Exclusive
CLASS APART
I was the first player Sir Alex Ferguson signed for Man Utd – now I’m making my own way in totally new career
Star had five-word response to being KO'd by Fergie
ALAN TONGE is making his own way in a brand new career after life at Manchester United.
Tonge, 52, was the FIRST ever player signed by Sir Alex Ferguson, joining United as a 14-year-old in 1987.
3
3
The versatile defender and midfielder progressed his way through United’s youth system before getting a professional contract in 1990.
But Tonge was heartbreakingly released by the Red Devils a year later after Fergie informed him his deal would not be renewed.
He ended up signing for Exeter City and played 27 times in three years.
However, a back injury forced Tonge to call time on his career aged just 22.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
After quitting football, he earned a degree in sports science before landing a masters in philosophy and a PhD on critical times in footballers’ careers.
And 30 years later, Tonge is now a lecturer at the University Campus of Football Business.
He has even written a book detailing his journey at United, which is called From Red to Read.
Tonge said: “Writing it was a cathartic experience. Football is not just about the Premier League.
Most read in Football
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER
“It is an interesting and unique world – it can be lucrative and exhilarating, but when that is all over, the difficult void to fill can be immense.
“I spoke to 212 ex-footballers for my PhD.
Inside Sir Alex Ferguson's Biggest Bust-Ups
3
“A high percentage, even if they had a mental health issue, preferred to keep it to themselves because they worried that it would count against them in regard to team selection.”
Reflecting on his United exit, Tonge continued: “Fergie told me, ‘We’re not going to renew your contract, son’.
“I was sick to the stomach and felt like I had taken a punch from a heavyweight boxer.
“I didn’t know how to act — I just remember muttering, ‘Thank you for the opportunity’.
“I felt like I’d let my family down. I’d avoid people in the village where I lived as I didn’t want to tell them I was no longer at United.
“I was discarded like an empty crisp packet after four years there.”
Topics