OH,TEDDY TEDDY WENT TO MAN UNITED AND HE WON THE LOT
Teddy Sheringham is sunning himself on the sandy beaches of the Arabian Peninsula. At 34 years old, a bit of R&R is vital, and the gold-dipped glamour of Dubai provides the perfect setting for his recovery. With a second Premiership winners’ medal around his neck, he has every reason to feel smug – but something is hanging over the Manchester United goal-getter.
A phone call interrupts his holiday. “Hello Teddy, it’s Steve McClaren,” begins United’s assistant manager. “The manager wants to know what you’re doing – are you going to sign a new deal?”
Sheringham has been considering the offer of a one-year contract extension after United cruised to a second straight title in 1999-00. Most players would have stayed put without hesitation. This was Manchester United, and he was into his mid-30s – he couldn’t really have hoped for a better scenario.
But Sheringham isn’t interested in showing gratitude – he wants to be trusted. Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has just used him sparingly in his third season at Old Trafford, where the striker managed six goals in all competitions. Were his powers on the wane? The prospect of another campaign competing for one of two forward berths with Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was as good a reason as any to move on.
And yet, the ageing frontman isn’t ready to concede. “OK, I’ll sign,” he answers. “But tell the gaffer I’m not ready to sit on the bench and be a substitute. I don’t want that for the rest of my football career.” There is a pause. “OK, I’ll tell him,” replies McClaren.
Nine months on, a 35-year-old Sheringham had bagged a third Premiership title and was preparing his acceptance speeches for the PFA, Football Writers’ Association and Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year awards.
Mark Twain was right: age is an issue of mind over matter. Fergie didn’t mind
