and Kenny Dalglish emerge unscathed. I told him that I was going to leave and that the case is closed. "Where are you going?" - He asked. "Far away, where the sun shines" - followed by my response. "We shall find you and file a lawsuit," - he said. But he was not able to find me. When I returned to the pre-season training at the "Forest", Frank Clark was determined. I had to train reservists, and they gave me to understand that I will be punished for the "crime", which consists of refusing to go to the "Blackburn". Clark declared me persona non grata. Ferguson advised me not to lose self-control."United" and "Forest" played poker. The sentence "United" in 3.5 million pounds was half a million less than what the proposed "Blackburn." If I continue to suffer, the "Forest" will be faced with a dilemma: 3.5 million pounds, or a worthless asset, exercising with double. For three seasons I spent 154 games in the "Forest", scored thirty-three goals, playing midfield position. I cost the club £ 47,000. He lights the net profit of three million. Were their representatives are glad? No. In their world, the players were human material to be bought and sold like cattle. Think of himself or itself decide to continue his career as a crime. Newspapers in nauskivaniyu Clark, now write about me as a "rebellious Roe." For coaches, managers and journalists were in the order of things to choose their own career on the soul. Football players were supposed to do that on another soul. If you stand on his own, your "game" is outrageous. In the second week pre-season nerves "Forest" passed. The club accepted the offer of "Manchester United" in 3.75 million pounds. Now I needed to negotiate personal terms of the contract with the "United". His proposal 250 thousand pounds a year was 150 thousand less, "Blackburn." Brenden Batson, of the Association could not squeeze more out of "United". I thought that the difference in money too palpable. Remembering the conversation with David O'Leary, I called Michael Kennedy. Michael flew into Manchester for talks with Martin Edwards. He was able to get the "United" to increase the salaries of 350 thousand a year. I loved the "Old Trafford" from the moment he stepped onto the lawn. IV The cost of my transfer was the reason for a number of articles in the press. Now 3.75 million feet - a pittance. In 1993, it was a huge amount. Even for "Manchester United", the new champion of the Premier League. I realized that I was the most expensive player in Britain, but I'm not from this dizzy. I was convinced that only add, by playing with better players.A day after signing the contract we were supposed to fly at a ten-day pre-season tour of South Africa. I suggested to Alex Ferguson, so I stayed to work on his "physics". But he insisted on my trip with the team. Practicing only with stand-ins "Forest", and sometimes alone, I felt that flawed. "Do not worry - he assured me Ferguson - training and matches will give you the right tone, and the trip will get to know guys." Looking around on the bus on the way to the airport in Manchester, I was struck by the maturity and confidence of the players, "United". The "Forest" Stuart Pearce was a man among boys. Here was a team of real men: Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, Steve Bruce, Gary Pallister, Paul Ince, Peter Schmeichel, Brian Makkleer, Denis Irwin and Mark Hughes. All had the charisma and professional approach to business. Strong personality, exuding confidence. Among them, I felt like a kid. Yes, I was a kid - to 22-th anniversary I stayed a couple of weeks. I did not forget that the first task is getting into the main part. I was also amazed and a constant buzz wherever they appear, "United". Leaving the airport that morning, I realized what it means to be a player, "Manchester United". On weekdays, the "Old Trafford" turned into a beehive. People queue up for tickets for the next match. In the souvenir shops selling crowds of people. Tourists photographed against the backdrop of a huge stadium. People came from all over the world. Among them were Irish, Chinese, Americans, Londoners, men, women, old and young. Many of them were just standing near the stadium, looking at the memorial clock in memory of Munich. I also stared in all directions! This place was great. Hours remind those who are below them, about a plane crash in Munich that killed eight young players of the legendary Matt Busby's team. As I soon realized that even the greatest players and the inveterate professional history of the club can not be indifferent.Footballer of the "Manchester United" always feels the responsibility that lay upon him the traditions of the club. At Manchester Airport, people gathered to see our land an aircraft. When we arrived in Johannesburg, we waited a few hundred fans and two television crews. In our hotel, the air was heavy with excitement and hotel workers, and those who live there, immediately threw his business to gawk at the famous players, "Manchester United". Caught in such an atmosphere, I felt like in the movies. Lights, action star. And, of course, extras. I played the role of tacit character and was totally immersed in it. "Manchester United" was certainly more than a football club. Since I was familiar with Denis Irwin on games in the Republic of Ireland, I stayed with him in the same room. He was from Cork, while in another district. Both of us were not much to talk and get along very well. I've never trained so hard. Brian Kidd spent training. He was a great footballer, who in 1968 together with the team winning the European Cup. Players respected him and loved him. He was a native of Manchester, having a good sense of humor and good character. To him it was always possible appeal on a question. The training was interesting and varied day by day. We always felt the focus, and bilateral games and daily exercises all had a meaning. This is much different from the aimless hours spent on the training field in the "Forest". Since the team was a lot of strong personalities, it is not surprising that almost everything we do, felt the sharp point of competition. We approached the game seriously "five by five" at the end of your workout. Often, they started sluggishly, but soon the players were taken in what we do in all seriousness. The reason for the war could be a tough game in the selection. After that, someone always inflamed, and Brian Kiddu had to intervene.I ran with all his might, trying to catch up to the amazingly talented players who were around me. Eric Cantona was great. Like Ryan Giggs. Ryan was two years younger than me, but in the sense of mastery and maturity, he would give me a head start on a few light years ahead. He was a strong personality, funny and provocative, endowed with extraordinary talent, which is used to the fullest, to laugh at others while exercising. Although I felt a little timid and a bit scared of my teammates skill level, I liked the atmosphere in the team. I understand why the "United" was wearing the championship: the team consisted of great players, training was at a high level, but Sir Alex Ferguson with his presence inspired confidence and inspiration, Brian Kidd football knowledge and his humor, which helped everyone in a difficult moment, and well not the last, I think, a factor - they were all happy to play for this team. Whining here does not go away. Demoralization and depression, which were felt in the locker room, "Forest", the complaints and groans, and all this talk of losers in "the City Ground," which sucked out of you the last remnants of the spirit, completely absent from the "Old Trafford". What could I complain? Football players believed that they are playing for the best club in the world. Ferguson and Kidd was respected, but their power is not questioned. Bryan Robson was the captain and enjoyed the prestige. Robson and Steve Bruce have helped me settle into the team and feel part of it during the preseason tour. For me it was important for several reasons, not the least of them was the fact that, like many other players, I once tried to add extra speed, playing against the "Manchester United". In my case this meant a tougher game in the selection. More than once I came into skirmishes with Robson, Gary Pallister and Paul Ince. I have not forgotten and clash with Peter Schmeichel. But evil on me, no one hid.I did not know yet, after winning the championship Ferguson consulted with the leading players of the new acquisitions in the offseason. Many of them supported the coach, when he showed interest in me. After working in training and a couple of friendlies it's time to relax. And these people knew how to relax. Led by Robson, we spent a couple of unforgettable "gigs" in South Africa. We do not hide from anyone. Ferguson and Kidd did not see anything wrong in that players will miss a glass or two. Playing in the Cup season with "Arsenal" to "Wembley" was my first official match in the "Manchester United". As Bryan Robson was not fully ready to play, I'm paired with Paul Ince in charge of the middle line and wanted to prove himself and his power to dismiss any questions about my line price 3.75 million pounds as quickly as possible. Also, I realized that I, Brian Robson and Paul Insua will fight for two places in midfield. Rival fought for every ball in every area of the field. Everything had to get through hard work. At the end of the match we have earned a draw and won 1-1 on penalties. I played at a normal level, but I understood that "normal" will not work. Hard work and goals to be my first priority. I knew that cope with hard work, after which I was hoping to follow goals. In the first match of the new season of the Premier League we have played away from the "Norwich". Ryan Giggs and Bryan Robson scored a goal and we scored an easy win 2-0. I also made a contribution to the victory, having supplied the ball from Giggs flank, after which he opened the account. Three days later I played my first match at "Old Trafford" T-shirt "MJ". On the Tuesday evening atmosphere in the stadium was great. I used to play on "Old Trafford", but for the fans, I was a stranger. Now I'm playing for them. Our opponent was "Sheffield United". I was charged for the match, I felt inflated and fully concentrated on the game.Eric Cantona was injured, so Bryan Robson, Paul Ince and I played in midfield. Andrei Kanchelskis and Ryan Giggs played in front of the flanks, and to spearhead acted Mark Hughes. Robson and Ince in charge of the middle line, so I was asked to come to the fore. There are days when you all get, and this day was for me just like that. I scored my first goal for the "United", when dared to rush forward to the ball, which bounced off the head of Ryan Giggs. I just calculated the time to leap and easily sent the ball into the goal. Sometimes, heaven help you. On this debut could only dream of. To realize this goal requires a breakthrough in accurately calculated time and good luck. You can make leaps of fifty times and never get the ball. Or miss. Rock, who I believe was in the evening on my side. I scored the second goal, while Mark Hughes set the final score - 3-0. Since that match, the burden of the most expensive player has been tolerated more easily. Soon the issue altogether ceased to exist. We conducted a series of first six matches of the championship without defeat, of which celebrated the victory in five meetings so far not yielded "Chelsea" with a score of 0-1. Start the Premier League turned out to be successful, but after playing with "Chelsea" We had to match European Cup on Wednesday. Our opponent was Hungarian champion "Honvéd," and we ran the first leg in Budapest. I scored two goals, Eric Cantona added another, and we won 3-2. "Honvéd" was not very strong team, but victory is a victory, especially the guest. Bryan Robson was suffering from a succession of injuries unbroken, so the first games of the season, I often get up in the middle line, along with Paul Ince. We are similar in many ways - have won the majority of martial arts, being in the same terms with his rival, and did not shirk from the fight, if someone offered us. Most of the teams we lost before the players as they left the locker room. And not just on "Old Trafford", but also on their stadium.Aura "Manchester United" was very powerful, and the preponderance of forces in the field also was in our favor. In our first seven matches of that season we only conceded four goals. Peter Schmeichel reigned supreme in the penalty area. Steve Bruce, Gary Pallister and not let opponents descent. Paul Parker, Denis Irwin could defend themselves, and begin the attack. I, Ince and Robson did not intend to give in the middle of the field. And in attack we had the speed of forwards in the face of Giggs and Kanchelskis. Mark Hughes handled the ball superbly and is easy to hit the target. Eric Cantona himself completing this full ammunition. Cantona came to the team in the middle of last season when, after twenty-six years without a championship, "Manchester United" fought desperately for a victory in the Premier League. He did his work, calming their presence in the important matches and scored nine goals to help Alex Ferguson to win his first title. "United," Cantona was almost for nothing - 1.2 million pounds when he fell out with Howard Wilkinson in 'Leeds'. He played for many clubs, but nowhere could not stay for long. Now he has found a new home. But even here he could not calm down and do everything their own way, showing that he does not care at all. I was interested to learn more about Eric, when I came to "United". On a mysterious person saying all cantons, especially after the "United" won the championship. I immediately liked it. Yes, it differed from the others. He tried to do his exercises in training, that allowed him to Alex Ferguson and Brian Kidd. He was engaged in his own warm-up, and after the Games 'five by five "remained to hone their skills in taking opponents' goal. He and Peter Schmeichel had dislike for each other. A couple of times in the course were clenched. For the mystical mask hiding a true professional, very serious about his football, which has extensive knowledge about the game. With a raised collar, upstanding and protruding chest, he rushed on the field as if it belonged only to the damn place him.Any field, but especially "Old Trafford". This was his scene. He loved her, and the fans adored him. Players, too, loved it, and it was a lot of reasons, most important of which was that he was doing his job. Its bite in the final stage of attack was fatal. He does not always came back when we were fighting for the ball. We often scolded him for it. Of course, we are more than you need, ran and worked out for him. But soon, when there came almost despair - that he immediately handed - Eric magically unfolded the game at 180 degrees in the right direction for us. He used polushans - and bam - the ball in the net! I've never seen someone scored such goals (and still do not see it). On the field, Eric has played a role. Yes, it was not like the others, but it was fucking great. And not just when scoring winning goals. You could otpasovat him the ball in any situation, and he could keep him - he was unusually strong - and then just return the ball to you. He scored as many assists did. Outside the field, Eric also played their role perfectly. I'm not surprised that he was acting in movies. The audience attributed his temperamental diva properties, but in reality it was only one of us. To strangers he always set at a veil of mystery - it was his game, especially with the press. In response to questions from fans and journalists Eric shrugged his shoulders and pretended to understand nothing. He is well spoken in English. His knowledge of languages was impressive, especially when it comes to expletives. With us he was gay and liked to drink more champagne than the "Heineken", and was sociable friend. Eric was a great guy, one of the best - he always spoke frankly, bluntly. His mask was the behavior of an eccentric and lonely young man. And as such it would seem in part. By the end of October we confidently headed by the Premier League. But I did not like my game.One reason for this was stretching hamstring joint, which constantly tormented me. I was always willing to play through pain for selfish reasons: because of the injury I did not want to lose your place in any team. The "United" Such thoughts are especially timely. I'm still fighting for a place at the heart of Bryan Robson and Paul Ince. After three months I was certain only that our team was good but could be even better. I was not the only footballer to realize that the junior club team that won the Youth Cup in 1992 and 1993, there are several players who will soon be hard to break into the first team. Young players, including Gary and Phil Neville, David Beckham, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes, already become known, and everywhere they said. Time will prove that these conversations were not idle. Sir Alex Ferguson made it clear that signing a contract with me that success in Europe is a primary objective for the club. Europe has been a source of triumph and tragedy for the "United". He became the first English club took part in the Champions Cup, despite resistance from the football association. Sir Matt Busby's realized his dream in 1968 when the "Manchester United" won the Champions Cup. But a plane crash in Munich in 1958, which killed eight players, "United", has left an indelible mark in club history. UEFA club competition matches for "Old Trafford" has always had an emotional connotation. When we met with the Turkish champion "Galatasaray" in the second round of the Champions Cup, no one at this point had not thought about this magnificent start to the Premier League. For us, these games have become a real challenge. We lost as a result of two meetings. Sweep of 2:0 for its stadium, we missed three goals. The game ended in a draw - 3:3, and the rule of guest goals Turkish Champion got a huge advantage. We needed a win in Istanbul surrounded by aggressive fans a bad reputation."Galatasaray" proved a tough nut. His players have resorted to various tricks - dives, prolonging the time arguing with the judge. They played very tight defense, not allowing us to break through it. The game ended goalless draw. In her course raises a lot of hassles, but in the end the players and did lose control of himself. Eric has been removed. On the way to the dressing room hit the policeman over the head with Bryan Robson. Cantona joined the melee. In the locker room as if Eric had gone mad. If others wanted to get out of here, he was determined to deal with the police, who baton ohazhivat everyone who he had just caught his arm. Eric was a large build and was serious. He shouted that he was going to nail this bastard. Its calmed only by joint efforts coach, Brian Kidd and a few players. Normally I am not going to fight, but even I was not ready to make war. There were so many Turkish fans! In any case, the result does not change. We left. In early November, I participated in his first derby mankunianskom to "Main Road". "City" managed to climb to mid-table after a weak start. But the place in the table and forgotten reputation in the derby. The match was extremely important, especially for fans of "United". Defeat would make them grieve for months and in desperation to wander around the city. The victory also gives them a shield and a weapon for a celebration in stores, factories, offices and pubs in the next few weeks. Fans of "United" and "City" hated each other. For obvious reasons annoyance of fans of "City" was better. The success of "United" did not go to any comparison with the miserable existence of the "City", whose leadership was replaced, one by one, and his bosses and just doing what coaches were fired. His supporters cried out that only the "City" was the only real club in Manchester, which, in contrast to the "United" is not cosmopolitan, and steeped in wealth, and this is mankuniantsev.Historically, it was possible to give arguments in favor of the "City" is a fundamental and most important club in Manchester. Before joining in 1945, Mata Busby in "United" "Manchester United" was just one of a series of gray clubs. Within a short period in the seventies Joe Mercer and Malcolm Allison restored to its former glory, "City". But still, "United" was on top most of the modern era. To mark our departure from the European cup after meetings with "Galatasaray" fans "City" when we went to the pre-match warm-up, we threw the Turkish sweets. The game started as usual. The pace was crazy, the players drifted in rolled over all parts of the field. Opponents were flying at full speed, driven by fans, who, it seemed, the result was all the more necessary, than by the players. We were not prepared for such a turn of events. Accustomed to control the pace of play in away games, we were unable to hold back the onslaught of the crazy energy that drew us against rivals in the first forty-five minutes of the match. I missed a great opportunity for a goal when the score was 0-0. And then ... we miss two goals. The whistle, notifying the completion of the first half, was received with relief. Coach warned us about what might happen if we do not give all the best, as a rival, from the first minutes of play. The class is not in the bill, if you can not win a physical fight. Entering the second half, we knew exactly what we do. You must first win the combat and fold each in his personal duel with a rival. Then the class will affect. Despite the fact that Alex Ferguson had a reputation for tough coaches, throwing a cup of tea in the dressing room - and this happened - he had a more subtle analytical mind than some suggest on the basis of the above characteristics. In the match of his words at half-time were simple: meet them at an adequate pressure, Score a goal and the game will go in a different way. Win the second half. We won it. Eric has reduced the gap in the score early in the second half.Twenty minutes later, players of "City" were unlike themselves. They gave all the power in the first half. With the score 1-2, I knew that we would win. Ninety minutes - a long period of time, and 2-0 - a solid advantage. If you hold the account by standing defense and forget about any attempts to attack, if you throw all that has helped you in the first place to score those two goals, we expect a sharp turn of events. Competition, consisting of ninety minutes to have their ebbs and flows. Each new situation requires a rapid solution. You need to know when to add speed and when they slow down, when to slow down and when to increase it. It is through our understanding of these things, as well as the ability to put into practice what we know in theory, we won the match on the "Main Road". Bruce, Cantona, Irwin, Hughes, Ince, Pallister - they instinctively felt the ebb and flow of these matches. The concept of "the psychology of winning" is often applied to football. "I - the winner." Anyone can say those words. But to prove this in practice can only upscale professionals. And only now do I fully understand that it is due to the nature of the team, of which I was, she became a champion. Bryan Robson had all the typical qualities champion. But in a match against the "City", he did not play. Nevertheless, we had enough power to do their job properly. Eric scored the second goal. And then we realized that the three points we will have in your pocket. There was no chance that we would agree to a draw. A lot of teams would stop at that. Again, experience tells us that we can not calm down and leave the field, gaining only one point. Now that the "City" struggled in its death throes, it's time to finish them off. We went forward, encountering little resistance. They only pretended to play. At least the majority. Denis Irwin broke to the left. I started to move forward from the halfway line. Now only two things decide the outcome of the match:precision delivery of Dennis and the selected time my leap into the penalty area, "City". I pull out too early, I could be either offside or run past the ball. I duds too late - and not manage the ball, even if it would fly in my direction. During the game you're doing dozens of these jerks, but the ball never comes to you. Other jerks are also made in vain, as you incorrectly calculate their time. The main thing is to always make jerks. That was my game. Chamber was perfect - to the far post, behind the defenders of the "City", which long ago lost concentration. This time I got my. The ball hit me on the course, and I broke on it, almost dropping to the ground. I worked for my bread for a week. Having scored the winning goal, I became a hero for a while. But the truth was that this goal, as always happens in football, has been hammered through the efforts of the team. Our victory was made possible by many different factors, most important of which was a fusion of experience the trainer and leading the team who knew exactly how to approach the task facing us in the second half. In addition, we have been endowed with the necessary abilities to handle this work. The "Manchester City" had no skills or experience. In the match against the men met the boys. That's why we won. In almost all respects, "Manchester United" was the epitome of a young football player dreams of. With such excellent professional training, each was instructive, and demanded from you great effort. I learned, for example, this character, who was opposed to gossip and nytyu. These players, like Bruce, Robson, Cantona and Gary Pallister, were not especially talkative - they're just doing their job. Paul Ince, "manager" as they called him, had a long tongue, but he also possessed the qualities of a great player, and it did not have to wait for the game in the final game reached boiling point.Ince has had his own, rogue, character, and, besides, he was my rival for a place in the composition. But I got along well with him. He was always a cheerleader, when we went for a walk and drink a few glasses or two. Peter Schmeichel was a great poser. He was endowed with self-important and often played in public. Such was his nature. All this finger pointing gestures and bright, showing frustration, said fans of the following: Look at me, I'll still long to give you his magic to save the team. It was his acting, but we basically did not pay her any attention, because it helped him in difficult times. In addition, Schmeichel knew his business. He was an excellent goalkeeper. That is, not his antics, has been important. Pampering affordable cost. Although Bryan Robson was still unable to gain the necessary form, it was felt in the locker room leader. He enjoyed great respect, sometimes turning into a cult worship of the other players. This largely explains the success of the captain on the football field, where he was a real fighter - scored goals, played in the selection, defended himself excellently acted "on the second floor," and ruled the ball. He was without a shadow of fear in the selection, without fear of injury. When Alex Ferguson had hard in his early years at the club, Robson fought like a lion to help the team. He was a great player as a "United" as well as in England. But his behavior was not a hint of vanity. Robson made no secret that enjoys life, and had a strong character. He could drink as hard as playing and training. He was very intelligent and had a sense of humor. His passionate desire to live helped him become a great player and a companionable friend during parties. As the captain skillfully managed Robson players. The coach consulted with him on most issues relating to players. Training, travel, any small issues that, if left unresolved, could become a big problem ...From the first day of my stay at the club, Brian treated me very well. I was shy and did not feel at ease, trying to adjust to major changes in my life - both on the field and off it - so the speech recognition and praise meant a lot to me. After the derby, I returned to Dublin, the location of the Republic of Ireland, who spent visiting the crucial World Cup qualifying match in Northern Ireland. Beating us 3-1 in Dublin, Spanish team left in the group favorite in the fight for a ticket to the USA. During the second disputed Ireland and Denmark. If the Danes replay the Spaniards away, they will get second place in the group. If they lose - that seemed the most real - we're going to the championship, avoiding, of course, defeat in Belfast. Since we can easily beat Northern Ireland in Dublin on 3-0, the task before us did not seem impossible. Now, I think it would be necessary to say that I had mixed feelings about playing for Ireland. I enjoyed playing ninety minutes on the field, but the rest I'm treated coldly. Organization affairs in the Irish team was at its lowest level. The Football Association has done everything not as it should, since the conditions of training of the training process, travel arrangements, and forms of care. Getting into this mess after a professional club in England, I was shocked. Coming here from the "Manchester United", where Sir Alex Ferguson did his best to every detail has been given its most scrupulous attention, my desperation even more intensified. Even worse than a very bad organization of the case, was a sense of pride that everyone has to suffer for what the Irish do everything their own way. Unlike other teams with whom we met, we were ill-prepared and unprofessional approach to business, and even bragged about it!No one else seems to be so disliked anecdotes about the organization disgusting Football Association of Ireland, Jack Charlton as. His stories about it were part of an afternoon routine when next to him was a large audience. Naturally, he was the main character in his stories because it makes the team play well, despite the fact that everyone was against him. Stories Charlton had to make an impression on the audience, but, in truth, they were blatant nonsense. Did it all for training players to a game at the highest level? If we were prepared, as needed, then would increase the quality of his speech on 5 - 10 percent. And this small contribution would be important. But, apparently, the coach did not care. On the contrary, "the charming" behavior of the Irish - to do everything through your ass - just water on his Lilo mill. Players shrugged their shoulders and a wry smile, settling into another wretched hotel, to be trained on "kochkarnike" did not find a decent training suit or something more simple, such as bandages on my ankle, and he sat in the back of the aircraft, together with the fans and journalists, took it as is, while Jack and other leaders of the team flying in business class. In fact, we have not done so? Is Big Jack had not done a miracle, moving the team to Ireland Euro 88 and Italia 90? It seems that the upcoming game was like a passing game, and the air was not felt this atmosphere of a common goal, no willingness, no sense that the game on Wednesday was the only reason that you came here. We started to deal with the case only on the day of the match. Religious divisions in Northern Ireland had its influence on football, as in other aspects of life. "Windsor Park," where we were supposed to play a stadium, "Linfield". Like the "Rangers" in Scotland, "Linfield" was considered a Protestant club."Windsor Park" was and remains off-limits to Catholics, if they just do not come back a large crowd to cheer for a Catholic club. Because of the many historical reasons, only a few representatives of the Catholic Church were rooting for team in Northern Ireland. Instead, they supported the Republic of Ireland. Many Catholics of Northern Ireland came to "Lansdowne Road" to cheer on Team Ireland. Not surprisingly, the atmosphere at 'Windsor Park', was electric. We were met by hateful chants, "Fenian scum" (Fenian - a member of a secret society that fought for the liberation of Ireland from British rule. - VS) and the "Catholic bastards!". Soccer players of our team, who had British roots were in disarray. Know nothing about history, guys like Andy Townsend, John Aldridge, Tony Cascarino and Alan McLaughlin, looked at each other with bewildered look. Shocking was the fact that anger came not only from the places where the audience sat victorious. Hatred felt and the main grandstands. We easily beat Northern Ireland on the "Lansdowne Road." Now the opponent has been set out to give us a fight. I believe that the unusual atmosphere of the stadium prevented some of our guys to concentrate. Also, I was surprised with what fury fought football team in Northern Ireland. They really do not want us to come to the World Cup. Game for them meant nothing, except that they could stop us to reach the world championship. By keeping this idea in my head, they did their best to carry it out. In addition, the seventy-third minute, Jimmy Quinn, he led them forward. Fortunately, three minutes later, Alan McLoughlin equalized superb strike from outside the penalty area. We were able to defend us right through to the end, inspired by the news that Spain beat Denmark. We went into the final tournament of the World Cup 94.I was glad, of course, get to the World Cup, but when the floor was flooded with champagne dressing and celebrations continued in our midnight flight to Dublin, I felt as if he was over at this celebration of life. My dislike of Charlton, disgusting preparation for matches, our primitive game tactics, all the patting on the shoulder and the other crap would not let me enjoy the holiday. I felt at ease. If you do not make radical changes, at the World Cup will bring us into the light. After switching to the "Manchester United" I was living in the hotel "Four Seasons" near the airport. It was a shelter, while I was looking for an apartment or house. I was lonely. In addition to training and games that had nothing to do. At least once a week I went to Nottingham, where I still had a home and old friends. But most of the time I spent munching in front of the TV food cooked at the hotel. Because now I was "the most expensive footballer in Britain" and star "Manchester United", a dinner at the restaurant delivered a lot of inconvenience. I found that I find it hard to cope with fame, which was a load for a career football player. Can you talk about this as syndrome whiny actress. I wanted to be alone. Sometimes I missed the company. Just go with someone else to eat or drink. The other players, "United" was his wife, family and friends. And since I did not want someone came to my area, I tried not to stand in the way of others. Perhaps it is here is a myth about my retreat. Stupidity and pride did not allow me to take the first step towards friendship. Friends and family members regularly came from Cork to Manchester for the matches, "United". I dropped in behind them at the airport on Friday evening, transported to their hotels and then deciding how to get the tickets to me to be enough for everyone. Tickets! Each player "United" live "ticket" a nightmare.My case was more severe because of the large size of family and kin many friends and friends of friends who were fans of "Manchester United". In Cork knew that Roy would not hurt you! Desperately trying not to lose face and reputation to support a man who does not forget old friends, I spent a significant part of the week, trying to get tickets. This helped me to Bryan Robson. As captain, he distributed the tickets among the players. The most important were the tickets to the players' lounge, where they could meet after the match. I mercilessly attacked Robbo. He was just super. I do not remember it I was ever disappointed, however much I demanded of him. We assumed four tickets for the match and two in the lounge. Brian gave me six or seven tickets, when I implored him, saying that my friends have done a long trip from Cork. Sometimes people come up to me fifteen. Sometimes I just bought ten or fifteen tickets to meet all needs. Problem solved? No Way! Tickets without crossing the room to the players considered to be disrespectful on my part. Back to Robbo: "Are there any extra ticket into the room?" Lounge for players to "Old Trafford" is not very spacious and can accommodate about forty people. After one game I counted in her eighteen of his relatives and friends! Sometimes the problem with the tickets made me mad. At first, I liked to see some familiar faces. After the game we went to eat and drink. All interested in my life and I wanted to remain close to those whom he knew before, how to get "on stage." Steve Bruce, who was second team after Bryan Robson, sometimes joined us. With his experience he understood the difficulties faced by the novice, who joined the "United", and especially one that has cost the club a lot of money and which now have a responsibility, which consisted in justifying the expectations imposed on him.Loneliness, the burden of expectations placed on you, the hotel life and a new environment, which is very different from that to which you are accustomed - both on the field and off it - and can make staying intolerable players in any major clubs, including " Manchester United ". Steve Bruce and Bryan Robson understood this and helped me get used to the Manchester, assisting in major cases (eg, tickets), and in various small - with an invitation to eat or drink. I felt like part of the club, respected and needed. The fact that there has been nothing to do with football, in fact, has been important. I gained more confidence and a sense of belonging to the club due to the attention shown to me by Bruce and Robson, which in turn helped improve my game. Usually after a tumultuous weekend, I felt bad on Monday. "Irish weekend, Roy?" - Asked me to coach, when I appeared on the training field in the morning all bruised. "Just a few friends and family" - I replied calmly. Alex Ferguson was strict, but at the same time often changed temper justice with mercy. If you spoke to him a question, he was always willing to listen to you. Brian Kidd also could help you. He always saw that you're a little out of it, and spent training in the power saving mode. "This morning, I will not be too strict with you." And again, it would seem a small detail, but it was for me very important, and I started to make extraordinary efforts to our overall success on the field. Being at the head of the collective strengths of individuals, Ferguson and Kidd, who themselves had a strong character to understand that is governed not by some Boy Scouts. After all, they do not win cups! The coach felt the day before if there was a serious drinking. I soon learned that Alex Ferguson had a network of agents in Manchester, who informed him about how to behave in society of his players. Manchester was a great country, and you could not take a step without the knowledge of the coach. "Roy - had happened, he would call me in the morning. - Walked last night?" "Yeah, just a few shots." "When you come home?" "I'm not sure, but it's too late" - I replied, desperately hoping for the success of his words. "It is not too late ... Do not you called in a taxi this morning at half past two Deansgate? ". Then he called the club where you have visited, and the exact time when you come home. I soon gave up and spoke the truth when the coach began to question me. Honesty was the best policy. For many years, this idea works in my favor. I openly admitted that when he was not in the best condition, and the tabloids published stinging article about my "night of shame", when in fact they had no shred of truth and, Sir Alex Ferguson believed only in my version of events. Drunkenness and so-called culture of drinking in "Manchester United" have been very sensitive issues in relations with the coach. I knew that he struggled with alcoholism, when he came to the club. Paul McGrath sale and Norman Whiteside was partly the fact that the coach wanted to show that he would not tolerate the abuse of alcohol. Today, football has changed a lot. Now your diet carefully selected. It is recommended to use the juice, fruit and pasta. Foreign coaches, players and nutritionists, who have resorted to the services of all the leading clubs have convinced us of the need to take care of yourself. How to convert to the faith I can say that the strict way of life, which we now adhere to, has led to a substantial improvement of our condition and playing. English football has changed for the better. There's no doubt about it. Now I'm even afraid to think about his early years on "Old Trafford", although I still have fond memories of that time. I was young, happy and playing for the best club in the country. This, I thought, and laid the meaning of life. After the first days of lonely hotel life, I began to catch up. I stayed on the same type of schedule, in which all revolved around drinking. After the game on Saturday the whole team going into the "Four Seasons".Before the guest bus picked up a club games where players who leave their cars near the hotel. After work, bus drove us over there, and "vechernika" began to "Mulligans," Irish bar, located in the "Four Seasons". "Mulligans" was a fashionable establishment in those days. For me it was ideal - I needed only to reach the elevator to fall into bed! It is interesting that while our team was not a recluse, not wanting to drink. Seldom has a player went home, never missing a glass or two. Of course, there were exceptional circumstances where people had to go home at once, but usually have to be a brave man to refuse to participate in our after-match "party", without giving the benefit of hard evidence. When the bar closed, we moved to a night club, which is also located nearby. Only three or four in the morning, and sometimes even much later I came back to him. (Now everything is different. We meet at the "Four Seasons" in front of guest spots. But when we return, I immediately get in the car and go home to their families. I sometimes think that Laurent Blanc, I suggest to hold a "party" in the "Mulligans," he'll think I'm crazy). If the "United" was playing in the middle of the week, my communication with friends ended on Sunday evening. My Irish visitors went home, the other players went to their families, and then the loneliness that I felt in English the hotel on Sunday evening, it became unbearable. I often visited the two local pubs - "Griffin" and "Stanford." Sometimes I go there with Lee Sharpe and Eric, sometimes alone. Lee was two years older than me and kept bachelor lifestyle. He played in the "United" for a couple of seasons and was an outstanding player. Lee was able to stand on the left edge of the defense or the right to place an attacking midfielder. He was an excellent, cheerful and carefree guy. He could cheer me and loved the fast life. Lee was a ladies' man.I never saw that the other could produce such an impression on women, like Lee. Conduct nighttime raids with Eric Cantona was always fun. Everywhere he attracted attention. Even in the "Griffin", where regulars are accustomed to visits George Best and Bryan Robson, a mysterious aura Eric drew people to him. Although he gave the impression of an alienated and immersed in thoughts of the genius that he was well served, in real life he was a normal person. Well, almost normal. He never took any money. Always drinking champagne. I remember being startled dealers at Manchester Airport when he offered his gold credit card to pay for a pack of gum. At parties, Eric loved to talk about football. He has extensive knowledge about the game and could speak at length about the various tactics and modes of European clubs. Recalling those days, I can not believe what I was living then conducted. Most of us in the "United" did not see anything wrong to have a drink for three or four days before the match. I felt fine, but the club also was fine. "Blackburn" has been our closest competitor, who had three games left. When we have won, "Norwich" in 1 / 16 finals of the FA Cup and got to "Wimbledon" in 1 / 8 finals, people started talking about the golden double. Playing with the "Norwich" was broadcast on BBC-BBC. Eric and I scored one goal and we won 2-0. Footballers 'Norwich' were determined, and soon struck up a tough fight. Our position on the team was simple. If an opponent wants to play football, please. But when he entered the field and begins to kick, we were also not against it. Therefore, when players 'Norwich' and began to ride up to play hard, we answered them in kind. In the Premier League and now this can be seen everywhere. Should immediately declare itself. We must show the opponent, if it is configured to physically fight, then he is doomed. Rigorous selection process at the beginning of the game is the best way to tell him about it.In Norwich, Erik hit one of the players' opponent as he lay on the grass. In different parts of the field began a fight. After the game, Jimmy Hill and other top B-BBC angrily talking about our behavior. Revenge was out of control, said Hill and his friends. Of course, they is not beating. When our coach was asked about the behavior of his team, but at the same time attention was drawn particularly to Eric and me, Ferguson called Jimmy Hill's "vain talkers." The next day, the newspapers did not need to invent titles. That same month, Sir Matt Busby died. We attended the funeral along with great players, "Manchester United" of the past. I felt goose bumps on his back while standing in the church and listened to speeches of praise to the Busby. The ceremony was solemn. Despite the fact that Busby's death was not my personal grief, I could understand the sense of loss experienced by many people in the "Manchester United" and in the city. "United" Busby was more than a football club. Busby was a pioneer of his time - the first who has entrusted the young, the first who understood the importance of participation in European competition. I did not need to leave the family home to see the magic that is happening in the pronunciation of the name "Manchester United". A couple of days we played with "Everton" to "Old Trafford". Scottish bagpiper led both teams on the field. During a moment of silence was filled with emotion atmosphere. The story always reminded me about yourself, the player is "United". In the subconscious mind is always sitting on that this club was not the same as the others. You had to justify the high expectations. In a match with "Everton" We lost concentration. Recent events clearly had an effect on us. We played bad, but won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Ryan Giggs. In a series of games, especially against so-called middling, including "Swindon", "Oldham" and "Wimbledon", your membership in the "Manchester United" is most noticeable. For most clubs in the game with "MJ" were the most important of the season.No matter how badly things were going to the championship victory over the "Manchester United" was considered self-sufficient. Stadiums, which at best is usually filled to three-quarters of the games with "United" was packed to capacity. Supporters of the home team starts, passing his attitude to football players who began play at higher speeds. The old cliché that they took this game as a Cup final, was the right definition. So every game we had to concentrate one hundred percent, especially in the first few minutes. I liked the tension away games, "United". Above us the danger of complacency prevailed not, and I thought that because of this I continually refine his game. The main thing that hurt us the quick, was that the opponent out on the field to make a name for themselves, disposing of it with us. What the hell are not laid out every week? Maybe then they would not have to play for the damn "Norwich" or "Swindon"? Therefore we are not retreating, having appeared in such circumstances. Need to respond to aggression to aggression, and then at the end of the match class beats everything else. At Easter, a crucial period in the Premier League, in my personal life was exciting events: the woman I loved, has agreed to live with me in Manchester. Now, when she moved to my home, my life outside of the field has become more consistent. I've got goals and objectives. Theresa was pregnant with my first child, and this motivated me to continue to grow. It took us two games to beat, "Oldham" in the semi-finals of the FA Cup. Our opponent in the finals was "Chelsea", who twice beat us in the championship. In the league we have issued a series of six matches without defeat. The most important game was the guest met with the "Leeds", in which we won 2-0. Claims, "Blackburn" for the title were dashed after losing to his guest, "Coventry". We played a draw - 0:0 with "Coventry" on "Old Trafford" in the last league match of the season.Bryan Robson for this match was special - he ended his speech for his "Manchester United". Robbo was one of the greatest players of his generation, the legend "Old Trafford", who was loved and respected as any other outstanding player in the past, "United". Of course, I remember that day as well as won the first medal of the championship, but the most memorable was the hospitality extended to Brian fans after he lifted the championship trophy. Players 'United', coaches and club workers were also impressed by what is happening, and as fans of our team. For all of us seemed to be the embodiment of Bryan Robson a professional footballer. It was almost a perfect player: scoring, robbed, he played a pass, was good at "second floor", ready for every game, not afraid to fight and led the by example. Robbo was the captain of the England team and the club, but did not have complex stars. He was a very influential figure in the "United", when I went to the club. In all cases, large and small, both on the field and outside it, he always set the tone. The main players are the style of most teams. The nature of the champion team of Alex Ferguson, Brian Robson was determined more than any other player. Now he moved in, "Middlesbrough" as a player-coach. It was a great loss for Alex Ferguson, and for us. The next Sunday we beat in the FA Cup final, "Chelsea" to "Wembley". Eric has implemented two penalty and brought the desired gloss on the scoreboard, which caressed our eyes. I was in seventh heaven after winning gold double is in his first season in the "United". Reserve was the fruit of the efforts of the entire team. Eric wrote on his twenty and five goals, Mark Hughes - twenty-one, Ryan Giggs - seventeen, Andrei Kanchelskis - ten, Paul Ince - nine, and Lee Sharpe - eleven. In the Premiership we have missed thirty-eight heads, which averaged less than one goal per game.Remembering the season, I realized that the most important achievement for me was a permanent place in the starting lineup. "I am glad, but not lost his head" - perhaps the most accurate description of my feelings that I experienced when, along with Denis Irwin went to the World Cup in the United States in the Republic of Ireland. The only problem standing in front of us - to avoid embarrassment. Four years ago, a strong Irish-skaya team reached the quarterfinals in Italy-90, which lost to the hosts with a minimum score of the championship. I was watching the championship on television and with the whole country watched in amazement the achievements of our team. In his first championship game, we met with the Italian team in New York. Our other rivals in the group were Mexico and Norway. To prepare for the heat and high humidity, our training camp is located in Orlando, Florida. Conditions of preparation provided by the Americans, were perfect. The only thought that is put into practice the Great and his assistant Jack Setters, was to drive us half to death every day. They believed that we have become accustomed to heavy loads, and therefore be able to resist to the end of matches. Most bet on the fact that Italy will become the world champion. In addition to the great defenders in the face of Maldini and Baresi they had a first-class player attacks Roberto Baggio, Dino Baggio and Donadoni and in midfield. Many people are leery of the need for the World Cup in the USA under the hot sun in the middle of summer. One thing was clear: the heat will be on hand tactics Charlton "hit-and-run." He made only one concession to humidity, abundant water supplies are preparing for a field edge. Now, our plan was a "drink-and-run." But, as it always has in the Irish national team, our spirit was strong. In the bus on the way to the "Giants Stadium" we sang songs of Irish rebels, who commented on the English yoke and the glorious struggle heroes Ireland. And how they were killed. Or hanged.Soccer players with English roots sang as fervently as the rest. Thousands of Irish fans have come to America. We expect good support in New York had a huge Italian-American community in many ways superior to the Irish. We thought that the stadium is divided in its preferences about half. To our surprise, we were greeted by rows of seats, painted in the colors of the Irish tricolor, when they came out on pre-match warm-up. It was established that on that Saturday, "Giants Stadium" attended by 50 000 fans Republic of Ireland, which in itself was incredible! "Giants Stadium" was like a fire-breathing oven. I never felt like humidity. It was hard to breathe, I'm not talking about how to run. The Italians started the match in his cautious fashion. They were only too happy to play the pass and make us run. While it was too early to say that the game took a particular course. However, knowing about the presence of Roberto Baggio in the camp of the opponent, we thought that the momentary loss of concentration can cost you a lot. On hand to us was that in our part there was a lot of experienced players. Peki Bonner, Denis Irwin, Steve Staunton, John Aldridge, Ray Houghton, Andy Townsend and Paul McGrath, who spent his best days in the "Aston Villa". Because the Italians have not taken an offensive onslaught in the first minutes of the match, we gradually began to seize the initiative. The fans helped us with their fierce support and play on the nerves of the Italians. As if from nowhere, Ray Houghton scored. In the penalty box Italians were randomly sent the ball long distances. Baresi, who usually plays quietly knocked the ball and he fell to Ray, who stood at thirty meters from the gate. Ray handled the ball has moved five meters and shot with trimming. Italian goalkeeper Palyuka moved from the goal line, waiting for a strong and accurate strike. However, Ray did not hit the ball well, and he flew up and down over his head in Palyuki net. I did not understand how it all happened.But it did not matter - at the expense of going all naked. In the second half of the meeting the Italians for twenty-five minutes in a row did not give us the descent. We were like a cornered. Peki made a couple of great "saves." I've played in front of the defenders of the Quartet, with special attention to Roberto Baggio, who every now and then walked away from his guardians. It is these moments is especially appreciated by real players. The battle requires you like peace of mind and ingenuity, and craftsmanship. The Italians certainly have the best selection of players. But the field was a struggle of the spirit. The great Paul McGrath displayed all those qualities which were required of us for half an hour in the day to "Giants Stadium". For a definition of "great" as suitable for anyone else. Known for his self-control, ability to handle the ball and a unique talent reading the game, Paul showed that day, all these characteristics. One of his greatest qualities was courage. When the Italians came to the gate, Paul seemed to them an insurmountable obstacle. He managed to demoralize the end of Roberto Baggio and other Italian players. It was an amazing match, a fantastic start the World Cup. At certain times we have been able to pass a bad football. Like sometimes happened to Jack Charlton's Ireland team when she was in shock. Forget about installing the game and just played the way it did in their clubs. Irish fans were in great shape after a victory that was perhaps the greatest in our history. They celebrated like we won a world championship. But I did not have any illusions about what we have done in reality. We took over the Italians, who were not in great shape, and were not the first team, which succeeded. World Championship for the Republic of Ireland, one might say, ended the day at "Giants Stadium". The heat in Florida, where we met with the national team of Mexico was intolerable, much worse than in New York. Rivals, we replayed in all areas of the field. They played in a pass, and we ran.The temperature was over 43 degrees Celsius. For seven minutes before the end of the match, we reduced the gap in the score - 1:2. This goal John Aldridge allowed us to play a draw with Norway in the last match of the group to go to the next round. Back in New York. Our match against Norway ended goalless draw, it could expect to be the most boring in the history of the world championships. After a skirmish with an assistant judge in the previous game Big Jack was removed from the coaching bench and watched the match from a television station ITV. Setters had contact with a national hero through the radio. Again we go to Florida. Travel and the heat began to exert its negative effect on all of our players. Matches begin at noon in Florida was someone evil joke. It is suitable TV men, but killing the players. Charlton play football in such circumstances, it seemed impossible. However, he continued to believe in yourself. Our next opponent was the Dutch team, a team of this world-class players such as Dennis Berhkamp, Marc Overmars, Frank Reykaard, Ronald Koeman and Frank De Boer. We resorted to our usual tactics and lost 0-2. I thought that FM-94 all showed a rough and primitive approach to the Charlton game. He had no fallback, nothing. Judging by the news from home, the nation was proud of us. Flags were hung out to salute the team, beating the Italian team. Other events in the USA-94 has been erased from memory. We're back, as if the invaders, the Great Jack led the parade. I vaguely remember receiving the President and other details of the celebration of our arrival. Although I was grateful to everyone who came out to give us their support, but like most players, fed up with it all. We had nothing to celebrate. VII Season 1994 - 95 years was considered the "Old Trafford" failure. We took second place in the Premier League, behind on points from the "Blackburn", and lost, "Everton" in the FA Cup final.We were also unable to leave the group in the Champions Cup, which now had a new format called the Champions League. European Cups, of course, were the first in our scale of values. But to be able to successful performance in Europe, we needed to win the Premier League. Thus, the pressure was felt from day one. But it went good. Knowing that from the "United", which won the last two championships, expect only the victory, we have raised the bar even higher level of our game. Many players complain of constant pressure from the outside. But if you want to achieve something big, you must understand that in the period between August and May, you will not have time to relax. And so every year. The more you win, the more you demand from. The more you try to fulfill these requirements, the better you play. This is a nice pressure. And, of course, the more successful, "United" reached in these years, the stronger the bitterness felt sadder and failures the players, fans, and especially Alex Ferguson. Any player who is experiencing illusions about what his reputation or trophies obtained in the previous season, guarantee him a spot in the starting lineup soon realizes that the "United" everything is different. 1994/95 season proved it. Although I made it into the main part, I am in no way reassured. During last season I got more and more took on the duties of a playmaker on the advice of Bryan Robson and ... scored fewer goals. Watching old games on TV, "Manchester United" I was doing and to this day, I was horrified by how no nonsense and I just played some matches, which then felt on top. Physically, I'm not even close to not coming to the optimal shape because of his dissolute lifestyle, but in my game to pass no imagination and gentleness. Instinctively, I felt it then ... But I played the best team in the country, that in itself should be said that everything is as it should. Even if, as the old records, I was still a lot to learn.Another source of pressure on us in the season 94-95 was the emergence of young talent in duplicate. About the team that won the Youth Cup in 1992 and 1993, have said in the past two years. Ryan Giggs hit the right basis for the first team. Others were ready to follow his example. People at the club, as fans - real fans, who watched the stand-ins, rather than those who ate sandwiches in the stands with shrimp - were arguing about who will be following a reservist, who secured a place at the base of the first team. Paul Scholes was a great footballer, a great game to pass, precast midfielder, stubborn and able-bodied guy, never deviating from the fight. Nicky Butt also predicted a bright future. Another player the middle line, which could play a roll up their sleeves and score goals - David Beckham. He was a Londoner, but fans of the "United" all his life. Becks had a great impact and was able to play both at right and in midfield. Heated debate going about who is better of the brothers Neville - Gary or Phil? Gary was a very mature player who can play right or center of defense. Paul had a more diverse arsenal of technical tools and know how to perform the role of protector at any place. Keith Gillespie from Northern Ireland had the reputation of a great flank attackers. From the beginning, we knew that these guys could do it. They practiced with the first team and feel it like a duck to water. They were not only good players, but also self-confident guys always stuck together and were not spill water on the field as well as outside it. They were a team, and against them, it was difficult to play in practice matches, which are undertaken more coach from time to time so that we can not relax. These games were held in a tight struggle. Both teams had something to prove. In the course allowed the toughest tackles and the quality of football was incredible. They desperately wanted to prove that they are willing to act for the first team, but we wanted to say that we were too early to write off.There would be no exaggeration to say that the tests that we subjected young understudies "United" have been much more difficult than in games with our rivals in the Premier League. We felt that the appearance of David Beckham, Neville, Butt, Scholes and Gillespie on the list of first team was only a matter of time. Now had to guess which player the basic structure will give way to young players. The first setback of the season we suffered in the Champions League. The die is reduced, "United" with "Goteborg", "Galatasaray" and "Barcelona" in the same group from further out only two teams. We could not cope with the problem. "Barcelona" defeated us 4-0 in the "Camp Nou", went further in the tournament thanks to better mesh the difference between goals scored and goals conceded. Because of the UEFA regulations, we could not put on the field for more than three foreigners (and not more than two 'assimilated players') in the Champions League. Therefore, before each match, the coach faced a difficult task. He was forced to decide who to bet on the game - Peter Schmeichel, Eric Cantona, Andrei Kanchelskis, Denis Irwin and me. For the sake of UEFA regulations, we had to sacrifice the experience and skill. But, despite the fact that the rules of tournament, on the foreign players, does not go in our favor, it can not explain our failures. If we were forced to leave the bench of talent, such a needed and from other clubs. Our failure in Europe was due to two main factors. First of all, our style of play has been adapted to the English Championship, where the pace was insane from beginning to end, and it lacked the subtlety and tactical flexibility with which we are usually faced in Europe. Playing European clubs was more subtle and clever than the Premier League, and the errors immediately punished. In the domestic league we can act negligently in the attack, and if you lose the ball in front of goal, they soon re-took possession of them. On defense, the same error, as opposed to the European cup, did not lead to serious consequences.Another and, at the first glance, does not manifest itself in the problem were the bad habits that take root and were purchased from week to week in our games in the Premier League. Most of the time we did not need to play at full strength. On "Old Trafford" most teams thrown the white flag, feeling that the smell of defeat. They fought for real about twenty minutes. Most of the guests did not believe in its success, but served a number in the field and stayed in the literal sense, when we went forward. Guest also matches have been quite another matter. Before opponent its fans looking for their luck, but in most fields, except for "Enfield", "Highbury", "Elland Road" or "Ewood Park," where "Blackburn" and Dalglish have shown their full strength, we had just come out and fight in anticipation of the moment will affect the class of Eric Cantona and Mark Hughes. Statistics of my three seasons in the "United" speaks volumes. While we have always suffered setbacks in Europe, we lost only sixteen of the 122 matches played in the Premier League. The truth is that both then and now in the Premier League success was achieved with little bloodshed. Relatively easy success we have developed bad habits that have manifested themselves in meetings with the champions of other countries. Premier League grew like a monster, which was very attractive and bring more money to players, agents, and Sky Television, whose curves are selling satellite "dishes" soared up through the football broadcasts. In response, Sky Television to pump more and more money in football. I signed his first commercial contract with the sponsor, Diadora boots early in the season 1994 - 95 years. Now I earn more than he could dream about it. With the growth of the Premier League grew and commercial success, accompany her. Videos, books, sponsorship deals and interviews to promote the product on the market. Shop "Manchester United" has turned into a supermarket, and soon planned to make a network of stores.Among the hype of this locker room and training field seemed an oasis of reason. Commitment by the coach and his indefatigable desire to move forward constantly reminded us that the main objective was to gain the greatest possible number of prizes. Alex Ferguson first came every morning to workout. He remained on the field until the end of work. He did not neglect the smallest detail. The coach watched each player trying to find the dim attribute of appetite, reduced requirements for training and display of bad habits. Nothing could hide from its gaze. In early January, coach Andy Cole got out of "Newcastle" for 7 million pounds. Keith Gillespie came in the "Newcastle" in the framework of this transaction. Cole was a good scorer in the "Newcastle". Goals in the "United" in recent years seemed an insoluble problem for many of the best scorers. If Andy would succeed, the transfer record will be placed not in vain. Eric and Andrei Kanchelskis have been struck by the opponent's gate for the entire season. Mark Hughes also made his contribution. Since the amount of transfer deals and the salary of players have reached astronomical proportions, devotion to the club was valued even more. The press in connection with the transition to another team became increasingly appear the names of our three players. It was rumored that Paul Ince was going to Italy. In addition, constantly talked about the desire of Andrei Kanchelskis and Mark Hughes to find himself a new club. Andrew said about all but the most disturbing rumor there was a message that allegedly shows him to interest the Russian mafia. I never knew what happened to him actually. One morning, Steve Bruce came into the locker room with a check for fifteen "units." The first team got a bit of money for the shooting of a movie, and now they had to be divided into eighteen players. Trying to figure out how much someone owes, we decided to cast lots, that the entire amount went to one. In addition, you can take your part - about 800 pounds.Some young players get so much in two weeks. They took my money. Only Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt have decided to go for broke and put its share of the total jackpot, which totaled about 12 thousand after all payments. When was the draw, the prize went to Eric Cantona. He got his check. And its share of grins. The next morning, Eric came up with two checks in 6000 by Paul and Nikki. This was their reward for risk, explained Eric. It was so like him! He again struck by its unexpected move. He smelled of something higher and understanding of what young guys need the money more than he does. Twelve "units" has been a lot of money for a beautiful gesture, even in the relatively prosperous times. Eric showed on the field really top-notch football. In a match with the "Blackburn" to "Old Trafford" in which we can say, six points were played, Eric scored the winning goal. If we win the championship, he beat the record of four consecutive league titles - three with our club and one with a "Leeds". We meet at a party with the "Crystal Palace" - in this meeting, we must win. We beat the club 3-0 at home, and in this match, it seemed that everything was decided after the first goal by Eric. I felt right and I thought to myself: "This is a passing game, no problem." But the efforts of competitors lead to what order hits our class. However, when the score was 1-1 there is always hope, especially for Eric that he can create, out of nowhere, a chance for a goal. But Eric quarreled with his guardian, Richard Shaw. A simple little thing, nothing serious. For pulling a T-shirt, violation of rules and a few words to each other. On it you should not pay attention, but the rival is always trying to mislead in this way you and Eric is he often goes. Eric loses control and hits the show. And leaves the field. The fans go crazy. "Selhurst Park," packed to capacity. Some phrases that are heard from the stands, you can be shocking. Racist shouts slogans about the personal lives of footballers (Eric suffered from that hard), dirt, because of which you start to think: why do people go to football and even mock disaster in Munich! What is it? Only one answer: English football. When Eric went to the locker room, the game resumed. We are left with ten men. Now the real fight began. No Eric. Suddenly on the far from my brow, I noticed some excitement. Something happened. This episode will be an infinite number of times to scroll on TV in the coming weeks. Some idiot tried to annoy Eric at the entrance to the tunnel. Eric replied immediately. But then he turned and attacked her abuser. Bruce Lee would be proud of stroke in the style of Eric's kung fu. Well, he was in boots without studs. He always played without a thorn. The game is over - draw 1-1, and in the locker room there was silence. The group of directors, one of which - Maurice Watkins, a lawyer of the club, carried out with Ferguson meeting. Eric is sitting, hanging nose, her face buried in her knees. Policemen stand in the hallway. My first reaction: nothing happened. Eric was playing fair! I probably would, and he did so. When he got home and turned on the TV, I saw that the jig is up. It was a serious incident, and Eric, of course, lost control. But my attitude has changed. My heart was with him. All the guys feel about the same. We have not slapped him on the shoulder and did not approve of his actions, but Eric was a great guy and we were not going to turn away from him. It is obvious that the club was in serious trouble. The coach was angry. For him, the incident was an ordeal, especially when this every step of the press trumpeted. Lifetime disqualification! Get out of the country! Press enjoyed. Within a few weeks training our stadium, "Cliff" was under siege. The gates were closed, but reporters scramble to the wall using rope ladders and take photos. Eric gave up and hired a good lawyer and "otpahal" by the verdict of the court on public works, spending a few interesting exercises with local kids.The club had no choice but to disqualify him until the end of the season. It's all over the film. Life goes on, and you sometimes have to endure hardships. We have won eight of nine subsequent games, missing the championship by just one goal, "Everton", which we lost 0-1. The scandal surrounding the Canton has not yet subsided. He was to appear before a disciplinary committee and the association to pass a court hearing on charges of assault. In the semi-finals of the FA Cup in the opponents we got "Crystal Palace". We have shown mediocre football in the first match at "Villa Park". Footballers 'Palace' practiced football in a long pass, just as Jack Charlton's team, which is difficult to play against, especially when such tactics are combined with a rigid pressure from the opponent. The match took place in the context of the incident from Canton - that there was no doubt. This was on hand to competitors. After extra time the match ended in a draw - 2:2. Before the replay coach talked about distractedly Eric warned us that we should be careful: "Act like it should. You know the players, "Palace" are aggressive, do not succumb. " Easy to say but hard to do. English football is aggressive by nature. This is a tough reality I fully felt in the first half. Darren Pitcher swipes me and hurt my ankle. It hurts. During the break, the doctor puts me seven stitches. The coach asked if I could continue the match. Give a look at how everything went at the beginning every time, I tell him. This Cup semi-final, I tell myself, pull yourself together. Desire? Fear? Madness? I do not know. Lost and the whole season goes down the drain. The inner voice that calls to avoid conflicts, particularly dangerous for the players, "United", where there is always someone to do your job instead of you. At the end of the fifth minute of the second half, the coach is interested in the order I. Of course, I'm wrong, but I think I can run through the pain. Five more minutes? He agrees.Gareth Southgate takes me into a fight, without violating the rules, but it hurt my right ankle, which has just stitches. Yes to you! I get up and step on it. Pain, anger, despair. I know that is not right. "What the hell were you thinking?" - Asked me to coach. I'm just doing what I apologize. My first red card in English football greatly complicate an already unenviable position of Alex Ferguson. Although we beat the "Palace" with the score 2-0, the result was in the shadow of another "day of shame" "Manchester United". Newspapers demanded that the association to punish me for intimidating others. They were a little ordinary trehmatchevoy disqualification for removal. I disgraced the game and must bear an adequate punishment. No word on Darren Pitcher and my ankle and seven joints. No understanding of what was played on the field two teams and that the "Villa Park" is "Crystal Palace" and not "United" impose a physical fight. Erica Leap-style kung fu club and the response to this is the background of everything going on. Besides the fact that Eric was disqualified before the end of the season, it imposed a maximum fine of 20,000 pounds, which was a two-week earnings. However, Sir Alex Ferguson resisted demands to sell the Canton or break the contract with him. The press, and not just sports, and demanded blood. If the coach does not ask Eric pepper, then so will go with the newspaper by the coach. He demanded the courage of the players, and now he has demonstrated this character trait of himself. He stuck to his opinion, which in our dressing room shared by the other, that, although Eric and lost control of himself, he did not do anything that would put an end to his career. Despite the fact that Alex Ferguson has always scolded me for personal contact in the press he was on my side. On Friday, after the game I attended, along with a coach at a news conference. I apologized for the incident at the "Villa Park" and showed reporters a damaged ankle. Apparently, she did not make them any impression.The association did not oppose those who demanded my head. I was accused that I disgraced the game. During the hearing, the disciplinary committee in London I have imposed an automatic disqualification trehmatchevuyu and a fine of 5,000 pounds. "United" has fined me for a week salary. Well, at least that I can play in the Cup final. The fate of the championship was decided in the final round. If we beat, "West Ham", "Blackburn" will also need three points to "Anfield". Twenty minutes before the end of the expense of our games was 1-1. We have created an unimaginable set of moments for a goal. These opportunities are missed, one after another. This clearly was not our day, and the bill remained unchanged. But the "Anfield" "Liverpool" scored the winning goal behind the curtain of the meeting. "Blackburn" not stand the test ... In the Cup final, "Everton" beat us 1-0. If only Eric kept composure to "Selhurst Park!" I have no doubt that with Eric, we would have won the second gold double. But even without him we could do it, do not spend a we so much effort and energy because of the scandal and its aftermath. I am infinitely confident that football - a team game. To become a great coach, you need great players, or at least players with the most professional approach to their work. In order to achieve success as a player, you need to advocate for the right club at the right time and together with other good players. Alex Ferguson took and takes decisions that determine the fate of the players, "Manchester United". Without an appropriate structure, command, or proper preparation Roy Keane or David Beckham, Eric Cantona, no, no other "stars" would not shine as brightly as possible, and do fade away. Most trainers and managers do not control. They choose the staff, buying players impose their tactics to flirt with the leadership of the club and the press. Then they were fired. Ferguson is different from the rest. He knows the "Manchester United" and out;watching matches reservists as closely as the games and the first team, the player knows about the youth team, his habits, strengths and weaknesses, as well as football players on first team, on which depends the success of the club. He is known for its thoroughness and meticulously to every detail. But what does this really mean? That means - special attention to all factors that may affect the development of the club: where you spent last night with some friends you vodishsya and when to rest players showing signs of fatigue during training and when to throw in a young player, giving him the opportunity to show himself in the Premier League when seasoned veteran can no longer cope with their responsibilities, who buy, sell one and when to travel to away games, in which hotel will be the players calm, but at the same time and not get bored, your diet, the latest developments in medicine; solution of personal problems players understanding and humanity, providing everything necessary to "Manchester United" of his players have the maximum support for concentrating solely on what is important in any football club - the result. The scope and scale of its activities at the club is enormous. There are many examples. That's one of them. Realizing the increasing pressure on the players and their families and then, what negative impact it may have, Ferguson last season, ordered to organize a nursery for "Old Trafford" to his wife's players and their children can attend home games, feeling comfort. It seems to be a pushover, but at the same time of great importance, emphasizing the important role in the lives of footballers wives and girlfriends. In this approach to business life players became a little easier. Sir Alex Ferguson came every morning to workout. His presence was felt even when he was in his office. He quietly went on the field, laughing, joking, chatting on his mobile phone.He is always watching, looking for either positive or negative side of players that cared more than others it at the moment. Two, three, or even more players have always been in his field of vision. Who is left on the bench, who put the match? Who should be customized kicks in the butt? Who needs a pat on the shoulder? Smoothing scandal Eric Cantona and at the same time, the solution of dozens of other pressing matters will give you almost everything you ever wanted to know about the art of governance and Alex Ferguson. Eric guilty of serious misconduct. Such circumstances were unprecedented in football. Nowhere to one coach did not come across such a test. First, you need to set aside a textbook on coaching and managerial arts. Ferguson had acted solely on instinct. Management is identified with the decision-making, and Ferguson's first decision, which will continue to influence all his subsequent steps, was the fact that, while Eric and lost control, he did not deserve a life sentence. What would the punishment for him no matter ugotovlena, Eric will be a player, "Manchester United". Eric has done more than anyone else, for Ferguson, won the championship and two doubles. Dedication has been the cornerstone principles of Ferguson, so he fought with all the gates of the club, rescuing his career Eric and making every effort for its recovery. He did right. And, of course, in the interests of "Manchester United" was to keep Eric's talent at his disposal. In this tight game it was impossible to forget about their own interests. After receiving fierce criticism from a portion of the nation, Eric fled to France. The coach went after him and convinced Eric that the problem can be solved. For the football club "Manchester United", this moment was decisive. It was a defining moment in my career.I do not think any other man football could show such determination, skill and strength, which showed Alex Ferguson, running scandal of Canton. We all went in favor of the effort and the result, which reached Alex Ferguson. To all those who served his claim that he was responsible. The coach was again under fire in the summer of 1995, this time with the fans, "United" and the press when he decided to sell Andrei Kanchelskis, Mark Hughes and Paul Ince. Financial affairs Andrew were a mystery, which was discussed at all angles. At the time, said he and coach quarreled, or that he would like to move to another club for the money. In any case, he went to the "Everton" and then played in other clubs. The decision to sell three players, professional perform its task from August to May and even the speakers for the various teams, was a courageous act. The pressure at the beginning of the season for Alex Ferguson has increased due to the fact that Eric Cantona could not go into operation before the end of September, as the Association has imposed additional sanctions on him, and no one knew what form it comes after eight months without football. It's unbelievable, how could challenge such a frenzy skills coach, who just three seasons won two championships, the FA Cup (and even his team to two League Cup finals and England, in which she lost) and got a double. But now, neither the fans nor the press did not expect anything else from a "Manchester United", as the total superiority over our rivals. Alex Ferguson is now solved one of the most difficult, as the football practice problems: smooth replacement of one of the championship to another with minimal losses. A similar ploy was possible only "Liverpool", which has consistently been on the crest of success in the sixties, seventies and eighties. With your luggage trophies Alex Ferguson could easily choose two ways: do nothing or try to storm the highest peaks.Difficult and risky decision, which he accepted, was that to rely on Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and Phil, and David Beckham. He liked to play on a grand scale, but we knew the life inside the club, saw less risk in his decision than the fans and his critics. If a coach loses, it will have to pay the ultimate price. We understand that the reaction to the result of the opening match of the season 1995/96. We lost at a party, "Aston Villa" 1:3. The game was shown on television in the evening when the commentator Alan Hansen gave his now famous phrase: "The children did not win." The newspapers were equally caustic. Criticism hurts struck by our vanity. The following Wednesday we played at home with the "West Ham". Usually it was a passable game, but this time we were facing a difficult task. We had to prove something very important to their fans. Meeting with "Liverpool" would have been easier than with the "West Ham" in these circumstances. Analyzing the composition of our team to play with, "West Ham", we see clearly that in spite of popular opinion that we put "kindergarten", it should be noted that we had a lot of experienced players. Peter Schmeichel, Gary Pallister and Steve Bruce (who missed the game with "Villa" because of the trauma), as usual, formed a key defensive triangle. Denis Irwin, Brian Makkleera, Lee Sharpe and I can hardly be called "children". In Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes had enough experience of playing in the Premier League. Only Gary Neville and David Beckham, who was preparing to play their seventh game in the first team, came within the definition of "children". Nevertheless, we feel pressure, "West Ham" was set to do battle on "Old Trafford". In a match marked by the struggle of a viscous, I scored the goal that helped us to avoid a tie and criticism. Of course, winning 2-1 at home on "West Ham" does not prove anything. Eric returned to the team on 1 October and scored from the penalty spot, having brought us to a point in the home match with "Liverpool".He was good on the field, like a year ago that spoke of his professionalism and character, since only a few players, especially the "legionnaires," failed to pass the tests he underwent for his hit in the style of Bruce Lee (the criticism against him is not subside, and during the season). "Newcastle" gave the championship a unique flavor. Kevin Keegan made his team play in the attack, jumping out of cowards. Cynics laughed cavalry approach Keegan to football. I must admit, admired his passion. "Newcastle," head table, to get ahead by ten points. Match with him was of enormous value. The game was like hell, the voltage does not go down all ninety minutes. Andy Cole and I scored one goal and we won 2-0. But unfortunately, we briefly came close to "Newcastle." "Tottenham," we defeated the "White Hart Lane" with a score of 4-1 on the first day of the year. "Newcastle" stretched their lead to seven points. It's all over? Criticism of the coach was despise: the old days, "United" have passed, we are no longer the team that shone in the past, the summer transfer policy was wrong, this team will not be able to win the championship. After the defeat of the "Spurs" We gave a sensational series of twenty-three matches in the Premier League and FA Cup, which lost only once at a party, "Southampton." Eric was in top form and scored ten goals in fifteen league games, adding five more goals in the FA Cup. Backlog of "Newcastle" was becoming less and less, but he has a chance to get rid of us in early March, when we come to "St. James' Park. It's a real struggle, again passing through all ninety minutes. Eric scored a fantastic winning goal, despite the advantage the home team. After this defeat, it became clear that the "Newcastle" will not win the championship. If we do not stumble, we'll take his.Despite talk of "children" - there is no reason to talk about Gary Neville as a "child" - in our team experience was enough to calm down or do not pass too early. A trip to Leeds in April, to the most severe. "Newcastle" was taking with each round. Kevin Keegan is now realized that to talk of victory is much easier than to win on the field. It must be football players, "Newcastle" praying that our match with the "Leeds" ended with the results they want. We have received your three precious points after a 90-minute battle. I had to plug in their reserves of energy to score the winning goal. After the scandal with Cantona and portions of criticism he received for the sale of Kanchelskis, Hughes and Paul Ince, the coach went to his goal. It had its own interests. Only at the end of the season Alex Ferguson has publicly stated its displeasure with the contract. At this stage of his talks with the club stalled. It is impossible to imagine, but it was true that the players received a higher salary than the person responsible for the success of the club more than anyone else. Another double add it trumps. We have completed the championship with two easy victories, beating "Forest" 5-0 at home and "Middlesbrough" 3-0 - on a visit. Now we are waiting for the FA Cup final with "Liverpool"! From the date of first arrival to the "Wembley" with "Forest", this stadium I've never wound up. The fans were too far away to create the right atmosphere. Compared with the "Old Trafford", "Enfield" or "Elland Road" game on "Wembley" was held as if in a vacuum. The field was sticky and drains you of power. All these stupid ceremony before the game only takes time and concentration. Shaking hands with dignitaries them to you as you are to them, did not care. But we met with "Liverpool". For us fans of "United" to meet him in the Cup and the championship, were the most important. Neutral observers say that the FA Cup final in 1996 was boring.Of course, so it might seem, if you have not played in it. The match was tough and demanded from you with all the concentration, you had to play the last breath. My job was to manage the middle of the field, so as not to give players a "Liverpool" neither time nor space, bring them down to the rhythm on the vine to stop any attempts and plans to take over the top of us. The field of "Wembley" was large and had to be responsible for a vast territory, but I managed to cover all areas, to enter into combat, trying to convey to the players the meaning of my actions: we have to work hard, damned hard work. Along with Nicky Butt, we won the fight for the middle of the field. Nicky was not a coward and a perfect fit for such work. Five minutes before the end of normal time we owned the initiative, which was not reflected on the scoreboard. Eric, as sometimes the case, was too calm. We got right on the corner on the right. David James gets the ball, but only knocks him to the penalty. The ball rebounds to Eric. He was somehow able to break through the summer, and while he had enough space to regroup. A moment later I saw the ball flicked into the grid, and players, "Liverpool" bowed their heads. Another double. This time with "children". The moment of victory is short - so it should be, but this time he was very sweet. Double of the season 1995/96 was revenge for the coach. He achieved something with the "children". Eric played the role of captain in the absence of Steve Bruce. After the final whistle, he persuaded Steve to join us in getting the Cup in the royal box. It was a typical gesture of Canton, who took Steve, our captain. One of the remarkable features of soccer, "United" was the fact that they are not sick, "zvezdnyakom" which accompanied the glory. We won the Cup, and nobody thought did not care about who his first lift. Four days after our victory in the Cup of the newspaper "Manchester Evening News," published article under the headline "Fergie: I'll go over a dispute about wages."If Ferguson's new contract will be signed before he leaves on vacation, the coach will leave the club. In football, I was nothing surprising. The man who brought the "United" all that is possible on the domestic scene for the past ten years, is forced to appeal to public opinion, to conclude the contract. It is unlikely that he deserved such treatment. He received a pittance - 300 000 per year, and this at a time when the game was awash with money from the deals with broadcasters. He got his: the salary was increased twice, and yet he was promised the prize of success! When Alex Ferguson has returned from vacation, I signed a new contract for another four years and was glad of it. A year later, will leave Canton. A week after our fourth win in the championship, he announced his retirement from football: "I spent thirteen years in professional football, which is the long term. Now I would like to do something else. I always planned to leave, while in bloom, and the "Manchester United" I reached the peak of his career. In the past four and a half years, I showed his best game and spent his happiest time. I had an excellent relationship with the coach, his assistant, employees of the club and players, and certainly not least, the fans. I wish the "Manchester United" to achieve even greater success in the future. " Martin Edwards and Sir Alex Ferguson paid tribute to Eric. The club president said: "I am incredibly saddened by the fact that Eric has made such a choice, but understand and respect his decision and the reasons that guided. Many of us think that Eric was the catalyst for the most successful period in our history. This time, it was truly fantastic. " Sir Alex Ferguson added: "Eric has had an enormous influence on the development of our young players. His professional approach was a model for imitation. He is undoubtedly one of the most gifted and most dedication of players with whom I had the pleasure to work with.He leaves with best wishes from us, and we are always glad to see him on "Old Trafford". We will recall that together. " Fans were shocked. Hundreds of fans with a jersey number at the seventh Eric stood in mourning for "Old Trafford". Many of the eye tears. As the funeral Busby or European cup matches in, imbued with emotion, these events have reminded me that "Manchester United" was more than just a football club. It was impossible to imagine that something similar would occur near the stadiums of other clubs in Britain. Eric was a proud man. I think he decided that if he can not play for the "United", then it can and does play football. I admired his action. We won the championship last season for Eric. At the beginning of the season the coach has made it clear that the primary objective is to win the Champions League. Walking in the majority of Premier League matches were hardly ideal preparation for the match with the best teams in Europe. For me, the season was marred by various injuries and suspension. I was sent off for a second warning, when we were defeated with a score of 3:6 on the "Southampton." At this time, as in the past, I have not felt such hatred for opponents, as to himself and mates, for the fact that he lost his head. Match with the "Southampton" is a good example of how we just pretend that we play, believing that our class gives us the divine right to beat all the rest. These attempts to avoid fighting drove me mad. Therefore, stringent action and game selection, from which the bones were cracking, I tried to somehow make the match an element of competition and competitiveness. I could live with defeat, but not with the delivery. If we lose, "Southampton", then what, to hell, a chance we will have a meeting with "Juventus" (which, as often happened, and was our opponent in the first stage of the Champions League)?Understanding that you can not control the physical state as the switch light bulbs, led me to despair during games like the one that took place on the "Dell". As a result, I have either removed from the field, or argued with teammates. Any player can upscale the game to tune in to "Anfield" or "Highbury". But to be fully prepared to meet with "Southampton" from the Premier League was quite another matter. In my mind you already appropriates three points by looking at the schedule of matches. "Enfield": there will be heavy. 'Highbury': another important game. "Coventry": Well, all right. "Southampton": no problem. "West Ham": should all turn out. "Sunderland": an easy walk. "Juventus'! The first match with the "Bianconeri" has clearly demonstrated where the lurking threat. On Saturday before the game we defeated the European club, "Leeds' 4-0 to" Elland Road ". Next Saturday we beat at home, "Nottingham Forest" - 4:1. In Turin, as in the through Wednesday between games of the Premier League we lost 0-1 in an interesting match. Due to injury I missed the game. But I have acquired the knowledge accumulated on the rise at that time, as I watched the matches from the sidelines. Eric, frankly, could not compete with European teams - and it concerned us all. As I have already admitted it was a great on the domestic scene and are ideally suited to English football, where his composure and technical skill gave him a head start in tsarivshem around chaos. Against the background of flying bodies and rapid cold rolled up the mind of Eric was a valuable asset. And since we were one of the best in the country, he could not worry about the rear and at times allowed himself to avoid the fight and give us the dirty work. Sometimes I thought: "Eric, what the fuck, you lazy bastard!" And after a moment or a few seconds before these words were ready to break out of my mouth, as if he waved his magic wand and scored either gave an assist. This situation suited us in the league and FA Cup.In Europe, was a football - a more demanding. Even the most modest by European standards the team in meetings with us feel themselves masters of the situation. This was the main thing. They're used to winning and getting the desired result for the opponent. Against the Viennese "Rapid" or commands such as "Brøndby" we could achieve success with Eric. But not in the meetings with "Juventus", "Bavaria", or with quite ordinary, but highly professional clubs, like "Gothenburg", which won us 3-1 and knocked out of the tournament two seasons ago. Being infinitely useful in games and the Cup championship in England, scoring winning goals uncountable the number of times Eric did not shine in Europe. I can not think of a single European Cup match in which he could turn the tide of the game. In Europe, you're a little adds momentum. Attention to itself drew not only high-profile players such as Zidane's attacking plan or Del Piero, but strong, clever advocates - the guys, of which nobody heard, with good speed and the ability to block all approaches to rival their gates in time to make a decision and enter in the selection of the ideal accuracy and instinctively holding the right position in defensive formations, as well as reading great game. Eric was not able to cope with it and take precedence over such players. The success in Europe was now the main task of "Manchester United" Alex Ferguson. Our exit from the group, which played a "Rapid" (Vienna), "Fenerbahce" and "Juventus", was not without a hitch. After losing in Turin, we beat "Rapid" in his field and "Fenerbahce" at a party. Then came the champions of Turkey on "Old Trafford" and won. This defeat at home to become the first "United" for forty years of participation in European competition. The victory virtually ensures us a place in the quarterfinals, but "Fenerbahce" left us no chance.This club is a good example of so-called medium-sized European teams, I talked about earlier - without big names, but strong-minded professionals working in full force during the whole season, not leaving the prisoners - especially on defense. We could not so easily create chances at the goal net as it was in the Premier League. Footballers 'Fenerbahce' were able to control the ball, forcing us to run after him. But they were only champions of Turkey! Nevertheless, they refused to surrender, as did many European clubs, who came to "Old Trafford". Seeking by all means to win the victory, running like a wound, we got hit in the twelve minutes before the end of the game. The ball ricocheted from David May, and Schmeichel was left no chance. 0-1. Everything. Now we needed to play with "Juventus" and "Rapid" and fight for the desired result. Many shook their heads in the locker room: "How could this happen to us?" Footballers only then think about their game. But sometimes - not always - the answer lies here. If you play good enough and has all the necessary qualities, and that we had not taken away, then defeat is usually explained only thine own mistakes. Neither the judge nor luck, nor the rebound, no matter how comforting this explanation of your failure. In such cases the quality of these professionals, such as Bryan Robson, Steve Bruce and Denis Irwin have become invaluable to your team. They know where to find the answer. The coach knows it too. That is why he is all that he deserved and earned. After the match, with "Fenerbahce", he stood side by side when dealing with the press. No luck, etc. etc. Record should be the same ever been to fall. In any case, it only afflicted us. We'll be back, etc. etc. Maybe we missed the chance of reaching the quarterfinals four days ago. In a match with "Southampton." Three-in-hell-six. 0:5 And before "Newcastle." How is it that I lost my head on the "Dell" and earned a red card?Because I knew that this did not go away. I felt in my heart that can not be like this vyezhivatsya with "Southampton", and then collect all their reserves in a match with this team four days later. It will not work. Maybe sometimes it happens. But the "Manchester United" is not "sometimes". We play or should play in the style of shirt-put on-to-make-my-job-to-end. I figured it out by looking at my family and friends - fans of "United". Three to six "Southampton"! They could not stick his nose out of the house. People laughed at them at work. The boys, who were rooting for us, were confounded in and outside school. Ridicule, smirks, podnachivaniya. Too many players to forget about what it means defeat for those people whose money we're playing. We paid for us to play. Pla tyat. Play for "Manchester United". The fans, these fans, lay out their money to support us. And we can not stir foot in a match against Matt Le Tissier! 0:1 defeat in Turin, has meant that we have to beat the "Rapid" in Vienna and hope to "Juventus" has not lost at home, "Fenerbahce". At this time we do not repeat "deed" with the "Southampton", winning the "Leicester" 3-1 on Saturday before the game with the "Rapid". In the match against the Austrians we found ourselves a good team. The coach set me a task to take care of the most dangerous player in the "Rapida" - Kyubauera. The task was carried out with 2:0 (goals scored Ryan and Eric), but I still feel the approach of danger. They nearly scored when Kuhbauer broke through to our gate. I caught up with him and enter into a selection. Successfully. Its thorns cut my leg. Just below the knee I impose nineteen stitches. Another month on the sidelines. "Juve" did the trick. We have passed on. Meet the "Port" in the quarterfinals. As if from nowhere there was another problem. To cope with the task exit in the quarterfinals of the Champions League, we were only able to reduce our draw the next two championship games against the "West Ham" and "Sheffield Wednesday".Then we lost, "Sunderland" just four days after it defeated the "Port" 4-0 at home in the first match of the quarterfinals. We went to the semifinals of the Champions League but the Premier League we caught up with the crisis. As if to aggravate our situation, we lost a home game "Derby" with a score of 2:3, four days before the first leg semi-final in Dortmund Away "Borussia". We have achieved what they wanted - to be one step away from winning the Champions League. But I feel that one or two players of our team are beginning to pass. Surprisingly, perhaps, and not Eric - one of them. Despite the fact that Eric has done so much for us, he has not had a chance to speak for the French team. He is a star in the "United", but if we do not succeed in Europe, the merits of Eric will never be put in one number with a truly great European players. European arena is the real measure of skill players. Maybe Eric can not win it. And will not ever. But while we at the height of the match with the "Borussia" in visit. Eric misses a great chance. Nicky Butt gets the post. On the way to the ball, sent David Beckham gets back when the goalkeeper is powerless to help his team. All goes to a goalless draw, and the denouement has come to "Old Trafford". Fourteen minutes before the end of the meeting, Eric refuses to fight in the middle of the field. Tretshok, with whom he could not take the ball forward breaks, beats, and the ball changes its trajectory, hitting his leg, Gary Pallister. Gol. Perhaps it was at this point, it was decided the future of Eric. Four days before the return match, we performed a difficult task in the Premier League to "Anfield", which won the "Liverpool" 3-1. Having received a yellow card in Dortmund, I missed the return match at "Old Trafford". Despite the Germans a good game, I thought we could beat them in front of their fans. But by skipping the ball into the beginning of the meeting, we had to score a complete victory for three of the rules of the guest goal.But not with the game at this level. In the middle of the line "Borussia" ran the Scotsman Scott Lambert, Kohler led the defense, but their best player Andreas Moeller has always been focused on the goal. With these players could not play peacefully rival. I was incredibly hard to sit on the bench and watch the game, I could not do anything in a match that had buried our hopes of reaching the Champions League final. When the "Borussia" then won the finals, "Juventus", we are at least able to console myself with the thought that had a team that was almost able to become the club champion of Europe. But we became champions of England. Eric Cantona, Steve Bruce has replaced the post of captain of the club. Now, after he left this place again remained vacant. Immediately began to wonder, whose candidacy will offer coach as captain. Peter Schmeichel, Gary Pallister, Denis Irwin and Gary Neville were obviously prime candidates for the post. I was surprised when Alex Ferguson chose me. Offer captaincy in "Manchester United" was a huge compliment, and of course, the appropriate duty. On the field I was sure that cope with their goal. However, the mission consisted of the captain and diplomatic duties outside the field that, in my view, was far more serious problem. One of the favorable circumstances surrounding the work of the captain, was the distribution of tickets for matches as well as the recreation room of players. If I had pestered their requests Bryan Robson, Steve Bruce and Eric, now the other players will harass my location. With the departure of Eric Cantona, we lost a voice of a professional. Locker room has changed markedly since my arrival at the club four years ago. Since then, the left Bryan Robson, Steve Bruce, Mark Hughes, Paul Ince, and now it is the turn of Canton. Each of these high-profile players one way or another was a highly influential figure both on the field and beyond.Overall size of their impact was difficult to determine, except that in the absence of these players, our locker room and look younger longer looked so hardened in battle. In place of Eric's was bought from Teddy Sheringham, "Tottenham". Teddy came in his first training session in the red "Ferrari", and all aspects of his conduct betrayed in him a confident Londoner. Teddy and I have known each other for joint action for the "Forest". Relations between us were not easy always. Progress in our communication and not come to "Old Trafford". Teddy does not stand out in his first season at the club, but time will tell what his acquisition was a very good bargain. Sheringham was a hell of a great player - he can score and give assists. The fact that we did not get along with each other, no matter where we went on the field. We won the first official match under my captaincy, winning "Chelsea" in the penalty shootout in the Cup season. We stayed unbeaten in eight league matches at the start of 1997/98 season, and easily beat visiting Slovak "Kosice" in the first game of the Champions League. For Saturday's away match with the "Leeds" I came up with a complete lack of playing tone. During the match several times I came across Alfie Holland. He whet me from the beginning of the game. I still could not accept the belated rolled up, which he used - it was an integral part of football. But other things, such as clinging to the shirt and butting, when I was without the ball, knocking me off balance. Sometimes even Holland did not watch the game, but just ran over me. I thought that coach, "Leeds' David O'Leary, who knew how to get me, put in front of Holland this task. Five minutes before the final whistle, when we were pressing on them the penalty, I'm desperate attack on Holland. I tried to put his bandwagon, but not hit. I knew that probably will earn a warning, but that's hell, it turned out that he had served its purpose. When I slid on the grass, my spikes have touched the turf. I even heard the crack of my ligaments.Agonizing pain hit me in an instant. Holland stood over me and shouted: "Good to pretend! Get up! ". His partner Uezeroll gestures showed the same thing. I knew what happened that something very serious, but was not sure what it was. The judge showed me a yellow card, when I was led to the brow. Dave Fevre, our doctor, tried to get me out of the field. However, we have already used all three substitutions, so I finish the game was the final minute of the match. When limping, I left the field, David O'Leary tried to calm me down. "Fuck you, Dave. You put this bastard to me specifically to bring out of balance "- I thought. In the locker room came the doctor, "Leeds". Sign Language doctors told me that the worst has happened - I lost my cruciate ligament. Dave Fevre, who worked as a doctor in the rugby club, "Wigan", recognize the relevant symptoms. Cruciate injury is a frequent phenomenon in rugby because of the hard nature of this game. Injury provoked and my nightly adventures. Price that had to be more determined. I returned to Manchester to study at the hospital at Whalley Range BUPA. On the way home in our bus, I prayed that injury was not as serious as was the initial verdict of doctors. That same evening, without unnecessary delay, Dave took me to the hospital. The consultant, who spent an initial inspection, did not seem attuned to optimistic. Doctors sent me home telling me to come back on Monday, and then they vskroyut knee and inspection of the damaged zone. On Sunday, Denis Irwin drove my car to the house from the "Old Trafford", where I had left it. The knee swelled and grew almost to the size of the balloon. The pain was unbearable. I knew that the plunge in earnest. Examination on Monday confirmed my fears. I was sent to remedial courses to six weeks, I build muscle mass needed for further operations. Even after nine matches of my season was over. And maybe the whole career.Paul Gascoigne was not the only player who failed to return to previous levels after surgery for cruciate ligament reconstruction. With his experience in working with the rugby Dave Fevre know what to do and what not to do to fully recover. In the rehabilitation process has its own physical and psychological aspects. After surgery I spent in the hospital for three days. After that I started a long, difficult and painful process of restoring physical condition. Once I came to Lee Sharpe (now it stood for "Leeds"). He also damaged knee ligaments in a few weeks after my injury. I look like to hear how to promote his cause. "I'm almost flying - was his reply. - I run, I beat on the ball - almost ready to play. " In about two hours we sat together and reminisced the good old days, and I thought: God, I'm far behind on where might already be if Lee runs and runs with the ball. When he stood up, then nearly collapsed. "I must have spent a leg" - Lee lied unconvincingly. He went to his limping "Porsche", jumped into the car and drove away. With a light heart, after all seen, I told Dave all the next morning. "Apparently, he was in a hurry, Roy. Do not worry, we come to his purpose "- he assured me. When I began to engage in play five on five, guys were trying hard not to play with me. It is too easy for me. So Dave Fevre called the team and said that they should not do me any favors. Deprive him the ball. And soon, everyone started to rush me into the selection process. I'm back ... well, almost. In the last week of the season, "Arsenal" had acquired the title. I figured that I could play in our last championship game with the "Barnsley". Fortunately, the doctors did not want to hear about it. After resting for another six weeks, I flew in the preparatory training sessions and matches before the season 1998/99. We went on a tour of Scandinavia. In my absence, the team captain was Peter Schmeichel.The coach told me that he would like to have Peter remained captain's armband for the tour. I was not too pleased with that message, and even more so when the game before the Cup of the season against the "Arsenal" to "Wembley" Schmeichel showed no signs that he was ready to return my captain's armband. In the end, the coach ordered him to obey. He yielded and became darker clouds. "Arsenal" scored two goals and lung won the match 3-0. After the game, the coach called a team and encouraged Peter to grow up and do not play in children's toys. The desire to coach for success has become even more noticeable when he broke the transfer record of central defenders Jaap Stam in buying "Eindhoven". He also had acquired Jesper Blomqvist in "Parma". When the "United" broke the British transfer record by buying York for 12.6 million pounds in the club really started to feel the wind of change. With such a strong line-up in autumn 1998, one could hardly expect the players to be complacent. No one was guaranteed a place at the base, which in my opinion, it was only on hand for the development of the club. Now we were so fed up with success on the domestic scene, that we were hurt, when it comes to this prize - the Champions League. Purchase Dwight Yorke was one of the boldest moves on the part of Alex Ferguson. As it turned out, Brian Kidd was skeptical about the fact that New York can justify laid out for him the sum of it, he said bluntly. As head coach, Kidd said directly that what I was thinking. To be honest, I did not think that New York can score as many goals as expected of him, though no doubt in his ability to appeal to the ball and that the defenders of the opponent will have to work hard to be "close". Jaap Stam provide reliable defense. It was just what we needed with the departure of Gary Pallister to "Middlesbrough". Steve Bruce, Gary Pallister and created a tandem, largely thanks to which our success has been achieved in the past.In Stam and Ronny Johnsen, who was acquired two years ago to replace Bruce, had enough experience. Ole Gunnar Solskyar came to "United" from the Norwegian "Molde", at the same time as the Johnsen. It cost the club just 1.5 million pounds, and, perhaps, this deal was the best in club history. They called him a murderer with the face of the boy, and it's true - he was a murderer, and he was the boy's face. When he first came to the gym and went along with a team picture taken, I thought he was one of the students who are suffering from a "United". He could give sixteen. But when it got to the ball, I realized - it's all understood - what an extraordinary mastery of the final stage of the attack he had. Ole could and scored with any desired position. He became a favorite in our dressing room, being nice and at the same time demonstrating the most professional approach. Ole longer sit on the bench, fighting for a spot in the starting lineup with Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke and Teddy Sheringham. But he never complained, and when he had the opportunity, almost always doing what is required of him. In a team game, despite all the hype surrounding some of the players, which is and will remain a football, the importance of professionals such as Ole always priceless. So it is for us. I regain form after a few matches. But I was not the lunatic, who was hunting for Alfie Holland (although I did not forget his insult to my address, as I lay on the lawn "Elland Road"). I now appreciate every moment of the game both during matches and in training. Now I'll shake his muscles in the gym. I realized - what I never realized until last season - that your time in football is limited. Things can only end in one stroke in the selection, and your career will go into the past in the blink of an eye. Another radical change occurred in my lifestyle. Returning to the system, I had a lot to prove, and not only that I was in great shape.As entry into the season I started to play the best football of his life. This was largely due to stronger players around me. Defensive line did not cause fear - Gary Neville and Denis Irwin have acted in the position of the last defenders and Jaap Stam and Ronny Johnsen have an excellent understanding in the center of defense. In midfield, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and I rarely inferior opponent in martial arts. David Beckham and Ryan Giggs have used a diverse arsenal of offensive weapons on both flanks. Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke were friends off the field, but to protect the opponent they represented a double threat. Now that we have preached team football, Phil Neville, Teddy Sheringham and Ole gave us a great help when the time came to join the battle. UEFA club competition matches - our Achilles' heel - now were not so complicated. The championship of the Premier League in second place, we had to go through qualifying rounds of the Champions League, which met with the Polish team, "Vidzy." We are easily coped with its task. As a result, got into a strong group, which played "Brondby," "Barcelona" and "Bavaria". We defeated the "Brøndby" at home (5-0) and away (6-2) and tied with "Barcelona" and "Bavaria". Draw - 3-3 on the "Nou Camp" shows how far we've gone after the defeat with the score 0-4 at the same stadium in 1994. In a match with "Bars" Dwight Yorke has issued a double, and Cole scored one goal. In the Premier League champion "Arsenal" are our main threat. He outplayed us 3-0 at "Highbury" in September and earned a bonus point for "Old Trafford" in February. Four games in fourteen days of April have decided the fate of our season. Playing at home with "Juventus" in the first semifinal of the Champions League has become a real challenge. We do not show a good game. Conte led the hosts ahead and scored an important goal guest, Ryan Giggs and rescued us from the predicament, the last-minute equalizer.Prior to this home game the coach suddenly decided to leave the team for the night in the hotel "Mottrem Hill," a five-minute walk from whom lived many players. Detail. Always in thought. It's so like him. After the game we returned to our hotel for dinner and had a team meeting. At the meeting, it was a lot of unpleasant words. Becks and Giggs has got its own dose of criticism for what they failed to comply with a sufficient amount of work without the ball. Then it was my turn. I'm fairly "pushed" by Denis Irwin for some of his mistake, prior goal opponent. Denis said. The coach suggested that I apologize. No, I was standing on his own. If we come to analyze the game, let's analyze. "Sorry." "No". The atmosphere is tense for some time. I refused to apologize. Then we went to sleep. Dennis and I, as always, shared one room. We can handle up to him. I do not apologize, but we laughed about what had happened. Do the players themselves sometimes as a child? Of course. They should be kids - otherwise they will think that the only part of the game. And who knows what can cause these games! (Not to win, so it is exactly). Four days later, we met with "Arsenal" in the "Villa Park". It was a fight of characters, for that matter, and soccer schools. Neither team was unwilling to give up, and the match ended in a draw - 0:0. In extra time, nothing has changed. Replay, which took place next Wednesday, will be remembered for all the incredible winning goal in the performance of Ryan Giggs. We played with "Arsenal", the reigning champion of England, who beat us 3-0 at "Highbury" and a draw - 1:1 to the "Old Trafford". For us to remove them from the scalp was very important. The victory over them in this match became an end in itself. How the hell we are good? Ryan Giggs goal was simply amazing. This was a key moment for us that season. Victory over the "Arsenal" ten men (I was sent off for a second yellow card)despite all proved that we were a real team that has a rare property to find the strength to achieve the desired result, when needed. Sometimes even the "Manchester United" to confirm their qualities, but such victories are irrefutable proof of this. A week later, again in Turin, we had to pass a difficult test of our ability and determination. "Juventus" was necessary only goalless draw. Knowing the mentality of the Italians, we were aware that they are likely to be closed in the defense and offered us to attack. Within six minutes of these discussions can be forgotten. Inzaghi was left unattended at the far post and struck the gate with ease. Four minutes later, he developed a success. Anyone who would like to hang out the white flag, had a great opportunity. Those who wanted to prove that they deserve to play for "Manchester United", also had the damn chance. It is in moments like football - and any kind of sport - turns into a struggle of intellects. As far as we were strong intellectually? How much has been strong in this regard, "Juventus"? Of course, the goals against were bad news. The good news and positive response to our position was that the front was another eighty minutes of football. We fell behind on two goals on aggregate. However, if we equalize, then pass on thanks to the best difference guest heads. When we started with the center of the field after the second goal Inzaghi, I made a quick calculation in my head. Any idiot can start a frenzy to jump an opponent's feet, taking away the ball and, using a heap, trying to score a quick goal in this situation. But it will not work in games against teams such as "Juventus". Looking at our team, it was easy to get a positive charge due to the ability to score confidence of many of our players. New York, Cole, Beckham - all of them had the ability to hit the opponent's (and Scholes could score a goal or two, coming on as substitute). That's us it was necessary to re-show the Italians what.Therefore it was necessary to select and play the ball, increasing the tempo, use a pair of receptions in the selection, change the course of the game. Step by step we were able to reverse the situation. "Juventus" calmed down, scoring two goals. They allowed us to impose our game measured. When we tuned up the pace, they did not react to it. I felt that they fell into the trap of complacency. I was sure that they would rather be happy to keep what they have and not try to score a goal, which will decide the outcome of the match. We gained speed. Do they have enough strength and capabilities to deter "Manchester United"? As the events in the first half we dominated more noticeable in open play. With a certain touch of the grotesque, I began to enjoy the race, which has now become a game. We needed to score a goal before the break. Becks ran submit a corner on the left. I started to move near the bar. It was a little adventure - I have not hammered your head after a corner still with my performances at "Rockmount". You need luck when you count the time a breakthrough in the penalty area, but first you need to make a breakthrough. I did so. Filing Becks was done perfectly. I just spent a ball through the eyes of a net. Balance of the match was broken. They were afraid of us. We had the inspiration and methodically concentrating dialing speed. Before the break I tried to catch the ball, which was started Jesper Blomqvist inaccurate, but Zidane ahead of me. It was too late, I accidentally ran into him and we fell. Yellow card shut out of the way to the final. But I was so engrossed in the game that completely forgot about all the implications of warning. As in the game with "Arsenal", a victory here and now an end in itself. We were not in the final. But if we do not get the desired result here, that of no finals and no need to worry about. They were two steps away from being able to miss the victory - we've seen it in their eyes, and it forced us to go forward. New York and Cole tormented them four defenders. The speed and cunning Dwight and Andy are now manifest in all its glory.Goal scored by Dwight, was organized with the filing of Andy. With the score 2-2, we went into the final. Rival was also dozhat. Zidane, Deschamps and Davids missed an opportunity to level the score. I went to Davids in a struggle in which the chances were equal, and picked the ball with ease. When Cole scored our third goal, I realized that I will miss the final. But then I did not care (later everything will be different). I was proud of his team that night, proud of himself, satisfied that justified its existence as a team and pay their debts coach, justified his confidence. I figured that "Manchester United" on the right to play in the Champions League final. I felt that it was of greater importance than the question of whether I play there. Sunday May 16, 1999 We are, as everyone knows, in just three games away from the historic treble. Everything was simple: to beat today, "Spurs' win" Newcastle "to" Wembley "in next Saturday and take precedence over the" Bavaria "in the resulting environment in Barcelona, and we will achieve what has not yet managed any team in the modern football. But there are other developments that may give rise to headlines such as "United" profukannyh treble "or" Boys Do not Fergie again passed the European test. " Hitherto this season I have all went well. A year ago, I was not sure I can play again. Because of one stupid reception against Alfie Holland I could lose the honor of wearing the captain's armband, and has twenty-seven of me could only speak in past tense. I made a mistake and learned his lesson. Really? Not really. When the guys will go out on a match with "Bavaria" on the "Camp Nou", I'll sit on the fucking rostrum. Why? Another stupid reception against Zidane in the game with "Juventus" and does not necessarily prevent a dispute with the referee, when we met with the "Inter"! We need to beat today, "spurs." Under the leadership of George Graham, they try to impose on us hard football, will try to cheat. But if we play our own game, we break them.We know that will not give any team in terms of ongoing efforts, then would affect the class. After all, we have Becks, Ryan Giggs, Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole, Paul Scholes, Teddy. We feel a strong desire to win, and this should be sufficient. We hear the crowd roar outside fans. They are determined to celebrate the victory, happily waiting for another great event at "Old Trafford", another title. We are here to work. Football at that level, which is "Manchester United", is a tough business. Yes, the reward is great. You can earn lots of money here and be a hero. But you can be and losers, which is everywhere humiliated, incline press, fans boo, or simply withdrawn from the composition of the team, which is equal to public humiliation, concerning not only you but also your family, wife, children, mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters. In this club, a moment of weakness can lead to shame. A negative result in matches with "Real" and "Bavaria" is considered a failure. To be fair, this is a failure. The failure and inability to justify the level that was set by those who came to "Old Trafford" to you, Matt Busby, Bobby Charlton, George Best, Denis Law, the team, who died in a plane crash in Munich, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona. It is because of them I wanted to play for the "United". Thanks to them about every match, "Manchester United" created a stir. Everyone is waiting for a miracle. Our work - expectations. This is a difficult task. Every time I wear a red shirt, I am aware of a responsibility that falls on the shoulders of the player, "Manchester United". As soon as the trainer reveals to you the goals and objectives to date, feelings of anxiety disappears.This anxiety, weak and hidden in the subconscious feeling, because in the next ten days we will play three games, which may lead us to a "glorious treble", or impose on us an eternal curse print "command failed in need of radical surgery intervention. " Winning the FA Cup would have been self-sufficient for some clubs. For us, winning the Cup, only emphasize the most terrible failure if we fail to seize victory in the championship and the Champions League. Even double - the championship and the Cup - will also be regarded as a failure. Success on the European stage is a major challenge, "Manchester United" - a level that the team asked in 1968. That is why the coach bought me six years ago. While we unsuccessfully stormed the vertex. Until we win the Champions League, this team will never be called a success. Despite the fact that this game is important, the match with the "spurs" further demonstrates the point of view of the coach and I agree with her - that the so-called little things can not be ignored. Opponent always two feet behind us in the fight for a lost ball. He hesitantly operates in a pass. He tries to play in the selection, but only, rather, represents the struggle, rather than seriously trying to take away the ball. "Tottenham," comes out ahead. Les Ferdinand responds to the chamber, but inaccurately applied to the outer side of the ball of the foot and the ball flies through the crazy trajectory over Schmeichel. We lose a ball. Now we need to put pressure. Again, a trifle. No need to run at a breakneck pace - just jack up the pace. Do all that is needed to pass the ball, make the bastards work their exhaust. Becks shows magic, creating a goal out of nowhere. In fact, it just seems to be nowhere - in fact, a goal was the result of our continuous pressure on the opponent's gate in fifteen minutes, of which "Tottenham" could not cope. Becks only meter. They give him five ... The impact is great, and the ball flies in an arc into the top corner. We escape to freedom.At half-time coach to replace Teddy Andy Cole. We know what we do ... and we know how. In the second minute of the second half, Andy Cole scored a goal does not, as a diamond. He tames the loose pass and throws the ball over Ian Walker - the skill is applied at the right time and right place. Now you can relax. The most strongly the feeling that I feel at this moment - relaxation. Heck, we did it! Glances at his watch. Play for a long time. As many as forty minutes. We begin to lose concentration. Again the little things that we have to concede. Allow them to be ahead at half-meter. Less willing to go forward into the territory of a rival for fear of losing the ball. The instinct that forces you to defend what you did. Dangerous instinct. One chance, slipped an arbitrator, and will be too late. The last ten minutes pass like in another dimension. Well, Blow as judge in his fucking whistle, please! Graham Poll whistles. A sense of relief overwhelmed me. The work is done. Thank God. I can smell him under his feet. Coach embrace me. Now we can have a drink! Sir Alex - beautiful, warm and witty people. They have a great resemblance to the natives of Cork, who is also known for its simplicity and lack of pretentiousness and pomposity. I do not like the different techniques, "in a tie." Too much going on in their rubbish. Empty talk about anything. It's not for me. But certainly not today. Ryan Giggs and Nicky Butt, as usual, joking, laughing at people, and populate them. They are a dangerous tandem in such verbal sparring. Giggs is a typical hero. The guy from Salford - a crook, who grew up on the street. With his deadpan expression on his face and innocent way, he acts on others soothing. Tricky Nicky, Mr Reliable, a joker and prankster. As usual, today he and Giggs in the mood. Becks, Paul Scholes, Gary and Phil Neville from behind them. These six were always together since childhood. They constitute the backbone of the team both on the field and beyond.And they kept aloof, not taking us into their society. Since this is no problem. On the contrary, I believe this is a huge factor in the success of the club. All except David Beckham, coming from Manchester, but Becks is playing for "United" in twelve years. Therefore, in modern football, where money has a great voice, usually foreign, such devotion that embodies this six, is an asset. This is a "Liverpool". And here at the "Arsenal", "Chelsea" and "Leeds" - no. At the heart of our team is something solid, something real, something unique to Manchester, the ratio of the game Six Amigo, which is fundamental to the team and its success. We celebrate not achieve fame, or devout fulfillment of dreams, namely, that we have such quality. This is truly a happy evening for a truly happy club. Prior to the FA Cup final on the "Wembley" is six days, before meeting with the "Bavaria" on the "Camp Nou" - ten, and so we can relax and forget about the discipline, rigor, and fears inherent in too long football season in England. We later go home - tired and in good spirits and satisfied. Monday, May 17 I woke up feeling great. Hangovers - yes. With nagging ankle that will need to inspect and test to make sure that my willingness to Cup final with "Newcastle United", but it will be another five days. Since I will not play in Barcelona, my season ended prematurely. Meanwhile, I had a day off, and the only thing I had to do - visit a doctor who must examine my ankle and offer treatment. After that we planned out in town with the kids. "United" has not been the club, which flourished in the culture of drinking, when I came into it. Long gone have become an integral feature of club life regular drinking on Saturday nights, along with Bryan Robson, Steve Bruce, Eric, Lee Sharpe and other players. The game has changed for the better. We have matured.Now we are watching her complexion, ate pasta, drank creatine and calmly ate dinner with their wives. Professional Roy Keane took with joy the new regime, it demands discipline and its related victory. The plan was agreed upon. We meet at "Mulligans," Irish Bar in Manchester, at five o'clock. The first hour I went from a doctor. The forecast was positive. I will be in service by Saturday - not a hundred percent, but quite ready to play their last game of the season. "Mulligans" - a small Irish pub, tucked away in an alley, and is a great place for these coveted evening for us, for normal feasts, which bring together the usual co-workers after a normal working week. The negative side of fame player, "United" the lack of normality, which is emphasized by the presence of our three-body keepers. But this does not prevent us from a great time. Ryan Giggs and Nicky Butt seek out victims. Gary Neville does not close his mouth. Peter Schmeichel is drawn (in this new?), Making people miss. Dwight Yorke is in a good mood picaresque. Gary Beck's listening. Teddy is calm and cool. He's from London! Denis Irwin and Paul Scholes, the quiet guys, liberating. We decide to go elsewhere. One of the guards goes to the bar, "Henry," that on the other side of the street, to scout the situation there. No problem, the report said. Some of the guys - regulars, "Henry," so we can take a couple of tables and continue our celebration. For a while everything is going well, but soon narisovyvaetsya problem in the face of two women and the men who watched us in the "Mulligans." I'm talking with Ryan, when a woman asks me to buy her a drink. We did not notice. But she continues to insist on his own. This time it joined her friend and boyfriend. We go to another place. They follow us. "You do not want to buy a girl a drink, kid?" This guy stood in front of my nose. Respond to the aggression of aggression? ..Yes, a reasonable act in this situation would be to call the guard. Unfortunately, after drinking a reasonable behavior is no longer my hallmark. "Go away and leave us alone!" - I replied. "Why do you yourself do not get out of here? What the hell are you currently think you are? "- Meets a woman number one. Suddenly, I get hit by a glass eye. I push a guy. Then comes a complete mess. Subsequent moments are like a fog. But I later learned that two women got out of the bar to call. One - the newspaper "Sun" to sell the story (yes, that is!), The other to the police to inform them about the attack on the part of Roy Keane. This accusation was later refuted by the owner of the bar, which confirmed that "Roy Keane left the girls who molested him, and one of them threw a glass that hit him in the face. At this point, the girls were asked to leave the bar. They rudely behaved with respect to both bar staff and to its visitors and were expelled from the bar in accordance with its policy. " Police arrived, shining lights and flashing lights. Gathered a small crowd of people. I can already see the headlines of tomorrow's news. "Go, Mr. Keane." Politely, but firmly. I'm sitting in the back seat of police cars. "You idiot. Why do I, as usual - why me? I was not the only one to which they are bothered, but I just tried to intervene. Again "- I thought. At the police station, I explain what happened. They listen to me. Unfortunately, my form after the revelry does not inspire confidence. I crammed into the camera, so I awoke. The night was long. Most of it I could not sleep. The first thing I thought of Teresa and their children. You will soon regret and shame are sobering. Near the house there will be a crowd of journalists, when Shannon goes to school. Then it will be the club: he will spend two major games, one of which is the most important in the history of "United", and its captain is sitting in a cell for drunken escapade and disorderly conduct! Yes, it was the bases, but this is no excuse.There was no excuse for my behavior - I acted like a fool. Crazy, wild kin. I called Michael Kennedy, who urged me to pull myself together and do not worry. I thought about my in Cork. They open the newspaper headlines read, try to avoid contact with neighbors and forced to endure all this shame for his Roy. Again. Well, I fool. The coach arrived the next morning. He called Michael, although it was not at all necessary. Manchester - a big village. If you have something done, then the coach will know about it already the next morning. Such a stayed at a nightclub until half past two nights. He got into a taxi in a rather drunk, etc. The trainer you figured out and useless excuses. I've always been honest with him, lifted up his hands, and now I am rewarded for this behavior - when I explain what happened, "Henry V", he believed me. "I'll get you." He was not happy my opinion four days before the Cup final. In such situations, the coach always finds a way and behaves well. He knows that at heart I scrape the devil. And this time I did better not start serious talks. I was released on bail. I was assured that if the accusations prove groundless, I do not hear anything about this case. With a light heart, I went to Teresa and the children, giving himself a vow that will not commit such a mistake. Of course, I had promised myself such a promise. Saturday, May 22, 1999 My last game of the season. Victory over the "Newcastle" will mean a third double in the nineties and place in history. I never really touched all the talk about the "dream" to "Wembley". The conditions for players and spectators there do not meet high standards. The field seems to be a few miles from the stands, the atmosphere is not the most suitable. When I started to warm up before a match with "Newcastle United", I realized that my left ankle still has not recovered. I took the risk, not knowing if I could spend the entire match. I was able to play just eight minutes. Gary Speed played rough with me.A belated welcome to the selection. He certainly "cut down" me - at this time torn ligaments of my right (healthy) ankles. If I was ready for a hundred, Speed could not overtake me. A few minutes later I was limping, left the field. We will meet with Gary ever. Coach Teddy released on the field, which proved a wise move. Teddy scored a goal and assisted Paul Scholes. We won the double. Despite skepticism about the "miracles" "Wembley" and "dream" about to pick up the FA Cup, I felt a real satisfaction when the children took the steps to get the trophy from the hands of Prince Charles. The work is done. The next job would be sad as it sounds, is, alas, not for me ... Monday, May 24 We had to spend the most important game in club history after the Champions Cup final in 1968. Flying the "Concord" was perhaps a reminder from coach to us and the world that "Manchester United" deserves only the best. You never know what will make Sir Alex Ferguson. He always wanted to come. End of season dawned not quite the way I imagined it and hoped for. It was great that we won the double and now have an excellent opportunity to add to his victory in the Champions League, which was the main goal for the club with my first days in there. But on the other hand, I was uncomfortable with the fact that I spent the night in a police cell, was injured in the early finals and now I fly first class as ballast on the crucial Champions League match. I really like the guys won. Despite the dominant position in the Premier League for several years, it makes no sense to deny our failures in Europe. The finals gave us an excellent opportunity to get rid of its reputation as losers. I was hurt because of the fact that I was not able to help the team, especially when he remembered the words of the coach coming to the club: "Roy," Manchester United ", with you or without you, but will be the strongest club in England.With you we can succeed in Europe. " Now, when this achievement was at arm's length, I'll be just a bystander. Like Paul Scholes, also received a warning in Turin. The desire to play in the Champions League final defeat and moved me from the first days in the "United". Now, when we reached it, I could not help the team. I will be only part of the extras in this film, part of the noise and color. I was almost as sad for Scholes, as well as for themselves. He was probably the most gifted player in our team. He was a player of "Manchester United" to the bone. Should be, he was very hurt to miss such an event, especially looking at how its partners have won with him in the Youth Cup in 1992 and 1993, is now fighting for the most prestigious European club football trophy. Paul - the perfect professional. Gorgeous on the field, humble and thoughtful beyond. There is no "zvezdnyaka" no selfpromotion and hunting for glory. Incredibly gifted player who remained unspoiled by man. Strange, but that we were with him in the same boat a little brighten up my disappointment. I drank a few pints of beer on Wednesday before we left the hotel at the "Camp Nou". The bus was quiet and there was no usual pre-match talk. Even Ryan Giggs and Nicky Butt were sitting quietly. The coach has also been collected and all serious. Our team has come a long way, breaking many records on the domestic scene. We have won three doubles. But everything in the bus knew that we had to play a crucial game. We have been in many places, but here - ever. Unknown land. Ahead of us are not waiting for the next meeting. For the coach rates were particularly high. I was sure that he will not feel the completeness of his life, until we win the Champions League. I owe him, as we all are, and this evening it was necessary to pay debts. All I could do - just watch.As Paul and I could not play, the coach moved to the middle of the field Becks along with Nicky Butt. Ryan Giggs came on the right flank, and Jesper Blomqvist - on the left. I sat next to Jimmy Ryan, Henning Berg and Paul. I tried to fill in the form of a gallant, but in my heart I had the worst experience in my entire football career. We are the "Bavaria" played home and away in the group stage of the tournament. Both games ended in a draw. "Bavaria" was a good team, which, however, it was possible to win. She could not "break" you, like, say, the "Real" or "Barcelona". She - toughie. "Bavaria" is a good defense, play the pass, be patient and wait for my chance. Effenberg in the center of the field was its central figure, he dictated the pace of the game team. In the sixth minute of the game we gave them an easy goal. Ronny Johnsen fouls their high Yankere Frontline, and Mario Basler scored well who undertake the ball from the penalty area. After that, any event almost did not happen. Neither team seems, could not jack up the pace and refresh the game. Of course, "Bavaria" scored a goal, and the players feel much more comfortable on the background of such a predictable pattern game. We need to take control of the game and do not forget about the danger of a counterattack by the opponent. Twice in the second half of the fight they got into woodwork. Curiously, these failures have inspired a rival of our players. Gradually I realized that the game has changed its direction. Glancing at my watch, I saw that the rest of the match has less than fifteen minutes. Jesper Blomqvist coach and replaced by Andy Cole and Ole at Teddy. You can hardly find the best players coming out to replace it. Teddy can make raids into the camp of the opponent and take the ball, Ole was perhaps the best striker in Europe. Pace of the game was supposed to change in any way. Will the Germans now answer the question posed in a different light? The answer was no. Watching the game, I almost lost my head. "Bavaria" waiting for the match.Now its back four did not go far from their gates, and midfielders huddled in their half of the field. "They have an end, - I said to Jimmy Ryan. - We caught them. " We needed a breakthrough. If you do everything correctly, then in every game you break occurs. But the Germans continued to hold on to the goal, lined up along his penalty. For a team with such a reputation that was in "Bavaria", it is at this moment is a pitiful sight, that is possible to provide such a game ... Since they are unlikely to win the Champions League. Or not? Despite all the pressure we exerted on an opponent near his goal, "United" could not create any real chances. Near the edge of the field assistant referee raised the scoreboard, which showed that the referee added another three minutes. Another corner. Peter Schmeichel runs forward. I've never seen that such tactics worked. Surprisingly, this time it helped. Becks gave excellent corner, the ball was repelled by Ryan, located on the edge of the penalty area. He does not hit the ball well, and he flies straight to Teddy, who sends it by poking the German goalkeeper. "Nou Camp" exploded. Even now I can not adequately describe the emotions engulfed me then. Relief? Yes. And satisfaction - because I felt that the guys deserved to stay alive, just as the Germans did not deserve to win this prize, doing nothing. But mostly I was happy for the coach. Is not the first nor the last time he played cards wisely substitutes. Remained a moment when the "Bavaria" began with the center of the field. Now she has completely lost control. We instantly recovers the ball. Have risen from the dead, we are now struggling to score the winning goal. "Bavaria" gives us the opportunity to make another corner. Becks spins the ball to the near post. Teddy forwards it on, and Ole scores. I doubt we will ever again witness such a three minutes of football. As a result, the prize for winning the Champions League 1998/99 was a team that wanted it more than others.In the spirit of the day won. I played in twelve of thirteen games of the League, but I've never felt so tired as it was at the end of the ninety-three minutes in Barcelona. Even in the happiest moments I have never been among those who vigorously celebrates victory after the match (I usually save for the power bar). That evening at the "Camp Nou" coach with difficulty, and Paul made me go and get a medal. Yes, we have played a role in the European campaign, but the evening belonged to the other guys who have done their job in a match against the "Bavaria". Paul and I were like on the football side of the road and were a vivid example of the truth of professional football: you play for your team, your club, the fans, but in the first place - for themselves. Football - a very selfish game. And no matter how much I may say that I deserved a medal of the Champions League, I know it's not. In fact, we can say that my misconduct almost led to big trouble for us. We had a great night at the hotel. Those who feel involved in the team set up by Alex Ferguson have shared a true sense of achieving something great. European Cups were presented ordeal, which we passed with flying colors. Of course, it was his achievement. I could easily forget about the disappointment of having missed the final game, because in reality I was honored to be captain of the team that brought great success coach and a great club. That's why I sang, laughed and drank all night. Some of the boys, led by Dwight Yorke decided to explore the nightlife of Barcelona, and I stayed at the hotel. The next day we made a memorable reception in Manchester. XI In the middle of the season where we won the "treble", Brian Kidd moved to the "Blackburn" as a head coach. He thought it was time to become a master, try your hand as head coach of the club. Despite the fact that Kidd has been an integral part of our club, I was not surprised by his move. Me there is nothing surprising in football.I am sure that the money was one of the reasons why Brian left the club. He played a key role in the transformation of the "United" in the nineties, while working his right hand the head coach. But with the growth of our wealth of his salary could not even compare to that received regular player lower divisions. Only fools do not think about the salary, when all around you nail down dough. Could Brian reject an offer to Jack Walker, who gave him as much as he could not earn in a lifetime to "Old Trafford". I respect him as a person and as a coach. I was sorry that he left us. He was replaced by Steve McClaren. New voice, new ideas, which I also received. At the time I thought about money and new contracts. I was twenty-eight, when to expire the last year of the contract. Michael Kennedy was negotiating with the club for several months. Things were going so far as we wanted. I loved playing for the "Manchester United". To me, Alex Ferguson was a great coach. He dictated his will and was hungry to succeed. He did not like talkers and those who are bluffing, and always fought with such people in our dressing room. Personally, I owe him a lot. Have there scrape a living, as it happened to me on and off the field - he was always there. He did not want to be next to a submissive boy scouts, and took all of my character traits - negative, positive, and the ugly. I also liked the atmosphere in the locker room, "United". At this time I had the opportunity to go abroad. A large number of clubs in Europe's leading clubs, feel the soil beneath me. From 1 January 2000, I was able to negotiate with other clubs. In June 2000, according to the rule Bosman I could move to another club as a free agent. I've had better cards. Michael knew how to manage them. I seriously thought about "Juventus" and "Bavaria". Both of these clubs were willing to offer me a lot of money so I can support yourself for a lifetime. However, the withdrawal of the "United" was hard to imagine.Despite the fact that they write about me, that I am a loser, half cut off from other players of the club, the truth is far more complex. I'm a little older "children" and am not in a gang Becks, Neville, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes. They dined together, talked with each other, engaged in their common affairs. With me everything is different. I talked more with the guys from Team 1994/95. I took part in drinking bouts with Robbo, Bruce, and Eric Insi. Another team, another light-hearted moment. Those guys were my buddies. Now, about my only colleagues. But they all like me, everything. We share jokes, each of us plays a role. They accept me for who I am, just as I have them. In contrast to our communications team ninetieth harder on the field than in the bar. I understand that the "children" are potentially the greatest force, which is available in the arsenal of the club. They form the basis of those who are devoted to "United", it is not necessarily what is in each Premier League club. Arsene Wenger won the double with "Arsenal", and immediately left the club Petit and Overmars. Vieira may, and probably can not go to the "Real" or in some Italian club. Such instability destroys the foundation of the club and the "Leeds", and "Chelsea". But not in the "Manchester United". I was happy to "Old Trafford". The talks went all the way until an agreement had been reached. I was happy to sign a new four-year contract. In the first weeks of the season 1999/2000 Michael kept my business and I worked all iso effort to prove the club on the field at a price. I scored two goals to "Highbury", where we prevailed 2-1, and brought victory in the final of the Intercontinental Cup in Tokyo, where we played with the Brazilian club, "Palmeiras". We won six matches and drawn three meetings in our first nine games of the Premier League. And then the "Chelsea" defeated us 5-0 in the "Stamford Bridge". That summer the team went Peter Schmeichel. The coach took his place on the two goalkeepers: Mark Bosnich from the "Villa" and Massimo Taib of "Venice." Bosnich was a nice guy.About it it is possible to write a book. But even though he was a gifted goalkeeper, apparently, he was not okay with professionalism. At his first practice he was late for an hour. Trainer absent for any reason. When Bosi came on the field at 11 o'clock, I asked him where he was. "I got lost on the way out of the hotel" - he smiled a smug smile. He has always been a bit complacent. "He lost a way, to hell!" - I chuckled. "Yeah, buddy," - said Bosi. "Your first fucking day" Manchester United ", and you're late for an hour on a fucking workout" - "pushed" to him myself. It's funny sounds, but this incident has touched me. Like me six years ago, Bosnich was lodged in the hotel "Four Seasons". Afraid of getting lost in my first day of their stay there, I ordered a taxi and told the driver that he was going to "Cliff", and I followed his car. I arrived an hour before the workout. Must take into account all the small details that give your relationship and to work. In this case, these details say a lot. I provoke him, that he woke up a little and let him know what to expect from a player, "Manchester United" in our days. Bosi was already in the "United", but then he was denied a work permit. Mark Bosnich was on "Old Trafford", but he did not understand what I wanted to tell him. He and Dwight Yorke were gay and in many respects resembled each other. Duyat had a great season when we won the "treble". At fifty-one match, he scored goals and twenty-nine superbly led the attack, the same amount of time assistiruya others. Unfortunately for him and for us, success on the field led to the fact that he's too much time having fun after the Games. He still could simultaneously fulfill its role of a football player, and Playboy, but his clock ticked relentlessly time. Massimo Taib was a really good professional and a good guy. Of course, he was a great goalie. But, alas, turned out to be his debut awful.A week before the rout in a game with "Chelsea" he missed the ball between the legs of an innocent after hitting Matt Le Tissier in a meeting with the "Southampton." Match with "Chelsea" was the end of a career in Massimo "United". The next week in place of the gate again took Bosnich. Massimo returned to Italy. But it was not important. After losing the 'spur' 1:3, we issued a series of eleven championship matches without defeat. We were confident in Europe. Talks about my contract remained unfinished, and I went on to score. The day before the game with "Valencia" Michael called me to announce a new contract. In October 1999, the coach gathered the team and said that for reasons beyond the control of "United", we do not play in the FA Cup. England participated in the contest for the adoption of the 2006 World Cup - the decision to host the FIFA World Championship took. Its leaders also wanted to "Manchester United" was played in the first world club championship to be held in Brazil in early January 2000. The government and the Football Association had on the club pressure to force him to participate in this tournament. For "United" lose-lose situation was: to offend FIFA, FA and Government ... or ignore the world's oldest soccer competition, and hurt, as it turned out, almost everyone. The truth was that the FA Cup has lost its former glory, at least for me. Yes, the Cup went to our family and all those who worked at the club. The myth of "Wembley" folk tale about the exit of the locker room in the tunnel, the red carpet, meeting with large "cones", a trip to the Royal Box for the medals, pat you on the back, royalty, receiving the most Cup - it was all complete nonsense. We just wanted to win the Premier League and Champions League. Of course, this was his meaning. Traditions die hard in England. But they still die. When news came out that the holder of the FA Cup will not defend his title, started this brouhaha.We all let loose in a sad and important kind of regretting the incident. But inside, I did not care. I delighted prospects trip to Brazil in January. Even if the so-called club world championship tournament seemed unlikely, in which it was necessary to give all power to win. We flew to Brazil in a good mood and wanted to win. You always want to win. We represented the "Manchester United". Coach reminded us of our responsibilities, requiring us to prove the title of best club in the world. In Rio, it was hot. Situated on the beach. Tournament status was not all clear. "Nekaksa" from Mexico, "Vasco da Gama," Brazilian and Australian team, "South Melbourne" to be our rivals in the group stage. In our first game against the Mexican club updated, but still shabby stadium "Maracana" was empty. Wide concrete oval, which echoed our voices heard. Atmosphere - zero. Utter heat. Result - 1:1. The stadium was completed during our second game with the "Vasco da Gama", the local champion. Because of two unpardonable mistakes, Gary Neville, "Vasco" scored two easy goals. We lost 1-3. Finished. But no one cried. On different kind of reasons, our mission was impossible. Journalists who accompanied us were struggling to create the impression that we are here only to enjoy your vacation. Yes, that was it. But we kept it a secret. But at the same time we must comply with the Football Association, FIFA and the government. Coach let me rest a few players in a meeting with the "South Melbourne", which we beat 2-0. Upon returning from vacation, we had to concentrate on the game. Freed from the burden of the FA Cup matches, we can concentrate on the Premier League and Champions League. We had to play two important home game with the "Arsenal" and "Middlesbrough". Meeting with the "Arsenal" has always been important. This time the match was of particular importance because of the criticism which has fallen upon us.We played ugly - slowly gave way to fight in the important moments and play one ball, until Teddy had not saved us through the curtain leveling the game - 1:1. Summarizing the meeting, Andy Gray of Sky Sport made the following observation: "We all waited and watched the play will be" United ". Players of "Arsenal" flew across the field, and "Manchester United" took an hour to start. Only Roy Keane was magnificent. Anyone have a video of this game, it can look and see how Keane made the team. He went out and began to start, and hard podnachivat play against an opponent. Suddenly, his team has risen, and this explains why Sir Alex Ferguson decided to give him a huge salary to leave the "Old Trafford". " The next meeting with "Middlesbrough". Another dangerous game if you do not approach it with the right attitude. And so it happened. Our thoughts were still in Rio. 0-0, but we're still waiting for something. Jaap Stam a foul in the penalty area penalty. In fact, Jaap touched the ball when Juninho tried to pass him. Judge Andy D'Arcy made a mistake. We run up to him and beg not to punish us. He steps back, and we are attacking. Photos of the now infamous incident are striking. Those crazy with the veins, forcing up around his neck - that's me. Later, I joked that if D'Arcy has ceased to run backwards, we would cease to pursue it. This is no joke. I know that we were not right and I was the principal offender. Now I understand: despite the fact that Andy D'Arcy made a mistake, we did not have to pour on him all our bile. We were to blame for the fact that the score was 0-0. That's why I opposed our complacency, which has now been compounded by a mistake of a judge. Mr. D'Arcy was a scapegoat. This was a reasonable explanation for what is happening. Unfortunately, you never thought wise in the game. At that level, where he played "Manchester United" Football is always cruel and merciless. There is no free lunch and a soft landing on arrival from Brazil.This is because we have come upon hard lessons. Fortunately, Mark Bosnich beaten off Juninho's penalty kick. Beck also scored the winning goal three minutes before the final whistle. After this game we seem to have woken up, losing only one of the seventeen remaining matches of the championship. In fact the only lost match - with a score of 0-3, "Newcastle" - I was removed because of two warnings. I got one for arguing with referee, the other - a violation that I did not commit. We had a chance to win the Premier League at the time of our meeting with the "Real" in the quarterfinals of the Champions League. In the first match in Madrid we had to run. They were good - Raul, Roberto Carlos, Morientes, advancing on us from all sides. They were sturdy fellows. The game brought pleasure to all who wanted to play at the highest level. "Bernabeu" was full - time fiesta. This evening, especially in Spain and Italy, were remarkable - other sights, sounds and smells, creating an exotic atmosphere. I have often wondered how it - great play for European clubs? In Madrid, we dug into the ground, ran, covered his players were playing soccer when the ball possession. Goalless draw was the appropriate result. In the second leg of the "Old Trafford" has been electrified. Meetings "Manchester United" with "Real" have their own history, stretching back even further than the time before the disaster team Busby in Munich. "United" beat "Real" in the semi-finals in 1968. At this time, "Manchester United" as the "Real" showed itself in all its glory. The meeting turned out a classic, both teams created a lot of things. "Real" has earned an important guest goal when I sent the ball into his own net past Raimond van der Gove, trying to stop the Wing backache. We have begun to escalate the situation at the gates of the opponent, but soon after the break, Raul scored the second goal and another couple of minutes. We've built a insurmountable obstacle. Despite the goals Becks and Paul Scholes, we were not able to overcome the "Real". Defeat always hurts, but at least we lost to a good team.Breakthrough Redondo and his departure from Henning Berg, after which he gave one of the great chances to score passes, Raul, is a top-class football. It is to such world-class standards we need to strive for. Many aspects of the game "Real" surprised me. Incredible handling the ball. Saving movements, no useless running around, each movement has a clearly defined goal. Raoul is waiting, like a partner, a polushansa. And uses it when he comes. Contestant played without passion and balanced, even when we were tough. They were so skillfully that we had no choice but to run for shade, as well as strong in the "physics" and hardy. I often watch Spanish football on Saturday nights. They have set the bar high, we need to take, go ahead and defend. Yes, it hurts to lose, but this game has given us so much to think about! But the main thing - we had to think about Scoring draw that we had to score on the "Old Trafford". Should, but they were not. Before and after the match with the "Real" We played with the "West Ham", "Middlesbrough", "Sunderland" and "Southampton". We defeated the "West Ham" - 7:1, beat 'Boro' Away - 4:3, "Sunderland" - 4-0 and won the league title, taking precedence over the "Southampton" from 3-1 on Saturday after how we won the "Real". Despite the easy victory in the Premier League, we are in danger in the form of self-deception. We could not defend the title winners of the Champions League. To be honest, I was not surprised. After taking the "treble" I knew it would be difficult to develop a hunger to be the first in the Premiership and the Champions League next season. I was seized with doubt, yet when I stood in the dressing room at "Camp Nou" after the victory over the "Bavaria". River poured champagne, people went crazy. Of course, this behavior was normal for human and understandable. But I felt, though not to say that we just lucky that we beat, "Bavaria" in the evening. I could not say it in those circumstances. I have not made a contribution to the overall victory.So I, at least, I think. "Bavaria" voluntarily surrendered the game, giving us all the cards. Maybe I'm just tediousness of the fact that I missed such an important game. If it were not jaundiced, Roy, let the kids will be happy to his achievement. But this argument was contradicted by another thought: We were lucky when the other team gave up. When I hear the post-match interview, even more doubts plagued me. A couple of players told the press that after that they care about is whether they can win other trophies or not. Wow, I think. Maybe they're too overexcited, but what the hell, what do we do next year? It's all over? We made history. Now is the time to gather our things? It does not matter if you do not win another trophy? Lord Jesus! Begin to think so, and you just do not win a single trophy. If it were not jaundiced, Roy tells me the little voice inside of me. What happened to Dwight Yorke after the night may have become the most dramatic example of our failure. But other players have passed, even though each of them is reflected in his own, softer and more quietly outside observer. Do not get me wrong. I like Yorkie, he a nice guy. But the "Old Trafford" rotten smell after a victorious evening when we received the "treble". In the following months for us constantly followed by his shadow, wherever we went. In the middle of next season, we were greeted like heroes that make history, surpassed the team in 1968, we called a team of the century. We have signed photos of the three prizes, speaking of the great party that will never be forgotten. And no matter what we do now. It continues to this day! I come from it in anger. What's next, what about the other steps that will lead us to glory, not comparable to the Premier League and put on a par with "Real"? We were supposed to celebrate the evening and move on. But we did not. For this we will pay off.Defeated by "Real" was taken quietly, because you can not win all the time. Why not? After all, "Liverpool," it worked. The "Real" worked. The "Bianconeri" worked. The "Bavaria" worked. I keep your mouth shut. But not in communion with family and close friends. A couple of weeks after being defeated by "Real" I phoned my friend, season ticket holder at "Old Trafford". He received a letter from the club, stating that the price increase is due to subscription costs to perform my new contract. "You sure about that?" - I asked him. "Yes," - he said, noting that keeps the letter in his hands. It was signed by the Secretary, "United" Ken Merrett. The next morning I went to the secretary. I asked if it was true that the rise in price season tickets due to my new contract? He assured me that everything was not so. I called my friend and he said: "Roy, I will send you a letter." In one part of the letter was written: "All are deeply relieved when Roy Keane has agreed to sign a new contract, which guarantees that it will remain a player," Manchester United "for at least another three years. Retaining the loyalty to Roy, the club believes that it thus preserves the dedication and the fans. Fans of "Manchester United" are accustomed to the best. Therefore, our duty is, so we stayed at these positions, holding that we could be the best. Rising prices have never seen with joy, but we are confident that fans will understand the importance of what we put on our competitiveness and ability to compete not only in the transfer market, but also perform tasks to retain our players at the club. " I was angry when he returned to Merrett. As he could not foresee what will people think? I put the letter on his desk, and then went to the coach. He agreed that the club acted incorrectly. Nothing surprises me in football.But despite the disappointment befell me off the field, at the end of the season I was named best player of the year according to the journalists. I was pleased the prize, but I knew that it would not mean anything if we as a team will become complacent. Fabien Barthez was a good purchase of the club in 2000/01. Eric is always positive comments about Fabien, who stood at the gate of the French team that won the World Cup and Euro 2000. Watching the finals of Euro 2000, I decided to put in Italy. I am particularly fond of not gambling, but I really liked the Italians. I called the bookmaker Ladbrokes and put 5000 pounds on Italy. I proudly paid her a gold credit card. Bet is placed. The next morning, the coach gave me a hard time. "I do not know what you're playing games of chance" - he said. "Yes, I do not play" - was my answer. "Fine. And what were you doing when yesterday put five "pieces" in Italy? " "Well, well ... I like them, Coach. " "But you were wrong, is not it?" Snitched on me. Mike Dillon of Ladbrokes friends with the coach. "In any case, only transactions with your gold credit card, it took fifty pounds. You do not want to play the game "- he said at the end of the conversation. "Oh, of course, with Ladbrokes», - I thought. In a match of the Cup season with "Chelsea" I was sent off for rough play against Gus Poyet. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink fouls on me a few minutes earlier, and he got away with it. We were only in the Cup of the season, but the meeting has stood the rough. Press vengeance scolded me. Why Keane was again in the middle of the action? The answer is simple. You can not afford to play the role of victim. If they try to play against you rude, intimidating, try your strength, you need to fight back and let them know that you and I be trifled with. You are doing their job and do not even think of giving up. You must protect yourself. In November, we headed over the Premier League, eight points having come off from their nearest pursuers.In the Champions League, we met with the Kiev "Dynamo" to "Old Trafford". Teddy brought us forward in the beginning of the match. But we played very badly. We needed to win to reach the second stage. In the second half of the meeting "Dynamo" We crushed. Five minutes before the final whistle, we almost flew out of the Champions League. They effortlessly come to our gate and brought to the shock position Demetradze, but he missed from five yards. We were just glad to get away quickly from the field. We were close to the departure of the tournament. Metastasis decay were rooted in the team. The fans did not notice anything until the joy. Interestingly, when we were under a real press in the second half, the stands were quiet. It seemed that they were protesting the lack of spectacle, for which came to the stadium. Full mesh balls, knocking the crap out of "Southampton", 4:0 or 5:0, and the joy they almost carried the stadium. But what about in times when you need moral support to the fans? After the match, it was my turn to communicate with the press. When asked about the game I gave the following answer: "A lot of people who come here have been asking us for three or four goals, but it does not always happen. Our fans on the road deserve good things, like fans of any other team, but during the home games you sometimes think, and if they understand the game of football? Some go to "Old Trafford", but I do not think they can even spell the word "football", not to mention his understanding. At the end of the day you should come and support your team. Visiting our fans are fantastic, I would have called them the most notorious fans, but at home they drink a little and maybe chew their sandwiches with shrimp and do not understand what is happening on the field. This is wrong. " My words of sandwiches with shrimp the next day appeared in many newspapers. I attributed that supposedly I was referring to the fans in the VIP-boxes. In fact, it was not the case. The club had needed the money from the sale of seats in the VIPboxes. Such is life.In fact, I talked about all the fans, "United" in general, as in expensive places, and on conventional stands, which could lose touch with reality. "United" was endowed with a divine right to success. True, savvy football fans knew it. Probably, I'm not just worried about the behavior of fans. Somewhere inside I felt the fear that we will degrade as a team. The atmosphere was not the same. Success, especially in the Premier League, fueled complacency. Too many people were poisoned in the club treble. Memories, admiration, talk about legends and heroes, the greatest team in the history of "United", etc. The words of Peter Schmeichel that our team would have defeated the composition of the sample in 1968 with a score of 10-0, the culmination of idle talk . Hence, to hell, he know? From all this one can know? Then they were all great players of his time: Bobby Charlton, Denis Law, George Best. But what we imagined myself saying that these players would not have reached anything in modern football? "Treble" was history. But people did not want to know this. This situation was going to harm us. I felt it. I saw this on the training field. People were late for training, serving room, but won in the games with weak teams of the Premier League every week. And then - bang, Kiev "Dynamo", rather than Madrid "Real" almost knocks us out of the Champions League. Looking around the locker room, I realize that it's still not a good shake. In early February, our leadership position in the Premier League of sixteen points. We finished with "Panathinaikos" and "Storm" in the Champions League. Shining tip of the iceberg, but the water was all bad. April, leadership of the thirteen points in the race with one participant. "Bavaria" come on "Old Trafford" in the first quarterfinal match of the Champions League. Signs of weakness are evident in a meeting with "Liverpool", who beat us 2-0 on the "Anfield" for three days before the match with "Bavaria". "Bavaria" - a good, professional team.They just will not let us get what we want. Effenberg, Scholl, Yeremis, hunky hard in midfield, Elber and Paulo Sergio, comprising the line of attack the Brazilians, though not the best. This team, all the lines are perfect, they have no weaknesses. They built a coach Hitzfeld. They tell us too hard, Paulo Sergio, who replaced, scored the winning goal four minutes before the end of the meeting. They have gone far in comparison with 1999, but we also did not step forward. We can easily win a "Charlton" and "Coventry" before the second leg in Munich. Question about the winner has been practically settled, when Elber scored already after five minutes of the meeting. We are deceiving themselves. There was much talk and not enough doing. We got off the rails. We won the Premier League by a margin of ten points. Returning home from Munich, I was aching heart. We had to spend big money on new players after the "treble", be ruthless, to get the best there is in Europe; refresh command, to fight complacency, to force those who did not care "whether they win another prize" to go a team that has never known victories. Maybe this team is already over. Including me. I have not done anything in the Munich Games. I ran out of steam, was angry and devastated. I sucked swamp the Premier League. Be better, Roy, or you perish. We came to practice on Friday. "Carrington", our new training stadium, was the dream of a professional. All you need for optimal training. Everything is fine. Tomorrow we play at home with the "Manchester City". His player Alfie Holland did not close his mouth: "If Roy Keane so worried about rabid fans and VIP-boxes, why he would not pay cut?" (This was back before the game to "Maine Road" this season). I did not forget Alfie. Bryan Robson told me not to hurry. "You'll get your chance, Roy. Wait. " Another shitty game. An opponent is serious. We - no. "City" could go forward, but then Teddy has implemented a penalty. It remained for twenty minutes.Howie restored the balance five minutes before the final whistle. I waited almost 180 minutes of Alfie, three years or as you like. Now he held the ball at the far edge. He seemed to be mocked. I waited a long time. He has, I believe, had a ball. Take that, you bastard! And do not stop grinning and not over the fact that I was pretending. And tell your friend Uezerollu that I had prepared for him a gift. I did not wait until Elleray to show me the card. I turned and walked into the locker room. Soon after the match with "Bavaria" I went to Steve McLaren to share what is bothering me. Steve was a good coach, innovator, always seeking the best solutions. I respected him. He strove for the best. He was ambitious and hungry to succeed. I told him about my feelings, that we are not the same and we have no one to play in the Premier League. "Arsenals", "Liverpool", "Chelsea" and "Leeds" just could not resist us. Because of this, we began to think that we are better than it actually is. He knew what I was saying. After the game in Munich, I said to journalists that the current team, perhaps not so strong. Perhaps we need to dismantle it and to recruit new players to start all over again. "Keane struck team-mates" read one headline the next day. I was referring to himself as well. I almost felt the same way complacent. Steve assured me that change must come soon. The coach is going to take a team of several leading players. He agreed with my characterization of our rivals in the Premier League. He also shared my view that the new rules of the Champions League, enabling it to play the three best teams of internal championship, we need not fight for the title of the strongest teams of the Premier League to be eligible to participate in the prestigious European Cup. If we do not need to win a championship, then if we can maintain the mood of the team that reigns in it today?Fear of being in the arms of complacency at the age of twenty-nine, further distinguished himself, when we received the prize for winning the Premier League, losing at home "Derby". The fans were happy for us. We bathed in the glory. We loved it. Then we lost the last two games. But one accomplishment still had to be noted. Alex Ferguson became the only coach in the history of England, has won three championships in a row with the same club. He has earned his place in the history of the game. And it was all a little. Champions League Final in May 2002 to be held in Glasgow on "Hampden Park" - in his hometown coach. He set this goal before us for the new season. He also announced that it will be his last season at the club. Talks about his work in another incarnation in the "Old Trafford" were foiled. Nothing surprises me in football. Today you're here, tomorrow you have not this applies even to a man like Ferguson. We bought expensive players and made a good deal with free agent. Juan Sebastian Veron came from the "Lazio" at least 28 million pounds. Seb was a world-class midfielder. Ruud van Nistelrooy, who acquired the club PSV Eindhoven for 19 million, was a striker with an impressive track record assists list. Laurent Blanc came to us on a free transfer. I've always admired this defender, who looked great in the France team that won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. Everyone expected an immediate success, but football is not so simple. Especially for foreign players who are not accustomed to playing in England and a strange culture of everyday life. You can not expect miracles. Unfortunately, people were waiting for instant results. When they attacked, the criticism fell upon the most serious. Jaap Stam was sold for £ 15 million - the club made a profit of 5 million. The coach has received for his portion of this criticism. Mainly for the fact that Laurent acted hesitantly protection. He is too slow and can not adapt to the local football team. Sale Stam was a mistake.Perhaps it was sold because of the recognition in his book that the coach kept him secret negotiations? I doubt it. I felt that, despite the fact that Jaap was a great guy, his abilities were limited to playing at the highest level. He acted superbly in the fight for the ball was fast, and his presence was felt on the field. But he was weak in a positional game. Jaap hard to keep up with the best hitters. He has an instinctive flair was missing, which is characteristic of the strongest defenders. I liked Jaap and his family. He was sincerely devoted to "Manchester United". He bought a house in Wilmslow, which is directly on the road from our stadium. He was popular in the locker room. We are barely making ends meet in the first months of the championship. 0:1 defeat from the "West Ham" in his field in early December was the sixth of the season. Simple calculations suggest that you can not lose five or six matches to become champion. There was no doubt that we understood the crisis. Most critical of arrows were fired in the direction of Laurent Blanc and Juan Verona. It was absolutely unfair. They said that they can not adapt to the Premiership. World-class players can not handle the legwork and pointless attacks? Nonsense. Laurent and Seb were excellent professionals, not so strong as the endurance to play the crazy rhythm of English football. Yes, it was necessary to adapt to it, but the best players meet more serious challenges than this. The team missed goals. Team. There was no need to point the finger at individual players. We drown or vyplyvem. Together. In the game, "Arsenal", for example, we all got off. Barthez struggled kept us afloat. In the end, it still passed. But the rope led to the other players, including me. Other observers have attributed our loss of form that the coach announced his retirement. Maybe this was something, but this could not explain the drop.In addition, the cause of the crisis seen in the fact that Steve McClaren moved to 'Middlesbrough' head coach. Steve was great. But I do not think this explains everything. We no longer feel the desire to fight for victory. I remembered the feeling experienced in Barcelona, when we won the treble. Suspicion turned to obsession. We have experienced the glory, became the heroes, we were damn living legends. We won the championship with a margin of ten points, what's the matter, Roy? I felt what it all goes. Lost the desire, he had neither one of us. At least, not sufficient. Instead of the very active going forward, we expected that one of our heroes will do everything for us. Next, Becks, bring us victory. Now I do. Scholes, your turn. Come on, Ryan. Seb, you are standing 28 million pounds, could you win this match for us? Rood, come on, you will get. Rude indeed scored some winning goals. Becks also chalked up some great goals (sixteen per season), besides several occasions he successfully assisted in the attack. Ole, as always, was a lifesaver. While we all waited for the game of each other, significant progress has occurred. I understand both. In a match of the Cup season, "Liverpool" beat us 2-1. "Arsenal" also progressed. Now they had a great thirst for victory. More than we do. We started the championship with a heavy 3-2 victory over the "Fulham" in his field. Rival twice went ahead, but Ruud every once saved us. Then we played a draw with "Blackburn", which, like "Fulham", received a permit in the Premiership following last season. Another draw to the "Villa", before we dare terrible team "Everton". Happy days are back. In mid-September, playing at a party with "Newcastle United". We're losing 1-3. Giggs and compare Seb account. Shearer scored the winning goal eight minutes before the final whistle. Lord Jesus! What a mess that I'm the worst! I take the ball to throw it out of.There is extra time, and we are deep in our half. Shearer keeps me from throwing the ball. He scoffs. I'm losing control of himself and toss the ball to him. "You - a freak" - he grins. He says it's confident and complacent. I ran after him, trying to grab his throat. He laughs. "You - a freak." Flashes a red card. Shearer rights. I - a freak. Caught in a trap. In the locker room everyone is silent. I blame "triumph." I can tell from the behavior of the coach that brought him to the point. He was too hurt to inflict punishment on me. I feel empty. Emptiness. Nothing. Only regret. Usually I find a justification, when wrong. It's me, and so on and so forth, I am, what is - and the rest of the nonsense of this kind. But not this time. I truly understand what led those who defended me in the past. Teresa, my family, coaches, kids club. This time, I have no excuses. Returning home, the coach did not say a word. Upon arrival at the "Four Seasons" He wished me good night. I mumbled something in reply. "Do not do stupid things, Roy." That night I decided to give up. You just turned thirty, Roy. Go away, leave everything, go do something else. You need to stop inflicting pain to yourself and your loved ones, those with whom you work. I spoke to Teresa. She said that I will miss football. No, I will not, I replied. Any exercise is better than this madness. Throw a fit, feel helpless, angry at the other vent. I felt that in the locker room no one understands my words about complacency, I lost the argument. Too many people rest on their laurels and have been happy with what they already have. Let it be as they want. It's not for me, so I need to go. The next morning at eight o'clock I was waiting for the coach near the "Carrington". This time it was too late. At 9.15, when I was about to leave, there was a coach. We entered the room and sat down. I told him I was going to go away. "No, Roy, it's just momentum." "No, it's not that - I explained.- I do not do their jobs, none of us can not cope with them - I can not take any more. " We talked, listened to my coach more. He understood it all. He agreed with my arguments about the complacency that everything is falling apart, and that awaits us if we do not take decisive steps. I argued that all agreed and went home. I told him that I would not play the next match of the Champions League with the "Lille". On Monday afternoon he came to see me coach. He sat down next to me and Teresa. "Roy, you are correctly noted of poor performance and poor game. You would have made a reckless act, stepping out of football. Think about your family. " "I've already decided to coach." "If you go now in the prime of life, you will regret it the rest of your life" - he insisted. Teresa stood at his side. "Play tomorrow, Roy. We will solve all problems. " "Coach, all of my being says I'm right. I feel like I'm doing wrong. I can no longer tolerate this bluff and rubbish. We deceive ourselves. " "Think, Roy. Come back tomorrow, if you want. " Thinking and talking to Teresa, I decided to return to the club and play against the "Lille". I did it for Alex Ferguson. He stood by my side no matter what happened, and to leave now would be like that to give him a slap, but it's unlikely he needs, when and as the club are not doing better. We played hard against the "Lille". No high-priced power is not of this command, but after twenty minutes, we realized that we face a difficult match. Becks scored one goal in ninety minutes. One nil to the "Lille"! A few weeks later we went to La Coruna. Scholes brought us ahead before the break. In the second half of the field rivals have added momentum. But we feel confident. It was not until six minutes before the end of the meeting, they are not equalized. In the last minute, Gary could not leave Naybeta offside - 1:2. We should not have to miss two goals in the last five minutes. Meeting with "Deportivo" in his field, found the degree of special importance.My knee was aching - the same knee, which I upgraded. It truly ached when I went to warm up before a match with "Deportivo". I could not bend it or turn without severe pain. "I can not play - I thought. - I need to play, because this game means so much, and you can not miss. " I gritted his teeth and held on the field all ninety minutes. It was crazy. Ruud brought us forward, but Fabien made two mistakes, and we lost 2:3, but in the end with "Deportivo" came out in the next step. But the exponential game was a meeting on "Enfield" in November. I did not play due to injury. "Liverpool" defeated 3-1, but could have scored six goals and all. We gave up. Now the "Liverpool" showed determination inherent in us when we wanted to. Owen, Gerrard, Murphy, Carragher, they were all true players 'Liverpool'. They fought for the ball with fury, and we are once again serving its own number. On that day, the difference between us and the rest leveled. Then, of course, followed by "Highbury" and another earful from the team, located on the rise. We could hardly attack by an opponent. Playing away with the "Arsenal" was fucking disaster. We have opened the score thanks to Paul Scholes. But immediately after the break, Gary Neville lost the ball near the center line of the field. Pires led to the shock position Freddie Ljungberg - 1:1. Gary says, and he is right that football - a team game, and we had many chances to correct his mistake. Fabien saved us, "Arsenal" is created moment by moment. Five minutes before the end of the game hit the ball poorly Fabien, and Henry scored a goal. Long pass from Vieira allowed Henry to re-achieve success. Now all the bumps toppled by Fabien. Continued talking about who will replace coach. Capello, Hitzfeld, Martin O'Neill, Ericsson ... No need to once again say that I respect Alex Ferguson. I did not want him to go from the club, and did not believe that the "United" will allow him to leave. At the same time, I was intrigued by the question about our future coach.We had to take some drastic measures to stop our fall - that is exactly what happened to us. One day in late February, the coach told me that he thinks his decision to give up and stay. "You're crazy" - I laughed. But he was serious. He negotiated a new contract with management. I was happy. In truth, I could not imagine that he was going to play Saturday at the races, while his team - yes, his team came out on the field. He looked great, was full of energy and lust for battle. Why not? He soon called a meeting of the team to officially announce his decision. Someone wrote that this meeting has taken a couple of players away a tear and all that the coach began to applaud. In fact, only a couple of people clapped awkwardly as he left the room. He turned and said, "Fuck you to hell!" - Thinking that we laugh at him. Of course, everyone was very happy. The turning point came too late, so we can save the season. There were games, important games that we won only on the class. Ruud scoring goals almost every time it wanted. Fabien saved us in many games. But his glaring errors, though they were rare, anointed him in the overall excellent performance of the season. I pulled hamstring in another match with "Deportivo" over kotorymmy prevailed in both games, quarter finals - 2-0 and 3-2. Four weeks on the sidelines. I was able to return to the first semi-final match with the "Bayer", coming on as substitute. We played a draw - 2-2, that was not quite good, bearing in mind the next meeting at a party, but at least we still had a chance to get into the final. I went into the second leg in the starting lineup and the twenty-eighth minute goal scored. At the end of the first half, "Bayer" equalized. That was enough for them - 1:1. We could not take one more step to this glory. We calmed down that won the "treble". We were lulled complacency, which appeared due to recent successes.Last season we deserved something deserved - nothing. After the game I looked at the dressing room. Some of the players are not really experienced the bitterness of defeat. Laurent felt ugly. I was sorry to Cebu. He and his price of 28 million pounds has become the scapegoat for a failed our season. Others managed to escape punishment. To lay the blame on Cebu. Too easy. And wrong. Glory, a belief in invincibility, bloated in the press, cost us dearly. Watch "Rolex", garages full of cars, fucking home, security for life - we forgot about the game, lost the desire, which brought us the "Rolex", cars and houses. The penultimate game of the season in which we met in his field with the "Arsenal", but even more exposed existing problems in our team. The men against children. They just killed us. We could not and to come close to their goal. They could not even force them fight. We slid into the abyss - that there was no doubt. That's where we come from. Heroes of yesterday's day. Mick McCarthy was replaced as coach of Ireland's Great Jack in February 1996. Before that he coached, "Millwall". He was familiar with the Irish team and suited to the role of coach. He and I were never close friends. McCarthy, Peki Bonner, Gerry Peyton and David O `Leary were the main players in the Republic of Ireland. I was one of the guys are always sitting in the rear seat bus. The big boys used to go together for supper, but we preferred to drink beer. McCarthy was part of the legend of Charlton. "Captain Fantastic". Their first game under the guidance of McCarthy, I spent the qualifier against Russia on the "Lansdowne Road." Captain in that match was Andy Townsend. When Andy was replaced captain's armband passed to me. I was sent off for that hit Russian footballer. "Disgrace Keane" - read one of the headlines the next day. Because of the injuries I've missed a few games. But the newspapers said that I did not want to play for his country. Such talk makes me protest.To me there were more Irish than the whole of this patriotic bravado surrounding the national team of Ireland. Having missed a few games, I was summoned to a World Cup qualifying match against Iceland national team, which we spent at home. McCarthy has put me in my place last defender. Ketel Derven, a friend of McCarthy wrote in a column this morning in which he accused me of betraying my own country and urged the fans boo me when I show up in the field. Someone took his advice, but not many. We played a draw - 0:0. We could not get into the final of the 1998 World Championships, held in France, losing to Belgium in the play-offs. If we beat the national team of Iceland in Dublin, we went to the championship. To be fair to McCarthy, he was able to change the game style team. He insisted that we played in a pass. I was happy to play all ninety minutes. When Andy Townsend left the team, I was appointed captain. We were close to having to go to the European Championship 2000 in Holland and Belgium, but lost to Turkey in the regular play-offs. The draw for the qualifying groups, the 2002 World Cup has placed Ireland in a difficult group. Portugal and Holland were dangerous. We had to play their first two matches on the road with these teams. After the draw the World Cup, I had arranged to meet with McCarthy in Manchester. He came to my house. As captain, I decided to stick with him on one level, to prove to him the need for reform. Should try to do everything right to decide all the details. We discussed existing problems. He agreed with me. "Of course, you're right" - he said. Above all, we raised questions diets. The "United" and other leading clubs knew that pasta, fruits and various cereals were the best dishes to prepare for the games. It was clear that a diet the day before the match was more important than food on game day.Nutritionists are so thoroughly studied the science of preparation for the match, we knew that it was better to eat three hours before the game, than four. He agreed with everything. I thought that we hit on his hands. But everything seems to become only worse. We spent his first qualifying match against Holland in Amsterdam. The day before the game we were supposed to hold a training session at the stadium, "Ajax". We had to eat before leaving the hotel. I went to a restaurant and saw a few guys from the team sitting at the table and eat sandwiches with cheese. I could not believe my eyes. We discussed diet. Fucking cheese sandwiches - and a half hours before the workout! Twenty-four hours before an important qualifying match. From Holland. I approached the table where sat the leaders of the team. "Where's the pasta, fruit and cereal?" - I asked. Silence. When I was in disgust turned to leave, there was a voice: "You had to order it myself." It was Ian Evans, McCarthy's right hand. I returned to my room. God, I'm that wasted their time? On "Old Trafford" coach listened to everything, wanted to know your opinion about everything, about every detail that could give us any sort was an advantage. "You had to order it myself." I did. After I talked to Mick McCarthy and Burne, our doctor about pre-match preparation. I ordered a pizza, which are sold to go, because the hotel could not make anything better for the remaining time. When we arrived at the stadium, McCarthy came to me. "What's wrong with you?" - He asked. "What's wrong with me? - I replied. - What happened to me? We, the fuck, play with the Netherlands tomorrow in World Cup qualifying match! Do you think that Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is now eating these fucking sandwiches with cheese or pizza takeaway fucking? " We were in the match 2-0. The Dutch were quarreling among themselves, as it usually happens with them, but we made them sweat. But in the second half, they threw in a fight all his strength.We managed to keep the tied score - 2:2. I was disgusted. In this group, we needed every point that they could take. We just lost two points. Yet around happy. In Portugal, we have also played a draw - 1:1. Players have continued to surprise and get a result against all the hand. Despite the fact that we had to work hard in the game with Cyprus in the end we achieved victory. I scored two goals. Now, I wound up. Despite everything, I wanted to go to the World Cup. I wanted it more than before the US-94. We had some good young players: Robbie Keane, Damien Duff, Stephen Carr, Steve Finnen, Shay Given, but also some good professionals: Mark Kinsella, "Stan" - Staunton, large Quinn, Kenny Cunningham. We had enough capacity to set ourselves big problem. The spirit in the team was magnificent. We always have a chance to win, and we tried, but effort is half the battle in the international matches. We went to the World Cup, finishing second in the group and won the play-offs with Iran. I have a sore knee. I have not played for the "United" three and a half weeks before the first match at "Lansdowne Road." I told Alex Ferguson that really want to play for the team. He was afraid that I have exacerbated an injury and will not be able to help the team in the Champions League. The fate of the club and coach in the league was hanging by a thread, but, as always, showed his best traits. "Okay, Roy, I know how you need it. Come and play the home game, and if you achieve the desired result, you can skip the return match. It's a deal. " We beat Iran 2-0. Their team has not shown a good game. I could not imagine that they would have won Ireland by a margin of three goals in the second match. My knee ached during the match. The next morning I was defeated. Phoned the coach. I told him everything. He talked to McCarthy. No problem, he agreed. I could go back to "Old Trafford" and receive treatment. ... We arrived in Korea. The hotel is great.We rest on Sunday. In the evening McCarthy gathers the team. We have a problem. We have not received any training equipment, no medicines and medical equipment. A special liquid, which we need to acclimatize, and no. No one knows what time we start training. McCarthy said that we just Let us jog. That evening I went to McCarthy. In his room was quiet. "What does it all mean, Mick?" - "They brought me" - he says. "Who are they?" - I thought and told him that everything necessary should have been here two weeks ago. We at the World Championships. The next morning, we wander around the hotel, trying to understand how we continue to be. In the end, we sit in a bus to go to the training field. Glade is similar to the concrete floor, with ruts. Rocks scattered everywhere. Me with my sores on such a field to play dangerously. On Monday evening, our luggage arrived. Next to the truck had been parked for irrigation. The band width of the field about twenty yards is buried under water. The rest of it was, as always, is stiff as stone. It was dangerous play. I laughed. We still had a workout, whose organization has been very badly. As always. Fucking farce. As always, a farce. Lee Carsley and Steve Finnen injured on the so-called field. Such training could not serve the cause of all our lives. Have you an idea of the Germans, Frenchmen, Italians and British, working in such conditions? Or Spanish, the Paraguayans - all except the Irish? When I returned to the hotel, it felt empty. I've had enough. It's not for me. I'm not trained for this purpose by the sweat of the season. In the hotel I took a shower to cool off. Coming out of the room, I met McCarthy in the corridor. "Can I talk to you, Mike?" - "Yes, yes, but what's the matter?" - "I've had enough. I want to go home. " - "What do you mean?" - "I'm going home." - "Are you sure that the right thing?" - "Yes, and do not try to convince me. Just let me go. " "Why?Because of me, training, field? " Of course, I ought to give an affirmative answer is: because of you, training for such training. All of this was a disgrace. But I did not say anything. "No, I just deal with me. I've had enough. " - "Excellent, excellent, - he said. - What should I tell the press? "-" Tell them ... personal problems. " We agreed that Eddie Corcoran (responsible for logistical support), I will book the plane tickets. We shook hands. "Let all three of us left" - I told him. "Yes, of course," - he agreed. I went for a walk. When I returned I went to my doctor Mick Burne. "What happened to Roy?" "I've had enough, Mike. I can not stand it. This is not just a bad dream - this is the worst nightmare. I love to train in full force, working in full force. I like jokes, fun night, drinking. But this World Cup ... "A few minutes later we sat in silence. "I know Mike, I would have to wait until the championship and bite their tongue." "Roy, wait until after the championship. Give me fix it. " "In hell, - I answered him. - Come on. Tell McCarthy, I'll wait until the end of the tournament. " "Excellent" - said Mick. Two minutes later, Mick McCarthy back with. He was set up pretty aggressively. "What's going on, Roy?" "I thought that I had to wait for the tournament. I want to stay. " "I called Colin Healy to replace it has arrived and you" - he said. "How fast" - I thought. There was a pause. Now I was somewhat embarrassed. I liked Colin, he's a great guy. Maybe he deserved his time. "Oh Okay - I said. - Maybe you're right. I'll fly. Let's leave everything as is. " "I'd like you to think about me" - he said. "Mick, I'm uncomfortable with the whole thing. I can tell by your behavior that you prefer my decision ... "But somewhere deep in my subconscious, I thought, maybe I have the right to change the decision, maybe I deserve the privileges of doubt.Because people often change their decision. "Come on then all leave, Mike, I'm going back." "So - he said. - What would you like to hear from me? " "You're a coach, you and decide." He said nothing. Left the room. Yes, I know that there have been a child that does not speak in my favor. But something happened that had happened. I felt that I needed to talk. I was hesitant. I desperately wanted to play. But I could not tolerate any nonsense. Of these situations no one comes out a hero. I walked into the room Mick Burne. "Tell him I'm leaving." In fact, I would like decent and generous response: You made a mistake, let her forget it. Soon everyone knew what had happened. I got a call from England, Michael. We talked. I told him everything. It reminded me of the consequences of my departure. I told him that, perhaps, due to the fact that I stay, there will be his, and other effects. I just go crazy. Michael asked me to call Alex Ferguson. The coach kept in touch with Michael. He knew. "The coach is on vacation in Malta - Michael said. - Call him on a mobile phone. " "No, Michael." "Roy, you have to do it for him." I talked to the coach for an hour. I told him everything. He agreed that everything seemed like a farce. Like Michael, he spoke again about the consequences of my decision. Alex Ferguson also agreed that I have the right to change his mind. Shortly before eight o'clock in the door there was a knock. It was Mick Burne. "Roy, you have three minutes to decide. We need to send a fax to the composition of teams in FIFA ". "I stay" - I said. At lunch the next day, McCarthy called a team. "In recent days, many things have happened. Now we must forget everything we need to continue to do their job. " "Yes - I thought. - I really want to play at the world championships. His tongue. " I agreed to two interviews with Tom Humphries and Paul Kimmedzhom. I respect these two guys. With them interesting to talk to. They ask interesting questions, under a peculiar angle, but not like that:"Who will win? And such and such a good player? "They had a talent for the interviewer. They asked the usual questions. I just answered them. On Thursday morning about 7:45 I called Tom Humphries. The difference in time from Dublin is eight hours, and the newspaper «Irish Times» is about to come out in print. "Roy, can I meet with you to see this interview and make sure that all have described it?" I went down, read the article and gave a positive response. I was grateful to Tom that he had asked me about it. The article appeared on Thursday morning. It was just transferred everything I felt. I thought that people in my country have a right to know the truth. Thousands of them have bought expensive things to do to support us at the World Championships, my brothers and cousin also were going to fly. For them, this trip was important in life. Millions more will watch the matches at home, as I in 1988 and 1990. Do people deserve to disrespect themselves? They spent their money earned through hard work, for which we were paid, and we should offend them in every possible public relations moves. Maybe we should pay tribute to them and pay debts. For example, how to unite and go to goal. And tell them the truth here and now. As a captain, "Manchester United" I often make such statements when I think it's time to tell the public about what is happening. The secret veil surrounding the events in the Republic of Ireland was hanging too long. At 6:30 I went to dinner. At the table, one of the leaders were not. We were told that the meeting will be held at 7:30 the team. I knew what was happening. Article Tom. At 7.30 the restaurant came to McCarthy. The remaining team leaders were also with him. "Okay, guys, we need to be nominated tomorrow at eight o'clock in the morning. Pack your bags and attach labels to them. And while we are here, - he continued - I would like to listen to anyone who wants to express something that he does not like. " I knew what he was getting at.But I was calm - my conscience was clear. After I told him everything eye to eye. As team captain I've already said, and there was no need to repeat. Everyone felt that the scandal afoot. All know what the meeting is held. He's going to deal with me in front of everyone. Be an adult. I was calm. "Roy, you seem to not like something." "Well, Mike, - I said. - Why you could not start right away with this? We talked about it among themselves. Why do not we continue this conversation apart from the others? " "You did it himself, introduced the people" - he said, holding a newspaper article Humphries behind him. "What do you mean" made by people '? " "This is an interview in« Times ». "Hey, I saw this interview. I promised Him on a Sunday, I'd give him an interview. I talked to him yesterday. I do not reject a single word. Interview excellent. " "You went against his partners - he repeated. - Have you ever wanted to play for his country. You had to go to Iran, while he pretended to be injured, so as not to play for my country. " Now, he went into a rage. "You know, that's not true - I replied. - Did you talk to my coach, and you knew that I was not in shape before the match against Iran in Dublin. You yourself thanking me for what I came to Dublin. You agreed that the 2-0 - a great result. " I was furious - he was distorting the facts, "You know the whole truth. You are a liar! " In the worst movie I was supposed to be a bad character. I sat and listened to the most unbelievable and despicable allegations. I was accused of having faked that injury. No, I can not tolerate this. Of this deceiver. McCarthy runs onto the field after our draw with Portugal in the qualifying match and hugged me. "Just hold on to me, Roy, fifteen seconds. Let us photographed together. I'm going to look great. " "You - fucking goat. I thought you were a good player. I do not think you're a good coach and I do not think you're a good man.You - fucking a goat and you can poke yourself this World Cup in the ass. I do not have any respect for you. " "If you do not respect me, I do not think you can play on my team." After that I got up and left. People say that Alex Ferguson would never not talk. Wrong. If Sir Alex Ferguson has accused me of faking an injury, I would have told him where to go. Throughout his career, including the match against Iran in Dublin, I spent a lot of meetings, playing through pain. For me, the most serious charge that could only come up with was the fact that I had feigned injury. When I went to my room, I realized that he got what he wanted. It was set up. He intentionally podnachival me, waiting for a response. Humiliation in front of all the players - what he wanted. Maybe even he did not expect this. Soon there was a knock at the door. Stan and Quinn. "Why the hell should these puppets?" - I thought. "Roy, we can not believe your words, we can not believe what happened" - said Quinn. Again, Quinn: "We can not believe that you miss the World Cup. We stand behind you. " "Thanks guys, you all the best" - I said, watching them from the room. I still did not know that they have with McCarthy gave a press conference before come to me and express their sympathy. Alan Kelly came. "Roy, you, in my opinion, gone too far - he said to me. But then he continued: - You are entitled to their opinion. " The phone rang. It was Michael Kennedy. "You just kicked out" - he said. "Lord, Michael, how quickly spread news." Was only 8.15. "This is stated in the newsletter." "What? Already? "I turned to Kells:" Everything is already in the news at home. " "Yes, - he said. - We held a press conference - I, Stan, Neil and Mike. Immediately after the meeting. Mike asked us to stand beside him and support him. I expressed my opinion. Perhaps you will despise me. " "No, Alan, you have a right to their opinion." That's it.I called the "United". I explained to Ann Wylie, who picked up the phone that I needed to get home as quickly as possible. The next chapter in the book of my life closed. What I experienced before the World Cup, even more compelled to respect the club, for which I played even more help to understand his greatness. I have more friends with friends - old and new - and strengthened the friendship that has been the cornerstone of my life. Whatever else the possibility of reconciliation had been exhausted, when the Republic of Ireland players have signed the statement that I should not return to the team. I'll just stop. I can only guess as to who came up with this statement. And who forced the young people under him to sign. I hope that once again will play for Ireland. But not with McCarthy. Like me, he chose his own way.