Soccer Globe

Sir Alex Ferguson was “tickled” by the idea of becoming England manager, former FA executive director David Davies has claimed.

Davies revealed Manchester United manager Ferguson was first targeted about the position after Terry Venables quit in 1996 and was also then approached after the departures of Glenn Hoddle and Kevin Keegan, in 1999 and 2000, respectively.

Davies said he was serious about engaging Glasgow-born Ferguson into talks about the national job, but knew deep down it was a non-starter.

“After Terry Venables, I wanted Fergie,” Davies told the Herald. “I was absolutely clear he was the best person for the job. I was a personal friend of Sir Roland Smith, then chairman of Manchester United, and he didn’t totally kick the idea into touch. I was vaguely encouraged.”

But Davies added: “I don’t think he ever came near becoming the England manager.

“The idea of Alex leading England out at Hampden is somewhat far-fetched. He is a very, very proud Scot. He was, I think, tickled by the idea, though.

“When I recruited Keegan, I would have loved Ferguson to become manager. But the conversations were very brief.”