Jimmy Calderwood: Sir Alex Ferguson and I are in perfect harmony

Jul 6 2008 By Michael Baillie

MEMORIES will come flooding back for Aberdeen fans when Sir Alex Ferguson returns to Pittodrie with his Manchester United superstars on Saturday.

The glamour friendly is being held to celebrate Fergie leading the Dons to European Cup Winners' Cup glory 25 years ago and older punters will relish wallowing in nostalgia.

But when current Aberdeen boss Jimmy Calderwood thinks of Sir Alex his mind goes back even further - to the days when Ferguson played in the same boys' team as his uncle Angus Shaw.

Caldo used to watch the legendary United gaffer turn out for Harmony Row as a fresh-faced kid in Govan over 50 years ago.

And he saw Fergie develop the drive and determination that has made him one of football's most successful managers.

Despite his worldwide fame Ferguson has never forgotten his roots. And he still invites Calderwood's uncle and the rest of his old team-mates down to Old Trafford for a reunion every year.

Jimmy said: "Sir Alex is a good friend of my uncle. I used to watch them play for Harmony Row every Saturday on the old pitches in Glasgow.

"Ferguson was a winner in those days as well and I watched him again when he was at Rangers.

"Sir Alex invites my uncle and the rest of the Harmony team down to Manchester every year. He pays for everything and looks after them - I'd imagine they would be quite heavy sessions.

"A couple of lads even come over from South Africa. Sir Alex is portrayed as a hard man but when you're in his company he's brilliant.

"I hear stories about those trips and luckily United win most games so Sir Alex is usually in a good mood. They have food and a few drinks and he still likes a singsong.

"Fergie has never changed. He is Scotland through and through. I've sat beside him at Scotland games and his enthusiasm is always there. Sir Alex also has a massive place in his heart for Aberdeen."

Calderwood admits the city is buzzing at the prospect of seeing the European champions in action at Pittodrie. And the Dons boss also can't wait to pit his wits against one of his predecessors.

Fergie's success at Aberdeen, especially that Euro win in 1983, makes him a hard act to follow.

But Calderwood said: "Sir Alex's legacy is something to be inspired by rather than intimidated by. That's why Aberdeen have a great history.

"The club still has a great name in Europe because of that.

"It is special for Sir Alex to come back but he's causing me nightmares every Saturday with that legacy. I went to Dunfermline and there were photos of Jock Stein everywhere.

"Then I came here and it was Sir Alex but you can only make your own history.

"Times were different when Fergie was at Aberdeen. You could compete with the Old Firm and beat them."

Dons fans will miss out on seeing the sublime skills of Cristiano Ronaldo as he won't be travelling north with United.

The saga of his rumoured move to Real Madrid is still rumbling on but Calderwood reckons the winger should show Ferguson more respect.

Ronaldo was almost hounded out of Old Trafford two years ago after being blamed for getting England star Wayne Rooney sent off at the World Cup.

But Fergie stuck by him and Calderwood said: "He saved Ronaldo after the incident with Rooney. Ronaldo could have gone downhill but he took on board what Sir Alex said and has been unbelievable.

"It's sad what has happened this summer with him but that's the way football is with players having the power. You begin to wonder if there is any loyalty whatsoever."

Ferguson will still be able to field a strong side though.

And Calderwood can't wait to see how his troops get on against the European and Premiership champions.

He said: "You can always learn from playing against those type of guys - from their touch, movement and attitude."